Tennessee QB Joey Aguilar Awaits Eligibility Ruling After Friday Hearing
Tennessee quarterback Joey Aguilar is still in limbo after Friday’s eligibility hearing, as he fights for the chance to return to the Vols next season. The central argument? That his time spent playing junior college football shouldn’t count against his NCAA eligibility clock.
But as of the weekend, no decision had been made. Judge Chris Heagerty, who presided over the hearing, opted not to issue a ruling from the bench.
Instead, he’s taking time to review both sides of the case. With President’s Day falling on Monday, the earliest a decision is expected would be Tuesday - though it’s possible the process stretches even longer.
While the legal gears turn behind the scenes, the case has sparked plenty of discussion in Knoxville and beyond. On 99.1 The Sports Animal’s Tyler & Will afternoon show, attorney Jake Thompson joined the broadcast to break down what went down in the courtroom - and what it could mean for Aguilar moving forward.
“If you want me to be completely candid, Joey’s lawyer is a very good lawyer,” Thompson said. “But the lawyer for the NCAA was a better public speaker. And I know that shouldn’t matter - but sometimes it does.”
It’s a fair point. In courtrooms, presentation can occasionally sway perception, especially when both sides are making similar legal arguments. According to Thompson, the NCAA’s attorney may have had the edge in delivery, even if both legal teams came prepared.
One unexpected twist in the hearing came from the judge himself. Thompson noted that Judge Heagerty steered the conversation toward the concept of “market value” - a direction that caught some off guard.
“It’s not an argument the NCAA really makes,” Thompson explained. “They don’t claim that it’s a problem.
So I think [Aguilar’s team] was caught off guard by that a little, but they adjusted. At the end of the day, I think it went well.
I know the brief is very well written, so that’s going to be a very good factor.”
It’s worth noting that Aguilar’s case isn’t identical to others that have come before it - including a recent one involving Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss. In that case, Chambliss successfully argued around a redshirt ruling. Aguilar, on the other hand, is focused on whether his junior college seasons should count toward his eligibility limit.
That distinction matters. And according to Thompson, Judge Heagerty seems to understand the potential long-term impact of his ruling. This isn’t just about one player’s eligibility - it could become a precedent that shapes how similar cases are handled across college football.
As for how Aguilar’s legal team is feeling? Thompson admitted he’s slightly less confident than he was before the hearing - but only slightly.
“If I was 80% yes, he was going to get it, maybe I’m 70% yes now,” he said. “Don’t take that the wrong way.”
In the meantime, Aguilar’s temporary restraining order remains in place, allowing him to remain in the fold while the legal process plays out. He’s seeking an injunction that would officially clear him to suit up for Tennessee in 2026.
So now, the Vols - and Aguilar - wait. A ruling could come soon. And when it does, it won’t just determine one quarterback’s future - it could help shape the NCAA’s stance on eligibility for years to come.