Tennessee Eyes Transfer Portal as Joey Aguilar’s Eligibility Hangs in the Balance - Could Anthony Colandrea Be the Answer?
As Tennessee football turns the page toward next season, the quarterback room could be in for a major shakeup. With Joey Aguilar’s eligibility in question following a recent NCAA ruling that granted Diego Pavia an extra year at Vanderbilt, the Vols are preparing for life without their veteran signal-caller.
Aguilar, who transferred from Appalachian State, is hoping to receive a similar extension. But if that request is denied, his college career ends here - and Tennessee’s current QB1 projection becomes freshman Brandon Faizon. That’s a big leap for a young quarterback, especially in the SEC, where experience under center can make or break a season.
So, what’s Tennessee’s next move? All signs point to the transfer portal - and one name is already surfacing as a potential fit: Anthony Colandrea, the former UNLV quarterback who recently entered the portal.
Colandrea might not be a household name yet, but his 2025 campaign with the Runnin’ Rebels turned heads. He threw for over 3,400 yards, racked up 23 touchdowns through the air, and added 10 more on the ground - all while cutting down on turnovers compared to the previous season.
That last part matters. Colandrea’s development under Dan Mullen at UNLV was noticeable.
In 2024, he threw 11 picks on 320 attempts. This year?
He trimmed that to 9 interceptions on 417 throws. That’s growth - the kind of progress that suggests he’s learning how to take care of the football without dulling the aggressive edge that makes him dangerous.
And make no mistake: Colandrea is a playmaker. He brings a dual-threat skill set that mirrors what Aguilar offered the Vols - a quarterback who can extend plays, pick up yards with his legs (649 rushing yards this season), and keep defenses honest with his mobility. That’s a valuable asset in Josh Heupel’s uptempo offense, which thrives on pace, spacing, and quarterbacks who can create when the play breaks down.
For Tennessee, the appeal is clear. Colandrea isn’t just a stopgap; he’s a potential spark. If Aguilar’s waiver falls through, the Vols need someone who can step in and keep the offense humming - someone who’s been through the fire, taken meaningful snaps, and shown he can handle the pressure.
Whether Colandrea ends up in Knoxville remains to be seen, but he’s a name to keep an eye on as the portal carousel spins. Tennessee has a decision to make, and with SEC expectations always looming large, they’ll want to get it right - fast.