New Tennessee Vols QB Joey Aguilar Comes with a Built-In Advantage That Will Immediately Help Josh Heupel Field a More Competitive Team

KNOXVILLE, TN — April 22, 2025

As Tennessee football prepares for the 2025 season, head coach Josh Heupel is faced with a number of challenges, including finding the right quarterback to lead the offense. Fortunately, Heupel has already added a promising player in the transfer portal to help elevate the team: Joey Aguilar, a dual-threat quarterback with the perfect skill set to fit Tennessee’s fast-paced, high-octane offense.

Aguilar’s addition to the Vols’ quarterback room is not just another transfer; it’s a game-changer. Heupel, known for his innovative offense that has transformed Tennessee into a high-powered, SEC contender, now has a quarterback who can immediately step in and provide a boost to the program’s championship aspirations. With Aguilar, Heupel has not just acquired a talented player; he’s secured a quarterback who brings with him a built-in advantage that will help the Vols become more competitive right away.

In this article, we’ll break down the key factors that make Aguilar’s addition so impactful, why his style of play fits perfectly within Heupel’s system, and how he could be the missing piece for Tennessee as they look to compete with the SEC’s elite in 2025.

The Perfect Fit for Heupel’s Offense

Josh Heupel’s offense is predicated on speed, precision, and an ability to stretch the field vertically. Over the last few seasons, Tennessee has excelled offensively thanks to its high-tempo system, which takes advantage of wide-open space and quick decision-making. Heupel has built an identity around explosive plays, and in this system, the quarterback is asked to be more than just a passer — he needs to be a dynamic playmaker.

Enter Joey Aguilar.

Aguilar, who transferred to Tennessee after an impressive stint at a smaller school, brings a dual-threat style to the Vols’ offense. His ability to make plays both in the air and on the ground immediately gives Tennessee a unique advantage. Unlike some quarterbacks who specialize in just one area — passing or running — Aguilar has proven he can excel in both.

At his previous school, Aguilar threw for over 3,500 yards and 32 touchdowns in his final season while also rushing for 600 yards and 7 touchdowns. This combination of arm talent and mobility makes him a nightmare for opposing defenses. For Heupel, who thrives on spreading the field and keeping opposing defenses on their heels, Aguilar’s versatility makes him the perfect quarterback for the Vols’ high-octane attack.

“Joey is exactly what we need in this offense,” Heupel said during a press conference introducing Aguilar to the team. “He can stretch the field with his arm, and he has the mobility to make plays with his legs when the pocket breaks down. In our system, that dual-threat ability is a game-changer, and we’re excited to see him in action.”

While Tennessee has had quarterbacks in the past with strong arms and solid mobility, Aguilar’s combination of skills is precisely what Heupel’s offense demands. His presence will immediately make the Vols’ attack more unpredictable, forcing defenses to account for both the passing and running game on every play.

Aguilar’s Leadership and Poise Under Pressure

Another key advantage that Joey Aguilar brings to Tennessee is his leadership. As a former starting quarterback at his previous school, Aguilar understands the importance of leadership both on and off the field. He has been in pressure situations before, having led his team to several important victories and consistently performing in clutch moments. His poise under pressure will be invaluable as Tennessee faces a brutal SEC schedule in 2025.

Aguilar’s leadership style is one that resonates with his teammates. Known for his calm demeanor and confidence, Aguilar has the ability to bring the best out of those around him. He’s not just a vocal leader, though — he leads by example, working tirelessly to improve his skills and constantly encouraging his teammates. His leadership will be a huge asset to a team that is looking to gel and compete at the highest level in the SEC.

“Joey has the intangibles you want in a quarterback,” said Tennessee offensive coordinator Joey Halzle. “He has that ability to stay calm in the toughest situations. His presence on the field makes everyone around him better, and that’s exactly the kind of leadership we need as we build towards a championship.”

Aguilar’s leadership qualities will be crucial, especially with a relatively young and inexperienced wide receiver room. Players like Squirrel White, Ramel Keyton, and Kaleb Webb are incredibly talented but will benefit immensely from the guidance of an experienced quarterback like Aguilar. His ability to read defenses, make quick decisions, and deliver precise passes will help elevate the play of the entire offense.

Athleticism and Mobility: A Dynamic Dual-Threat Weapon

In today’s game, the best quarterbacks are often those who can make plays both through the air and on the ground. Joey Aguilar is no exception to this trend. His mobility and athleticism allow him to extend plays and pick up yards with his legs when necessary. This is a critical asset in a system like Heupel’s, where the quarterback is often under pressure and needs to escape the pocket quickly.

Aguilar’s running ability also adds an additional layer to the Tennessee offense, making it even more difficult to predict how the Vols will attack on any given play. Defenders can’t simply rush the passer without worrying about Aguilar taking off down the field himself. His ability to evade tacklers and extend plays will be especially valuable against SEC defenses that are fast, aggressive, and difficult to break down.

This mobility also gives Heupel more flexibility in his play-calling. He can design quarterback runs, read-option plays, and bootlegs, all of which can keep defenders guessing and create more opportunities for big plays. Aguilar’s speed and quickness will make him a threat in both the short game and the deep passing game, allowing Tennessee’s offense to operate more efficiently and open up running lanes for their running backs.

Strengthening the QB Room and Competing in the SEC

Joey Aguilar’s arrival at Tennessee isn’t just about bringing in a talented individual player; it’s about raising the overall level of the quarterback room. Before Aguilar’s transfer, Tennessee was set to rely on Nico Iamaleava, the highly touted freshman, as the starter. While Iamaleava has all the potential in the world, he is still learning and adjusting to the college game. Having Aguilar as a proven, experienced option will provide Tennessee with the flexibility to field the best possible quarterback under any given situation.

The competition between Iamaleava and Aguilar will also push both quarterbacks to improve. For Iamaleava, the presence of a capable, experienced competitor like Aguilar will motivate him to accelerate his development. Meanwhile, Aguilar’s ability to make plays both in the air and on the ground gives Heupel a versatile weapon to rely on, depending on the game situation. This competition can only help Tennessee as it strives to remain competitive in the ultra-competitive SEC.

Heupel’s approach of having two capable quarterbacks — one a young and highly talented prospect, the other a seasoned and dual-threat veteran — creates a dynamic that could be very difficult for opponents to prepare for. Opposing defenses will have to account for both quarterbacks, forcing them to adapt their game plans on the fly. This gives Tennessee an edge in preparation and execution.

The Vols’ Path to Contention in 2025

With Joey Aguilar on board, Tennessee now has the pieces it needs to compete at the highest level in the SEC in 2025. While there will certainly be challenges along the way — from tough matchups against teams like Georgia, Alabama, and LSU — Tennessee has the offensive firepower and leadership to rise to the occasion.

Aguilar’s arrival bolsters Tennessee’s quest for a championship in several key areas:

Quarterback Stability: With Aguilar’s experience and dual-threat ability, Tennessee now has a quarterback who can perform at a high level right away. He will be a key leader for the team throughout the season.
Dynamic Offense: Aguilar’s skill set aligns perfectly with Heupel’s system, which demands a versatile quarterback capable of making plays in multiple facets of the game.
Depth and Competition: With Aguilar and Iamaleava competing for the starting role, Tennessee’s quarterback room will be one of the deepest in the SEC, creating a healthy sense of competition that will improve both players.
Elevating Other Players: Aguilar’s leadership and performance on the field will help elevate the play of his teammates, particularly the wide receivers and running backs, who will benefit from his decision-making and ability to extend plays.

Joey Aguilar’s Role in Tennessee’s Future

Joey Aguilar’s addition to the Tennessee football program is one of the most significant moves of the offseason. Not only does he bring an immediate boost to the quarterback position, but his unique skill set and leadership will help the Vols become more competitive in 2025 and beyond. With Aguilar under center, Tennessee has a legitimate shot at challenging for an SEC title and competing for a spot in the College Football Playoff.

Heupel and the Vols are in a prime position to continue their upward trajectory, and with a quarterback like Aguilar, the sky is the limit for Tennessee football in 2025. Aguilar’s versatility, experience, and leadership will undoubtedly play a critical role in the Vols’ success as they aim for greatness in the SEC.