Joey Aguilar, former Tennessee quarterback, has concluded his college football tenure after a judge denied his request for a preliminary injunction to play a seventh collegiate season. This ruling effectively prevents him from extending his NCAA eligibility, prompting Aguilar to turn his attention fully toward preparing for the NFL.
Although Aguilar remains enrolled at the University of Tennessee, his focus is now on advancing to the professional level after navigating a complex journey marked by multiple transfers and legal disputes with the NCAA.
The Unconventional College Football Path of Joey Aguilar
Aguilar’s collegiate football career began atypically at San Francisco City College in 2019, where he redshirted. The 2020 junior-college season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, delaying his playing opportunities. Subsequently, Aguilar competed for Diablo Valley Community College during the 2021 and 2022 seasons.
He later transferred to Appalachian State, playing there through the 2023 and into the 2024 seasons. In the spring of 2025, Aguilar moved again, this time initially to UCLA. However, with the arrival of former Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava at UCLA, Aguilar promptly reentered the transfer portal and ultimately joined Tennessee.
According to court documents, Aguilar’s move to Tennessee involved what was described as an unofficial $1 million exchange. During the previous fall, while playing for the Volunteers, Aguilar amassed 3,565 passing yards along with 24 touchdowns and 10 interceptions, showcasing strong performance despite the turbulent circumstances.
Legal Struggles Over NCAA Eligibility Rules
This month, Aguilar filed a lawsuit challenging the NCAA’s eligibility determination, seeking to exclude his time spent competing in junior college from the five-year eligibility clock. His case aimed to extend his opportunity to play collegiate football beyond the standard limit, highlighting the complexity of NCAA eligibility rules for athletes with extended junior college careers.
Historically, student-athletes have five years to complete four seasons of play, but Aguilar’s career spanned seven years across junior college and Division I levels. Other athletes, including Vanderbilt’s All-American quarterback Diego Pavia, have benefited from similar legal relief when preliminary injunctions have been granted.
Judge Denies Aguilar’s Request to Extend Eligibility
Knox County Chancellor Christopher Heagerty, noted as a Tennessee fan, ruled against Aguilar’s preliminary injunction request. Had the injunction been approved, Aguilar would have been eligible to play for Tennessee in the 2025 season and stood to earn approximately $2 million through name, image, and likeness (NIL) opportunities.
Following the denial, Aguilar decided to cease his legal efforts, effectively ending his chances to continue college football.
Transitioning to Professional Football and Overcoming Physical Setbacks
With his college career behind him, Aguilar is now concentrating on preparing for the NFL. However, he will miss the NFL Scouting Combine due to recent surgeries to remove benign tumors from his right biceps and shoulder, which currently prevent him from throwing.
He plans to resume throwing after the combine and aims to demonstrate his skills at Tennessee’s pro day scheduled for March 31.
Aguilar’s Determined Recovery and Training Ahead of NFL Prospects
I’ve been working out and rehabbing,
Aguilar said, expressing eagerness and readiness for the challenges ahead.
From College Challenges to NFL Ambitions
Joey Aguilar’s football journey has been marked by challenges, including disruptions caused by the pandemic, multiple transfers, and a protracted legal battle with the NCAA. Despite these obstacles, his persistence remains evident as he redirects his ambitions toward the NFL draft.
As Aguilar prepares for the next stage of his football career, his story highlights the complexities athletes face navigating eligibility rules while striving for professional opportunities.
