Tennessee QB Joey Aguilar Fights for Final Season Amid NCAA Eligibility Dispute
Joey Aguilar’s journey to Rocky Top has been anything but conventional-and now, it’s headed to a courtroom.
The Tennessee quarterback appeared in a Knoxville courtroom Friday, continuing his legal push to gain one more year of NCAA eligibility. Aguilar is asking for a preliminary injunction that would allow him to suit up for the Vols in 2026, arguing that his two years at junior college shouldn’t count against his NCAA clock.
No decision was made during Friday’s hearing. Knox County Chancellor Christopher Heagerty told both sides that he wasn’t ready to issue a ruling from the bench. Instead, he’ll be reviewing the more than 1,200 pages of filings in the case and digging into the relevant Tennessee state laws before issuing a decision “very shortly.”
For now, a temporary restraining order remains in place, which effectively pauses enforcement of the NCAA’s eligibility rule until a final ruling is handed down.
It’s important to note that this case isn’t about whether the NCAA’s junior college eligibility rule is valid in a broad sense-Aguilar’s legal team is focused on whether that rule can be blocked temporarily while his larger lawsuit against the NCAA plays out.
And there’s a lot at stake. Aguilar’s attorneys estimate that another season at Tennessee could mean $2-4 million in NIL earnings. That’s not just a number-it’s life-changing money for a player who’s already taken a long, winding road to get here.
Aguilar’s path began at Diablo Valley Community College, where he played from 2021 to 2022. From there, he transferred to Appalachian State and spent two seasons in Boone before making the leap to Tennessee ahead of the 2025 season.
And in his lone year with the Vols, Aguilar didn’t just show up-he showed out.
He led the SEC in passing yards, completing 67.3% of his throws for 3,565 yards, 24 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He helped guide Tennessee to an 8-5 finish and gave the offense a spark that had been missing in recent years. His blend of poise, arm talent, and decision-making made him one of the most productive quarterbacks in the country-and a fan favorite in Knoxville.
Now, the question is whether he’ll get the chance to run it back.
The legal battle is still unfolding, but one thing’s clear: Aguilar isn’t done fighting. Not just for himself, but for what could be a precedent-setting case in how junior college years are counted against NCAA eligibility.
For Tennessee fans, the idea of seeing No. 4 back under center in Neyland next fall is more than just a hope-it’s a possibility still alive in the courts. And for Aguilar, it’s one more hurdle in a career that’s been defined by perseverance.