Former Appalachian State signal-caller Joey Aguilar, who spent spring practice at UCLA, beat out redshirt freshman Jake Merklinger for the starting quarterback position at Tennessee.
This is the third time in five years under Head Coach Josh Heupel that the Volunteers have turned to a transfer for the ever-coveted role of quarterback. Aguilar earned the starting position and will lead Tennessee as they look to follow up their first College Football Playoff appearance in program history.
Aguilar learned the Volunteers’ playbook over the summer.
How Did Josh Heupel Uphold Team Spirit In Joey Aguilar and Jake Merklinger’s QB Battle?
At Wednesday morning’s preseason media availability, Aguilar said it was really important to Heupel that Aguilar and Merklinger went into the quarterback battle with a team-oriented mindset.
“[Coach Heupel] just told us the way we competed with either other, there’s two ways you compete with somebody,” Aguilar said. “You can compete and just be solo and not really try to help the other person or you can compete together and work. Iron sharpens iron and work together to build whoever goes out there to be a starter even if it was me or somebody else. We are working together, be as one.”
He added, “I think the way [Heupel] told us how he liked how we went out there everyday to support each other and going into practice not trying to be bad to the other person.”
The Vols landed Aguilar in April after losing former starter Nico Iamaleava.
In a recent press conference, Heupel praised Aguilar for his comfort and leadership in his continued growth in the Volunteers’ offense.
What are Heupel’s thoughts on Aguilar?
“I thought he handled himself very well,” Heupel said of Aguilar on Aug. 15 after Tennessee’s second fall scrimmage. “That’s today. I think he’s gotten better from Day 1 up until today’s scrimmage every single day. Comfort. Control. He’s handled himself extremely well during our night walkthroughs, which is mental focus, a mental sweat. Because of that, he’s extremely comfortable in what we’re doing right now.”
DREAM: Tennessee QB Joey Aguilar when asked what his reaction would be if he told himself a year ago that he would be Tennessee’s starting quarterback:
“If you would tell me that in 2021, 2022, I probably would not believe it because I was in JUCO… I wish I was there. And here… pic.twitter.com/5dxw0x6iBF
— FOX Sports Knoxville (@FOXSportsKnox) August 20, 2025
Aguilar saw 24 starts at App State in 2023 and 2024, completed 511 of 850 passing attempts for 6,760 yards, and rushed for 456 yards on 140 carries.
Tennessee opens the 2025 season by hosting Syracuse on August 30. Kick-off is slated for 12:00 p.m. EST.
