Joey Aguilar Focused on the Now as Vols Prepare for Music City Bowl Clash with Illinois
As Tennessee gears up for its Music City Bowl matchup with Illinois, senior quarterback Joey Aguilar is keeping his focus squarely on the task at hand. The UCLA transfer, who’s navigated a winding college football journey, isn’t ready to look too far ahead - not with one more game left in orange and white.
The Vols (8-4) will face the Fighting Illini (8-4) on Dec. 30 at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, the home of the Tennessee Titans. For Aguilar, it could be the final chapter of his college career - or just another step in a story that’s still unfolding.
Aguilar’s eligibility situation remains in flux. While he's a senior, he played this season under an extra year of eligibility granted in connection with a lawsuit involving Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia.
That case challenges how junior-college seasons count against NCAA eligibility, and Aguilar recently joined the legal effort. If the lawsuit is successful, it could open the door for him to return for another season at the FBS level.
But ask Aguilar about his future, and he’ll tell you he’s not there yet.
“Not much,” he said Tuesday when asked if his plans are any clearer. “My answer is still just the answer - focus on the season and pursue what I want to pursue afterwards.”
Locked In on Illinois
Aguilar’s mindset is dialed in: beat Illinois. The Vols are coming off a disappointing finish to the regular season, and the senior quarterback made it clear that the team is eager to get back on the field and finish strong.
“We didn’t play how we were supposed to play in the second half [against Vanderbilt], and it showed,” Aguilar said. “But we’re grateful to go out there and play one more game together.”
There’s no questioning the team’s energy in bowl prep. Aguilar said the vibes around the locker room have been positive, with no concerns about motivation heading into the postseason.
“Everybody’s super excited to go out there,” he said. “What happened, happened. We flushed it pretty quick after watching film and learning from our mistakes.”
The Next Wave is Already Making Noise
Aguilar also had praise for Tennessee’s younger players, several of whom earned postseason recognition. He referenced head coach Josh Heupel’s mantra - “young guys don’t have time to be young” - and said the newcomers have embraced that mindset.
“They come in here working, putting their head down, grinding every day,” Aguilar said. “It just shows how we work as a team. Those guys deserve it.”
One name that stood out? Offensive lineman David Sanders.
“He was injured the first part of the season, and he came out here and dominated,” Aguilar said. “Glad to have him on my team and on the line protecting me.”
Aguilar also highlighted the development of younger receivers who will see expanded roles in the bowl game. He’s confident they’re ready to seize the moment.
“This is a time for their opportunity,” he said. “They’ve been showing out at practice all season, and I’m excited to go play with those guys.”
One receiver in particular has caught Aguilar’s eye with his ability to make plays on even the most off-target throws.
“You throw the ball anywhere near him, he’s going to go catch it,” Aguilar said. “His ball and catch radius is pretty crazy.
I’ve thrown him some bad passes - behind him, across the middle - and he’s still catching it somehow. That’s a good thing to see.”
Soaking in the Moment - Just in Case
With his future still up in the air, Aguilar is trying to stay grounded in the present. Whether this is his last college game or not, he’s approaching it with gratitude.
“It’s a game,” he said. “I’m blessed to go out there and play it one more time.
If it’s my last game or not, I’m excited. Grateful for the coaches, the program, the community for accepting me this year - just one more time to go out there and show out.”
Asked whether his calm approach comes from his journey or just his personality, Aguilar smiled.
“I’m not really a big emotional guy,” he said. “I’ve been playing this forever.
Eventually, it’ll come to an end. But I’m excited to go out there one more time.”
Recharged and Ready
The break between the regular season and bowl prep has helped the Vols physically and mentally. Aguilar said the time off was a welcome reset.
“Everybody was banged up throughout the season, so the time off definitely got people back and healthy,” he said. “It’s good to get away from it for a little bit - refresh the mind, refresh the body. But we’re excited to go out there one more time.”
And yes, he found a little time to unwind during the break - hitting the golf course a couple times to clear his head.
When it comes to pregame music, Aguilar keeps it low-key. His playlist leans toward calm vibes, with a mix of country, worship music, and a lesser-known rapper named TMOFF.
One More Run in Orange
Whether this is the end of Joey Aguilar’s college career or just a pause before another chapter, he’s not letting the uncertainty distract him. He’s focused on leading Tennessee into the Music City Bowl with purpose - and maybe giving Vols fans one more reason to cheer before the curtain closes on 2025.
One game. One more chance. And for Aguilar, that’s more than enough reason to lock in.