In the new era of college football, position changes seem to affect multiple teams at the beginning of every fall.
However, quarterback upheaval is a dramatic change that resonates throughout the team, as the signal-caller’s play directly affects every aspect of the offense. As a result, the need to consistently play becomes an imperative part of the process. More importantly, it could ultimately determine a successful season from a disappointing one that could elevate the temperature of the coach’s seat.
Experts Assert That New Tennessee Starting QB Joey Aguilar Is a Better Fit Than Nico Iamaleava
Four months ago, it appeared that Joey Aguilar would play back in his home state of California for UCLA. Nico Iamaleava, the former Tennessee starter, decided to leave Knoxville for the Bruins. Aguilar hops back in the portal and lands with Josh Heupel’s team. Per On3.com, Aguilar won the starting job last weekend.
NEW: UCLA transfer QB Joey Augilar has been named Tennessee’s starting quarterback, @Volquest_On3 reports.https://t.co/vN3wEKqqkn pic.twitter.com/wiVqSbEQPE
— On3 (@On3sports) August 18, 2025
“NEW: UCLA transfer QB Joey Aguilar has been named Tennessee’s starting quarterback, @Volquest_On3 reports.”
If you take away the high school star rating system and potential and focus strictly on production, did Tennessee land the better quarterback in Aguilar? ESPN writer Bill Connelly makes the case.
“Of last year’s starters, only receiver Chris Brazzell II, tight end Miles Kitselman (who was injured in the spring), and left tackle Lance Heard return. The Vols traded quarterback Nico Iamaleava to UCLA for Joey Aguilar in the spring. Iamaleava was the far more highly touted recruit, but Aguilar is a far better scrambler and takes far fewer sacks.”
Iamaleava has tallied 429 rushing yards. Meanwhile, the new Vols starter boasts 456 yards. Opponents dropped the newest Bruins starter 35 times to the turf, while Aguilar suffered one less.
R.J. Young, host of the “Adapt & Respond with R.J. Young” YouTube channel, doubles down on this line of thinking.
“You’re already leaps and bounds ahead of what Nico was able to provide you in 2024, which means that by definition, you should be the kind of football team that gets back to the College Football Playoff.”
A year ago, Tennessee went 10-3, with the 13th-best scoring offense, averaging 35.7 points per game. Most of that offense rests with running back Dylan Sampson, who led the SEC in carries (258), yards (1,491), and touchdowns (22). Iamaleava wasn’t the sole star on offense.
The Vols reached the CFP on the back of a strong run game, with the passing game acting as a complementary factor. Can Aguilar live up to the expectations?
