Tennessee Names Aguilar Starting Quarterback

A look at why Joey Aguilar was named Tennessee's starting QB and what it means for the Vols this season.

Three Reasons Joey Aguilar Was The Logical Choice To Be Tennessee Football's Starting Quarterback

Josh Heupel announced Joey Aguilar as Tennessee’s starting quarterback for the upcoming season, solidifying the competition after two scrimmages and weeks of camp. Aguilar entered fall camp as the favorite and widened his edge in the final days, with limited experience among the other contenders. Merklinger saw playing time as a freshman, and MacIntyre is a true freshman, making a long-term case harder to build for either of them. Aguilar’s starting experience at Appalachian State gives him an immediate floor that the Vols can lean on as the offense ramps up for Syracuse.

At 6-foot-3 and 225 pounds, Aguilar is noted for a strong deep ball and for bringing starter-level reps into the system quickly. Heupel has emphasized his ability to grasp Tennessee’s offense despite a short learning curve, and Aguilar’s comfort appears to be growing through night walkthroughs and daily practices. The decision aligns with a plan to push the ball downfield and accelerate growth in a high-tempo, attacking offense.

Choosing a quarterback with prior starting experience offers Tennessee a smoother transition into a demanding scheme. Aguilar’s ceiling is cited as the season’s biggest asset, even as questions remain about his long-term consistency. Heupel’s comments about comfort and control reinforce the sense that Aguilar can command the offense early, even as the coaching staff gauges how far he can elevate the unit this year. The move also reflects a broader trend in college football: teams leaning on transfers with proven track records to shorten rebuilding timelines and provide immediate production. The question now is whether Aguilar’s upside translates into sustained success as the season unfolds and opponents adjust to Tennessee’s pace.

Highlights

The season will reveal whether Tennessee trusts experience to anchor a high-octane offense or bets on upside to redefine a passing attack.