Joey Aguilar’s Surprise Start at Quarterback: Can He Lead Tennessee to Victory Over Syracuse?

Joey Aguilar will earn the start for the No. 18 Vols when they open the season against Syracuse on Saturday, Aug. 30, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta in the Aflac Kickoff Game. UT football announced coach Josh Heupel’s decision on X, formerly Twitter, on Aug. 17.

He transferred to UCLA over the offseason, but then transferred again to the Vols following Nico Iamaleava’s transfer to UCLA in April.According to the Knoxville News Sentinel, part of the USA TODAY Network, the team was informed of the decision to start Aguilar during a team meeting on Aug. 17.

Here’s a look at Aguilar’s stats during his two seasons with Appalachian State:Aguilar beat out redshirt freshman Jake Merklinger and freshman George MacIntyre for the starting gig. The UCLA transfer and former Appalachian State standout was the 2023 Sun Belt Newcomer of the Year. He threw for 6,760 yards and 56 touchdowns in two seasons for the Mountaineers.The 6-foot-3, 220-pounder from Antioch, California, walked on at Diablo Valley College in Pleasant Hill, California, in 2021, and proceeded to throw for almost 3,000 yards in two seasons before finally earning his long-awaited Division I scholarship at Appalachian State.

“At the helm,” the post said, along with a photo of Aguilar in Neyland Stadium.After a rollercoaster offseason that had everyone on the edge of their seats, Tennessee football has finally put a stake in the ground by naming Joey Aguilar as their starting quarterback for the 2025 opener. This isn’t just any announcement; it’s the dawn of a fresh era for the No. 18 Volunteers, gearing up to clash with Syracuse at the iconic Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta come August 30th. Coach Josh Heupel’s choice, unveiled on X (yes, the platform formerly known as Twitter), landed like a thunderbolt, signaling confidence in Aguilar’s arm and leadership. Honestly, watching Aguilar’s journey—from walking on at Diablo Valley College to shining bright at Appalachian State, then navigating transfer twists through UCLA before landing under Neyland Stadium’s bright lights—it’s a narrative soaked in grit and determination. The guy’s stats don’t just tell a story; they shout it—over 6,700 passing yards, 56 touchdowns between 2023 and 2024, and a tough-as-nails mindset that’s ready to steer the Vols’ ship. It’s a bold move with high stakes, and I can’t wait to see how this chapter unfolds on that kickoff night! LEARN MORE

Joey Aguilar stats

Following an offseason full of turmoil, Tennessee football has named its starting quarterback for its 2025 season opener.

• 2023 (App State): 293-for-460 passing (63.7%) for 3,757 yards, 33 touchdowns and 10 interceptions; 81 rushes for 249 yards and three touchdowns
• 2024 (App State): 218-for-390 passing (55.9%) for 3,003 yards, 23 touchdowns and 14 interceptions; 59 rushes for 207 yards and two touchdowns