Joey Aguilar’s path to becoming Tennessee’s starting quarterback is rooted in hard work, resilience, and opportunity. After excelling at Appalachian State for two seasons (2023 and 2024), Aguilar transferred to UCLA, only for that move to be upended when Nico Iamaleava decided to come to UCLA. Aguilar then reentered the transfer portal and ultimately landed at Tennessee. Iamaleava left Tennessee and ended up at UCLA. In a sense, both players swapped teams, and the comparisons became inevitable.
Aguilar’s dad, José Aguilar, has made no secret of what he thinks about how things turned out. From what he’s said in public, he believes that Tennessee — and thus Joey — came out ahead in this QB “swap.” He’s suggested that looking at both the fan reaction and early performance, Aguilar’s in a better spot, and that the “trade” (even though informal) was one that favored his son and Tennessee.
Here’s how that claim stacks up so far, what supports it, where it may be premature, and what to watch going forward.
Through Tennessee’s first two games of the 2025 season, Aguilar has looked strong. Some key metrics:
Aguilar has completed 39 of 59 passes for 535 yards, 5 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions. His completion rate is roughly 66.1% over those two games.He has also shown some ability in or near the run game—though passing is clearly where the focus has been. (Rocky Top Insider)Pro Football Focus has given him a very high grade through those two non‑conference games: a 92.9 overall grade, 93.5 for passing, though lower in rushing and with some negative marks in fumble chances.
By contrast, when people look at Iamaleava’s recent season(s) at Tennessee (2024) and his early play at UCLA, a few concerns arise:
Iamaleava threw 2,616 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions in 2024. (Wikipedia)UCLA has lost key members of its offense (receivers, coaching staff) compared to the previous year, which could weaken Iamaleava’s surrounding support. (SI)In early 2025, UCLA has started 0‑2, with Iamaleava having thrown as many interceptions as touchdowns in some outings, which contrasts with Aguilar’s clean start. (BroBible)
So, statistically, Aguilar has an early edge, particularly in turnover margin (none so far) and in efficiency. The broader context (team support, coaching, momentum) also seems to tilt in his favor right now.
Money/NIL considerations: Part of the story is that Iamaleava’s NIL demands were reportedly high (Tennessee reportedly would have to pay around $2.4 million) to retain him. Aguilar’s deal is much less in comparison, which gives Tennessee more financial flexibility. (Sportskeeda)Experience & production: Aguilar’s two seasons at App State gave him solid cumulative yardage and touchdowns, though with some inconsistencies (especially with interceptions in 2024). (Transfer Portal Home)Early performance vs expectations: Aguilar is exceeding early expectations: being named the starter, executing the offense, avoiding the costly mistakes that sometimes dog transferred QBs. His demeanor, leadership, and the trust of teammates are also being noted. (https://www.wsmv.com)Heisman / bets / perception: Betting markets and preseason projections (e.g. Heisman odds) are favoring Aguilar more than Iamaleava — perception matters, and Aguilar has gotten more positive press in recent weeks. (SI)Film & analysis: Some analysts believe Aguilar might represent an upgrade for Tennessee under pressure; that his style might fit better with the Vols’ offense this season. There’s commentary that while Iamaleava has high upside and pedigree, his performance under pressure or lacking surrounding strength last year left some gaps. (SI)
So Aguilar’s dad’s claim isn’t just empty confidence — there are measurable reasons why many believe Tennessee got the better end of this swap, at least early on.
Even with Aguilar’s strong start, there are caveats:
Small sample size: It’s just two non‑conference games for Aguilar. As strong as those are, big tests tend to come in conference, against tougher defenses, under greater pressure.Different team situations: UCLA and Tennessee are in different places right now. Tennessee enters the season with momentum, better supporting personnel, maybe more stable offense (depending on scheme, coaching, etc.). UCLA is in transition in some respects. So part of Aguilar’s advantage might stem from environment rather than strictly individual difference.Iamaleava’s ceiling: He was a 5‑star recruit, and his potential is still very high. If he adjusts to his new surroundings, rebuilds chemistry with receivers, gets support up front, etc., he might overcome early struggles.Turnovers or mistakes later: Aguilar’s ability to avoid interceptions early is excellent, but defensive adjustments, tougher pass rushes, situational decision making will test him. A couple of bad games could shift narratives quickly.Durability / consistency: Over a full season, things like durability (staying healthy), consistency (especially late in games), ability under pressure, leadership in tight spots, ability to adjust midseason etc., will matter a lot. Aguilar has shown composure so far, but it’s not guaranteed he’ll keep that up forever without setbacks.
What to watch for going forward
To assess whether Aguilar truly “won” this swap or not, here are the metrics and milestones that will likely matter:
Turnover numbers: Interceptions + fumbles. If Aguilar keeps protecting the ball better than Iamaleava, that’s a strong plus.Yards & touchdowns: Passing yards, TD/INT ratio, yards per attempt, completion %, especially in conference games.
Performance in big games / under pressure: When facing ranked opponents, on the road, during tight games, late fourth quarter — how does Aguilar handle those situations vs what Iamaleava does at UCLA?
Support from teammates / offensive line: How well the line protects, how receivers perform, how the coaching staff schemes to take advantage of his strengths. If Aguilar gets a strong supporting cast and can stay healthy, his potential is greater.
Consistency: Both week‑to‑week performance and ability to bounce back after a bad outing.
Perception & awards: Heisman & other national recognition, but also media, fan reaction. Sometimes these feed into opportunity (e.g. NIL deals, endorsement, etc.), which can affect morale, resources, team momentum.
Based on what Aguilar’s dad is saying, combined with how Aguilar has played so far, there’s a strong case that Tennessee currently has the better quarterback. Aguilar’s statistical start has been very clean, the environment seems more favorable, and the narrative has shifted toward expectation rather than uncertainty.
But declaring a long‑term “win” is premature. Iamaleava still has the talent, and UCLA could yet find its groove. The season will reveal more in terms of durability, consistency, clutch performance, and how both players respond to adversity.
If pressed for a verdict as of now: Aguilar is winning. Whether he ends up winning depends on how he handles what comes next.
If you want, I can write a side‑by‑side stat comparison of Aguilar vs Iamaleava through similar points in last season vs this season, and project who might have the edge for the rest of the year?
