Joey Aguilar’s Eligibility Battle Could Shape Tennessee’s 2026 Season
Tennessee football finds itself at the center of a pivotal moment today, as quarterback Joey Aguilar heads into a crucial eligibility hearing that could determine whether he suits up for the Vols in 2026. The hearing, which began at 1:30 p.m. ET on Friday, is part of Aguilar’s legal fight to secure an additional year of NCAA eligibility - and the stakes couldn’t be higher for both the player and the program.
At the heart of the case is Aguilar’s challenge to NCAA rules that count junior college seasons against a player’s total eligibility. Aguilar played two years at Diablo Valley Community College before transferring to the FBS level. Under current NCAA guidelines, that JUCO time eats into his eligibility clock - but Aguilar and his legal team argue that it shouldn’t.
This isn’t uncharted territory. A similar case involving Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia last year resulted in a temporary restraining order against the NCAA, and ultimately, a policy shift. In response to that ruling, the NCAA granted an extra year of eligibility to certain student-athletes who had exhausted their eligibility during the 2024-25 athletic year, despite having played at the junior college level.
That decision opened the door for Aguilar to land at Tennessee, where he just wrapped up a strong first season as the Vols’ starting quarterback. Now, he’s trying to keep that door open for one more year.
While Friday’s hearing marks a significant step, a final ruling may not come immediately. The legal process could stretch into next week, leaving Tennessee in a holding pattern as spring practice approaches. For now, a judge has already granted Aguilar a temporary restraining order that allows him to remain with the team, at least in the short term.
Tennessee isn’t just watching from the sidelines. The program is reportedly pushing for a swift resolution, one way or another, to solidify its quarterback situation heading into the spring.
And it’s easy to see why the Vols want clarity - Aguilar gave them a lot to like in 2025. He led the SEC in passing yards with 3,565, throwing 24 touchdowns against 10 interceptions.
Tennessee finished 8-5 overall and 4-4 in the SEC, but the offense showed signs of life after a rocky stretch. Aguilar’s command of the offense, poise under pressure, and ability to stretch the field gave the Vols a much-needed spark.
If Aguilar is granted another year, Tennessee gets back a proven leader who already knows the system and has shown he can produce in the SEC. If not, the Vols will need to pivot quickly - and potentially turn to a younger, less experienced option under center.
For now, all eyes are on the courtroom. The outcome of this eligibility battle won’t just impact one player’s future - it could shape the trajectory of Tennessee’s entire 2026 season.