Tennessee quarterback Joey Aguilar is taking the NCAA to court, filing a lawsuit in an effort to secure a sixth year of eligibility - a move that could have major implications for both his future and the Volunteers’ 2026 season.
Aguilar’s legal team is pushing for immediate clarity, stating in the lawsuit that he “needs relief now, to know whether he should report to spring practice or prepare for the NFL draft.” It’s a pivotal moment for a player who just wrapped up a breakout campaign as Tennessee’s starting quarterback in 2025, and now finds himself caught in the gray area of NCAA eligibility rules.
At the heart of the dispute is Aguilar’s unique college football journey. He began his career at Diablo Valley Community College in California, spending two seasons at the junior college level before transferring to Appalachian State, where he played his first two years of Division I football. After that, he made the leap to Tennessee and had a standout 2025 season - his fifth year in college football, but only his third at the Division I level.
Despite that trajectory, the NCAA is currently denying Aguilar a fourth year of Division I eligibility, which would effectively end his college career unless the courts intervene. His lawsuit argues that this decision not only impacts his playing future but also carries significant financial consequences. According to the filing, Aguilar earned over $1 million in NIL compensation during his lone season at Tennessee - a clear indicator of both his marketability and on-field value.
The suit claims the NCAA’s stance is “depriving Tennessee of a gifted quarterback and robbing Aguilar of millions in compensation,” underscoring the high stakes for both player and program. With spring practice approaching fast and NFL draft decisions looming, the clock is ticking on a resolution.
For Tennessee, this isn’t just about roster depth - it’s about potentially retaining a proven leader under center. Aguilar’s command of the offense and ability to produce in big moments helped elevate the Vols in 2025. Losing him would mean turning the page to a new quarterback, while regaining him could solidify Tennessee as a serious contender in the SEC next fall.
As the legal battle plays out, all eyes will be on whether Aguilar gets the green light for one more run in Knoxville - or if his next snap comes at the professional level. Either way, this case could set a precedent for how the NCAA handles eligibility for players with non-traditional paths through the college football system.