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Aguilar to start for Tennessee
Joey Aguilar named the starting quarterback for the Vols as they open the 2025 season against Syracuse in Atlanta.
Tennessee designates Joey Aguilar as the starter for the 2025 season ahead of the Syracuse opener.
Joey Aguilar named Tennessee quarterback to start 2025 season
Tennessee named transfer Joey Aguilar the starting quarterback for the 2025 season after fall camp, edging redshirt sophomore Jake Merklinger and freshman George MacIntyre. Aguilar arrived in Knoxville in mid May after leaving UCLA and brings experience from App State and UCLA. He showed comfort with the offense in Friday’s scrimmage, and coach Josh Heupel said Aguilar has improved every day, adding that he has comfort and control during night walkthroughs. The Vols begin mock game week ahead of their August 30 season opener against Syracuse in Atlanta.
Offensive coordinator Joey Halzle said the goal is to find a quarterback who can operate the offense with an aggressive mindset without being reckless. Aguilar has emphasized a workmanlike approach, saying he focused on learning the playbook quickly and staying neutral through ups and downs, a mindset Tennessee expects from its starter. The choice to start the season with the oldest quarterback among the off season arrivals signals a preference for experience as Tennessee faces SEC competition.
Key Takeaways
"That’s today, but I think he’s got better, from day one up until today’s scrimmage. Comfort and control. He’s handled himself extremely well during our night walkthroughs, which is mental focus, mental sweat."
Heupel on Aguilar’s development during fall camp
"Just put my nose down and grind."
Aguilar on his work ethic after arriving in Knoxville
"First and foremost, you got to play this game in this offense with an aggressive nature."
Halzle on the quarterback mindset
"The past is the past all you can do is learn from it and get better."
Aguilar on staying neutral and improving
The move sets a clear path for Tennessee’s offense this season. Aguilar’s varied college background—juco to App State to UCLA—offers a mix of playmaking and learning curves. His robust 2023 numbers and substantial 2024 workload suggest he can push the ball and manage a fast pace, but the coaching staff also wants him to balance aggression with smart decision making. By naming Aguilar now, Tennessee signals confidence in his ability to lead the system while preserving depth in the quarterback room for future growth.
Looking ahead, the quarterback decision raises questions about how much flexibility the Vols will have as the season unfolds. If Aguilar hits the ground running, Tennessee could leverage a more dynamic attack early in the schedule. If not, Merklinger and MacIntyre still offer options, which could shape in-season adjustments and impact team chemistry and morale.
Highlights
- Grind every day and trust the process
- Aggressive when needed, smart when it counts
- Comfort comes from showing up and doing the work
- This season starts with discipline and resolve
The season starts quickly, and Aguilar’s early performance will set the tone for the Vols.
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