Joey Aguilar's quest to extend his college football career hit a snag on Friday. A Tennessee judge denied the Volunteers quarterback's request for a preliminary injunction, which would have kept the NCAA from ruling him ineligible while his lawsuit is ongoing.
Knox County Chancellor Christopher Heagerty, who had previously granted Aguilar a temporary restraining order, made the decision a week after a hearing in Knoxville. Though Aguilar can appeal, overturning injunction decisions is notoriously tough.
The NCAA had already denied Tennessee's request to grant Aguilar a seventh season of eligibility, and this ruling likely signals the end of his college journey after just one season as the Vols' starting QB.
In a statement, the NCAA expressed gratitude for the judge's decision, emphasizing the importance of eligibility standards and the collegiate experience for student-athletes.
Aguilar is challenging NCAA rules that count junior college seasons against eligibility. His journey began in 2019 at San Francisco City College, where he redshirted. The pandemic canceled juco competition in 2020, but he played two seasons at Diablo Valley Community College before joining Appalachian State in 2023.
The 24-year-old from Antioch, California, played for App State in 2023 and 2024, then had a whirlwind 2025. He initially transferred to UCLA, but when Tennessee's quarterback Nico Iamaleava transferred to the Bruins, Aguilar returned to the portal and signed with Tennessee. He reportedly earned over $1 million with the Volunteers last season, with potential earnings of $2 million this season.
Aguilar threw for 3,565 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, leading the Volunteers to an 8-5 finish.
He was initially part of Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia’s lawsuit against the NCAA’s junior college rules but was removed last month. Aguilar then hired attorney Cameron Norris, indicating plans to file his own lawsuit. Pavia had secured a narrow injunction in December 2024, prompting the NCAA to issue a waiver allowing some former junior college athletes another year of eligibility during the 2025-26 school year.
Aguilar used this waiver to play last year, following his juco and App State seasons. NCAA athletes are given five years to complete four seasons, with juco years currently counting toward this limit.
Pavia’s case ignited a series of legal challenges to NCAA eligibility rules, creating headaches for college sports. In Alabama, a judge allowed former Crimson Tide basketball player Charles Bediako to return after declaring for the NBA Draft in 2023.
Although Bediako played in the G League, he was granted a temporary order to play five games for Alabama. However, a judge later denied a preliminary injunction, making him ineligible to continue.
Aguilar's state court filing cites Tennessee antitrust laws, reflecting a trend where plaintiffs find more success with injunctive relief at the state level compared to federal antitrust claims.