Joey Aguilar Takes Major Step Toward Returning to Tennessee in 2026
Don’t close the book on Joey Aguilar’s college career just yet. What once looked like a one-and-done SEC stint for the Tennessee quarterback is now trending in a very different direction - and the Vols may just get their veteran leader back under center in 2026.
On Wednesday morning, Aguilar was granted a temporary restraining order by a Knoxville judge, effectively blocking the NCAA’s eligibility rules - at least for now. It’s a significant legal win for Aguilar and the first real step toward a possible return to Rocky Top next season.
This development gives Tennessee fans a reason to keep their hopes up. Aguilar isn’t just fighting to stay on the field - he’s making real progress.
A Winding Road to Knoxville
Aguilar’s path to SEC football has been anything but straightforward. A 2019 high school graduate, he redshirted his first year at City College of San Francisco, then lost the 2020 season due to COVID. He went on to spend two years at Diablo Valley Community College, steadily building his game before transferring to Appalachian State, where he played in 2023 and 2024.
Then came his jump to Tennessee - and in his lone season with the Vols, Aguilar made it count. Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 225 pounds, he brought poise, toughness, and a big arm to the SEC stage. He threw for 3,565 yards and 24 touchdowns last season, delivering several standout performances, including a gritty showing in Tennessee’s near-upset of Georgia.
While he wasn’t flawless, Aguilar proved he could hang with the best defenses in the country. His command of the offense, coupled with his ability to make plays under pressure, made him a fan favorite in Knoxville - and a clear leader in the locker room.
What the Legal Win Means
The temporary restraining order doesn’t guarantee Aguilar’s return, but it does press pause on the NCAA’s current eligibility ruling in his case. It opens the door for further legal proceedings - and potentially, a full reinstatement for the 2026 season.
From a football standpoint, this is a big deal. Tennessee has a trio of young quarterbacks - Ryan Staub, George MacIntyre, and Faizon Brandon - all vying to make their mark this spring and summer.
But if Aguilar is cleared to return, he immediately becomes the frontrunner to reclaim the starting job. Experience matters, especially in the SEC, and Aguilar brings plenty of it.
What’s Next for Tennessee
Right now, it’s a waiting game. Aguilar’s legal team will continue pushing for full eligibility, and Tennessee’s staff will prepare for all scenarios.
But this latest development shifts the outlook in a big way. If Aguilar wins his case, the Vols won’t just have a quarterback competition - they’ll have a seasoned leader ready to run it back.
And for a program looking to take the next step in the SEC, that’s the kind of stability you want under center.
The story isn’t finished yet. But make no mistake - Joey Aguilar just gave Tennessee fans a compelling reason to believe there’s one more chapter left to write.