The Tennessee Volunteers have secured a new quarterback in UCLA transfer Joey Aguilar, but according to ESPN, the path to landing him wasn’t straightforward. In fact, before Aguilar committed to Rocky Top, Tennessee reportedly made a “strong push” for another quarterback in the transfer portal—signaling how deliberate and competitive their offseason quarterback search truly was.

 

With the departure of veteran quarterback Joe Milton III and rising star Nico Iamaleava stepping into the spotlight, Tennessee’s quarterback room has been in a state of transition. While Iamaleava is projected to be the starter in 2025, head coach Josh Heupel and his staff were clearly in the market for additional depth and experience. According to ESPN’s report, the Vols aggressively pursued another high-profile transfer quarterback before ultimately securing Aguilar, a former Appalachian State standout who had transferred to UCLA before making another move.

 

This revelation adds intrigue to Tennessee’s offseason strategy. The identity of the quarterback Tennessee initially targeted hasn’t been made public, but the report highlights how competitive the quarterback transfer market has become, especially for programs looking to win now while also developing young talent. Tennessee’s pursuit of multiple quarterbacks reflects a growing trend among top-tier programs: don’t leave your quarterback room to chance, even if you have a 5-star starter waiting in the wings.

 

Joey Aguilar may not have been Tennessee’s first target, but he’s far from a consolation prize. At Appalachian State, Aguilar threw for over 3,000 yards and 33 touchdowns during the 2023 season, showcasing poise, a strong arm, and a knack for making plays under pressure. While his brief stint at UCLA didn’t lead to significant playing time, his skill set and experience make him a valuable asset to Tennessee’s quarterback room.

 

For Aguilar, the move to Knoxville represents another opportunity to compete at a high level—and possibly earn snaps in a competitive SEC environment. While Iamaleava is expected to take most of the first-team reps, Aguilar offers a seasoned presence behind him. In the unforgiving SEC, where injuries and inconsistency can derail a season, having a proven backup—or a potential challenger—can be a major advantage.

 

Tennessee’s decision to make a “strong push” for another quarterback before Aguilar also indicates that Heupel is not leaving anything to chance. After an up-and-down 2024 season, the pressure is on for the Vols to contend in a newly reshaped SEC landscape. That means competition at every position, especially quarterback.

 

The addition of Aguilar adds not only depth but also insurance. If Iamaleava falters or is sidelined, Tennessee now has a seasoned option who has seen game action and can step in without the moment overwhelming him. It also keeps Iamaleava motivated, knowing that a talented veteran is just a step behind him on the depth chart.

 

In today’s college football, where the portal changes rosters overnight, adaptability is key. Tennessee showed that by casting a wide net, targeting top-tier talent, and ultimately landing a quarterback who fits their system and needs. Joey Aguilar may not have been the Vols’ first choice, but his arrival in Knoxville could prove to be a pivotal piece of their 2025 campaign.