Joey Aguilar threw for 3,565 yards during his lone season at Tennessee after an unusual spring transfer portal QB shuffle. Johnnie Izquierdo / Getty Images
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Former Tennessee quarterback Joey Aguilar has signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars, a league source tells The Athletic.
Aguilar came to Tennessee via a de facto trade: Former Vols quarterback Nico Iamaleava left the program amid a money dispute during spring practice and ended up at UCLA, where Aguilar had transferred after playing for Appalachian State in 2023 and 2024. So Aguilar ended up taking Iamaleava’s spot in Knoxville, after Josh Heupel and his staff struck out on several higher-profile quarterbacks.
The results were better than anyone could have reasonably predicted. Aguilar brought Tennessee’s passing game closer to 2022 levels after two less prolific seasons under Iamaleava and Joe Milton. He bounced back from a 14-interception season with App State to finish with 3,565 yards, 24 touchdowns and 10 picks against a higher level of competition.
He also had some rough moments, including game-changing turnovers in losses to Alabama and Oklahoma. As always, when it comes to Heupel’s user-friendly offense, there will be questions about how much it elevated Aguilar, who turns 25 in June. But his maturity in one season with the Vols bodes well for a shot at a backup role.
‘The Beast’ breakdown
Aguilar ranked No. 282 in Dane Brugler’s top 300 big board. Here’s what Brugler had to say about him in his annual NFL Draft guide:
“Aguilar doesn’t play with consistent passing anticipation, and his hero-ball moments are still there, but he is a good-sized passer with an NFL arm, developed confidence and toughness. He will have a chance to turn some heads once he gets to an NFL camp.”
Come back later for more analysis of Aguilar.
Apr 25, 2026
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