BREAKING NEWS: Tennessee land game-changing QB as Nico Iamaleava replacement

The split between Tennessee and Nico Iamaleava has been messy, and it’s a storyline that’s likely to stick with fans for a while.

Between rising NIL demands and skipped practices, it became obvious that the partnership had run its course. With Iamaleava now expected to commit to UCLA, the Volunteers are turning the page—and may have found a quarterback who fits their system even better.

Joey Aguilar, who transferred to UCLA from Appalachian State earlier this offseason, is now reconsidering his options. ESPN’s Chris Low reports that Aguilar’s camp is reaching out to other schools following the news of Iamaleava’s likely arrival at UCLA. It’s understandable—Iamaleava’s presence would likely knock Aguilar out of the starting role, despite his impressive track record.

 

 

That opens the door for Tennessee, who just reset their quarterback room and might be the ideal new home for Aguilar.

Why Tennessee fans should have Joey Aguilar on their radar

Joey Aguilar has been one of the nation’s most effective quarterbacks over the past two years. In 2023, he threw for 3,757 yards and 33 touchdowns, setting single-season records at Appalachian State. He backed that up with another impressive campaign and now sits fifth all-time in school history for both passing yards and touchdowns—accomplished in just two seasons.

 

 

What sets Aguilar apart is his maturity and leadership. He arrives without hype or NIL distractions. He’s dependable, efficient, and experienced, with two years of eligibility remaining due to his earlier stint at Diablo Valley Community College.

For Tennessee, that kind of steadiness could be invaluable. The conclusion of the Iamaleava era wasn’t about performance—it was about leadership and trust. Aguilar offers both. He’s a seasoned competitor, a respected voice in the locker room, and someone who doesn’t need the spotlight—he just wants to contribute.

He might not be a headline-grabbing name, but Aguilar could step in, run the offense, and make plays. And really, isn’t that exactly what Tennessee needs right now?