Predicting Tennessee to land transfer quarterback

The Tennessee Volunteers’ quarterback situation has undergone significant changes in the 2025 offseason, with the transfer of Nico Iamaleava to UCLA and the arrival of Joey Aguilar from UCLA.

Departure of Nico Iamaleava

Nico Iamaleava, who led Tennessee to a 10-3 record and a College Football Playoff berth in 2024, transferred to UCLA amid contract disputes over his Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal. His representatives sought a $4 million annual deal, double the original $2.4 million, leading to tensions with the Vols’ coaching staff. Iamaleava missed practices and team meetings, prompting Coach Josh Heupel to part ways with him .

Arrival of Joey Aguilar

Joey Aguilar, a former Appalachian State quarterback who briefly joined UCLA earlier this year, has transferred to Tennessee. Aguilar amassed 6,760 passing yards and 56 touchdowns over two seasons at Appalachian State. He entered the transfer portal and committed to Tennessee shortly thereafter .

Impact on the 2025 Season

With Iamaleava’s departure, Aguilar is expected to compete for the starting quarterback position. His experience and proven track record make him a strong candidate to lead the Vols’ offense in the upcoming season. Tennessee’s coaching staff will likely focus on integrating Aguilar into their system to maintain offensive productivity.

Recruiting Outlook

Looking ahead, Tennessee has secured a commitment from four-star quarterback George MacIntyre, the No. 2 QB prospect in the 2025 class. MacIntyre, a Tennessee native, chose the Vols over Alabama and LSU, citing the program’s resurgence under Coach Heupel as a significant factor in his decision .

Additionally, Madden Iamaleava, Nico’s younger brother and a four-star recruit, is expected to join the team, further strengthening Tennessee’s quarterback depth.

In summary, Tennessee’s quarterback position has experienced notable changes, with the transfer of Nico Iamaleava and the addition of Joey Aguilar. The program’s future remains promising, bolstered by strong recruiting efforts and a commitment to developing talent.