Tennessee announced the addition of UCLA transfer quarterback Joey Aguilar after losing starter Nico Iamaleava in an unexpected portal move just before the spring window opened.
The Volunteers moved quickly to secure Aguilar following Iamaleava’s departure to UCLA.
“While not a match for Iamaleava’s athleticism or potential and a bit too turnover-prone this past season, Aguilar has the experience and comfort level in a quarterback-driven scheme to keep Tennessee in the mix for a return to the playoff,” USA Today’s Paul Myerberg wrote. “That’s a pretty good on-the-fly signing given what the Volunteers lost in Iamaleava and the lack of options in the springtime portal.”
The exchange between UCLA and Tennessee represents the first direct quarterback “trade” in modern college football.
Aguilar brings significant production from his time at Appalachian State. The transfer quarterback passed for 6,760 yards and 56 touchdowns over his final two seasons with the Mountaineers.
“Aguilar fits what Tennessee is looking for, a proven starter with one year to play,” ESPN’s Chris Low wrote. “Also a very capable runner. Heupel and Vols definitely looking for another QB.”
Coach Josh Heupel expects Aguilar to step in as the immediate starter for the 2025 season. Both Aguilar and Iamaleava will have started just one season each in Tennessee’s offensive system.
The statistical benchmark for success appears clear.
“Should he throw for 3,000 yards and 20 or more touchdowns this season, Aguilar’s 2025 season would statistically be better than Iamaleava’s,” Sports Illustrated’s Christian Kirby wrote. “The quarterback surpassed this mark in each of his two seasons at Appalachian State.”
Aguilar’s production numbers exceed Iamaleava’s college output, but SEC competition presents a different challenge than the Sun Belt Conference.
Tennessee reached the College Football Playoff in Heupel’s quarterback-driven system. The Volunteers need Aguilar to maintain that level of offensive production to return to playoff contention.
The comparison between Aguilar and Iamaleava will become clearer as both quarterbacks face their new conferences in the 2025 season.
