Joey Aguilar’s path to the NFL wasn’t exactly how he envisioned it, but he’s embracing it nonetheless.
After a late push for extended college eligibility was denied, Aguilar is officially turning the page and setting his sights on the 2026 NFL Draft. The former Tennessee quarterback was a late addition to the NFL Combine as his eligibility request worked its way through the legal system.
Once the judge declined that request, the decision became final: his college career was over, and now, the next chapter begins.
Joey Aguilar: From College Gridiron to Draft Prep
Speaking publicly for the first time since the ruling, Aguilar addressed the situation with maturity and perspective.
According to broadcaster Lucas Panzica, Aguilar said:
“Everything happens for a reason…The judge declined my request and it is what it is. Like I said, I’m excited to pursue this next chapter in my life.”
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Short. Direct. Professional.
#Vols QB Joey Aguilar on being denied an extra year of eligibility at Tennessee pic.twitter.com/h4W2OX7UGK
— Lucas Panzica (@lucaspanzica) February 27, 2026
From the video shared by Panzica, Aguilar appeared in good spirits, smiling throughout the interview and genuinely energized about the opportunity ahead. While the outcome may not have been what he hoped for, there was no visible frustration, only readiness.
That mindset will matter as much as any 40-yard dash time, interview, or throwing session this week.
On the field during his college career, Aguilar gave evaluators plenty to study.
In 2025, he finished top 10 nationally in passing yards with 3,565 and ranked inside the top 20 in passing touchdowns with 24. Those numbers reflect a quarterback comfortable pushing the ball downfield and operating an aggressive offense.
Aguilar plays with a gunslinger mentality, confident in tight windows, willing to take chances, and unafraid of the moment. That same aggressiveness did lead to 10 interceptions, an area NFL teams will want to see refined at the next level.
Still, that risk-taking style helped power one of the most productive offenses in college football.
Under head coach Josh Heupel, the Tennessee Volunteers posted a PFSN CFB Offensive Impact Score of 87.1, ranking ninth nationally. Aguilar was the engine behind that success, operating efficiently in a high-tempo, vertical passing scheme.
Overcoming a Unique Pre-Draft Process
The unfortunate reality of Aguilar’s eligibility appeal was the timing. While waiting on a ruling, he missed critical postseason showcases such as the Senior Bowl and the East-West Shrine Bowl, events that often give prospects valuable face time with NFL decision-makers.
For many mid-round quarterback prospects, those games are pivotal. Fortunately for Aguilar, the decision came in time for him to participate in the NFL Combine.
That stage provides not only an opportunity to throw and test, but also, just as importantly, to interview with teams. For a player with his experience, leadership background, and production, those meetings could be critical in shaping his draft outlook.
Aguilar’s journey to this point hasn’t followed a straight line. A denied eligibility request isn’t how most players want their college careers to conclude. But rather than dwell on what might have been, he’s choosing to focus on what’s ahead.
The NFL Combine is now part of the proving ground. Teams will evaluate the arm talent. They’ll assess the decision-making. They’ll weigh the interceptions against the explosive plays. But they’ll also see a quarterback who handled adversity publicly with poise and optimism.
“It is what it is.”
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Four simple words, but they say a lot about where Aguilar’s head is at.
The college chapter may have closed sooner than he hoped. But if his attitude at the combine is any indication, he’s ready to open the next one, this time in the NFL pursuing his dreams.
