Tennessee QB Joey Aguilar’s Legal Challenge Falls Short

The offseason for Tennessee quarterback Joey Aguilar hit a snag recently when a judge in Knoxville, Tennessee, denied his request for a preliminary injunction. This decision means Aguilar remains disqualified from playing college football in 2026, unless there’s a viable appeal within the necessary timeframe.

At 24 years old, Aguilar contended that his previous junior college seasons shouldn’t count against his NCAA eligibility. His football journey includes one season at Tennessee, a couple of years at Appalachian State University, and another two at Diablo Valley Community College in California.

The NCAA responded positively to the ruling, acknowledging the court’s consideration of eligibility standards and its role in ensuring fair access to college athletics for current and future student-athletes. In a statement, they emphasized their ongoing commitment to upholding eligibility rules and working towards enhancements that benefit student-athletes.

Meanwhile, Aguilar is gearing up for this week’s NFL Combine, regardless of the recent court decision. His aspirations are firmly set on entering the draft and pursuing a professional career. There’s a chance he could be picked late, and he might have seen an increase in his draft stock with a standout 2026 season at Tennessee. Not to mention, he could have earned around $2 million in NIL deals for another year in college.

Last summer, Aguilar excelled during training camp, racking up 3,656 passing yards, along with 24 touchdowns and 10 interceptions, helping the Volunteers secure an 8-5 record.

It’s worth noting that Tennessee’s quarterback situation has been shaky for two offseasons now, especially following Nico Iamareaba’s unexpected transfer to UCLA during spring practice last April. In a related matter, a Mississippi judge recently granted Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss eligibility for a sixth NCAA season in 2026, citing his medical redshirt status.