In a significant offseason development, former UCLA quarterback Joey Aguilar has entered the NCAA transfer portal and is expected to sign with the University of Tennessee. This move comes amid a quarterback exchange between the two programs, with Tennessee’s Nico Iamaleava transferring to UCLA.
Background and Transfer Details
Aguilar, a Northern California native, initially transferred to UCLA from Appalachian State in December 2024. During his tenure at Appalachian State, he accumulated 6,760 passing yards and 56 touchdowns over two seasons, earning the Sun Belt Conference Newcomer of the Year honor in 2023. At UCLA, he was anticipated to be the starting quarterback for the 2025 season. However, following Iamaleava’s departure from Tennessee, Aguilar has opted to transfer again, this time to the Volunteers.
The quarterback swap between the two universities appears to be influenced by financial considerations. Iamaleava reportedly sought a new NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deal to increase his earnings from $2.4 million to $4 million, a request that was not met by Tennessee. Consequently, he transferred to UCLA, where he is expected to earn under $2.4 million. In contrast, Aguilar is set to receive approximately $1.2 million from Tennessee, aligning with the remaining value of his previous NIL agreement with UCLA.
Impact on Tennessee’s Quarterback Situation
Aguilar’s arrival at Tennessee adds depth to the team’s quarterback roster. With Iamaleava’s departure, the Volunteers are seeking a new starting quarterback. Aguilar’s experience and performance at Appalachian State position him as a strong candidate to compete for the starting role in the upcoming season.
Conclusion
The transfer of Joey Aguilar to Tennessee underscores the evolving dynamics of college football, where player movement is often influenced by both athletic opportunities and financial considerations. As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on how this quarterback exchange impacts the performance and strategies of both Tennessee and UCLA.
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