Knoxville, TN – The air around Rocky Top is once again buzzing with significant news as Tennessee Volunteers Head Coach Josh Heupel navigates a pivotal moment for his program. Fresh off a stellar 10-3 season, capped by a dominant 35-0 shutout victory over No. 17 Iowa in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl, the Vols are now addressing a major change at the quarterback position. Star signal-caller Nico Iamaleava has officially departed the program, entering the transfer portal and committing to UCLA, while the Volunteers have swiftly secured the commitment of experienced transfer quarterback Joey Aguilar from Appalachian State, previously of UCLA.
Iamaleava’s exit, which became public just weeks ago, has been one of the defining storylines of the current NIL era. The highly-touted former five-star prospect, who started for the Vols in 2024, reportedly sought to renegotiate his existing NIL contract, aiming for a more lucrative deal. Sources indicate that these discussions reached an impasse, leading to Iamaleava’s decision to leave Knoxville. His absence from a crucial spring practice and later the spring game, amidst reports of contract disputes, ultimately led to a mutual parting of ways between him and the program. Heupel and the Tennessee athletic department, in a move largely supported nationally, stood firm, setting a potential precedent against escalating NIL demands.
“We wish Nico nothing but the best in his future endeavors,” Heupel stated in a brief press conference, acknowledging the departure with a measured tone. “These situations are never easy, but we are committed to building a program where every player is aligned with our collective vision and values. Our focus remains squarely on the team and moving forward.”
Iamaleava’s 2024 season, his first as a full-time starter, saw him throw for 2,616 yards with 19 touchdowns and 5 interceptions, a solid but not spectacular output. Despite his undeniable talent and potential, the tumultuous end to his tenure at Tennessee, culminating in a highly publicized move to UCLA, has underscored the volatile nature of college football in the transfer portal and NIL landscape. Interestingly, his younger brother, Madden Iamaleava (formerly of Arkansas), is also joining him at UCLA, creating a new family dynamic in Los Angeles.
However, Heupel and his staff have acted swiftly and decisively to fill the void. In a rare “quarterback trade” of sorts, Joey Aguilar, who had initially transferred to UCLA from Appalachian State in the winter, quickly re-entered the transfer portal after Iamaleava’s commitment to the Bruins. Just hours later, Aguilar officially announced his commitment to Tennessee.
Aguilar, a proven veteran with one year of eligibility remaining, brings a wealth of experience to Knoxville. In his two seasons as a starter at Appalachian State, he compiled impressive statistics, passing for 6,760 yards with 56 touchdowns and 24 interceptions in 25 starts. His 2023 season was particularly strong, where he completed 63.7% of his passes for 3,757 yards, 33 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, leading the Mountaineers to a 9-5 record and a bowl victory. While his 2024 season saw a slight dip in performance, with Appalachian State going 5-6, his overall body of work demonstrates a capable and experienced passer.
“We are incredibly excited to welcome Joey Aguilar to the Volunteer family,” Heupel announced with a clear sense of optimism. “Joey is a proven winner, a fantastic leader, and possesses the skillset to thrive in our offense. His experience and maturity will be invaluable as we continue to elevate this program in the SEC. We believe he’s ready to compete at the highest level and make an immediate impact.”
Aguilar is expected to arrive on campus earlier than initially anticipated, giving him crucial time to acclimate to Heupel’s fast-paced offensive system and build chemistry with his new teammates. He will join a quarterback room that includes promising redshirt freshman Jake Merklinger and true freshman George MacIntyre. While Heupel will likely frame it as an open competition, Aguilar’s experience makes him an immediate front-runner for the starting job heading into fall camp.
The addition of Aguilar addresses a critical need for the Vols, who are aiming to build on their recent success. Under Heupel, Tennessee has shown significant progress, with the 10-3 finish in 2024 marking their second 10-win season in three years and a berth in the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff. The program has finished in the top 25 for three consecutive seasons, a testament to Heupel’s ability to rebuild and elevate the team.
The shift at quarterback, while dramatic, signifies Heupel’s commitment to maintaining a stable and competitive program. The departure of a highly-touted talent like Iamaleava, while certainly a talking point, has been swiftly countered by the acquisition of a proven veteran in Aguilar, showcasing Tennessee’s agility in navigating the modern college football landscape. The focus now shifts to the fall, where Aguilar will be tasked with leading the Volunteers as they aim for continued success in the rugged SEC. The message from Heupel is clear: the show goes on, and the Vols are ready to compete.
