How Joey Aguilar Impacts Tennessee’s Quarterback Competition, Jake Merklinger in the 2025 Season
When news broke in mid-April that former Appalachian State star quarterback Joey Aguilar had committed to Tennessee out of the transfer portal, it was met with a mix of intrigue, optimism, and outright surprise. The timing — just days after Nico Iamaleava’s shocking transfer — raised eyebrows. But to those closely following the Vols’ offseason maneuvers, Aguilar’s arrival wasn’t just damage control. It was strategic.
As Tennessee regroups from the abrupt departure of its highest-rated quarterback in program history, the battle for QB1 in Knoxville has become the hottest storyline heading into the 2025 season. Jake Merklinger, the redshirt freshman and Georgia native, was widely expected to step into the spotlight. But now, with a seasoned gunslinger like Aguilar in the mix, the calculus has changed.
Here’s how Joey Aguilar’s presence reshapes Tennessee’s quarterback room — and what it means for Jake Merklinger, Josh Heupel’s system, and the Vols’ hopes in the 2025 season.
Who is Joey Aguilar?
Joey Aguilar isn’t a household name — yet — but his résumé is rock solid.
After transferring from junior college to Appalachian State, Aguilar won the starting job and went on to deliver back-to-back productive seasons in Boone. In 2024, he threw for 3,658 yards and 33 touchdowns while adding 350 rushing yards. His strong arm, mobility, and quick decision-making made him one of the most efficient quarterbacks in the Sun Belt.
But it was his poise in big games that turned heads. In a near-upset of North Carolina and a bowl win over Marshall, Aguilar displayed the kind of leadership and confidence that SEC coaches crave. His name quietly circulated among Power Five staffs looking for a plug-and-play option. Tennessee, fresh off losing Iamaleava, was the perfect landing spot.
And now, he’s not just a depth piece — he’s a real contender.
Josh Heupel’s Dilemma: Experience vs. Upside
At the heart of this quarterback battle is one essential question: Does Josh Heupel value experience more than potential right now?
Jake Merklinger has done everything right. The former four-star recruit out of Savannah, Georgia, was a vocal leader in offseason workouts and impressed in the spring game with his accuracy and command. His knowledge of the system is deep, and teammates have rallied around him as the presumed heir to Iamaleava.
But Merklinger hasn’t played meaningful SEC snaps. Joey Aguilar has — albeit in a different league — but with real game experience, facing pressure, adjusting to blitzes, and managing fourth quarters.
Heupel is known for empowering quarterbacks, not coddling them. He turned Hendon Hooker, a Virginia Tech transfer, into a Heisman candidate. Aguilar fits a similar mold — an older, overlooked QB with something to prove and tools that translate.
The decision won’t be emotional. It’ll be about winning.
The Case for Jake Merklinger
While Aguilar brings experience, Jake Merklinger brings continuity. He’s been in the Tennessee system for two years. He knows the terminology, the expectations, and the personnel.
Spring camp reports highlighted Merklinger’s calm demeanor, sharp footwork, and improved deep ball. He reportedly built strong chemistry with wideouts Bru McCoy, Kaleb Webb, and freshman standout Mike Matthews. His leadership in the wake of Iamaleava’s exit earned him respect across the locker room.
What he lacks in college starts, he may make up for with internal support and long-term investment. Tennessee would love for its next star to be homegrown and committed — not just a one-year rental. And Merklinger has the pedigree to make that happen.
The challenge? He can’t afford to start slow. If Aguilar outplays him in fall camp, Heupel won’t hesitate to pull the trigger. The SEC waits for no one.
What Joey Aguilar Brings to Tennessee’s Offense
Joey Aguilar’s appeal lies in his versatility and readiness.
He’s a mobile quarterback who excels in up-tempo schemes — a perfect match for Heupel’s offense. Aguilar’s ability to make quick reads, throw on the run, and push the ball downfield fits the Vols’ vertical passing attack. He’s also proven capable in RPO (run-pass option) situations, giving Tennessee a dynamic dual-threat edge if needed.
More importantly, he brings confidence. Aguilar isn’t walking into Knoxville to hold a clipboard. He’s coming to win the job — and with just one year of eligibility left, the urgency is real.
If Heupel sees Aguilar as a Hendon Hooker 2.0 — a mature player who can elevate the team immediately — Merklinger could find himself watching from the sideline in September.
QB Room Dynamics: More Than Just Two
It’s easy to frame this battle as Aguilar vs. Merklinger, but Tennessee’s quarterback room has more layers.
Freshman George MacIntyre, a 2025 five-star commit, is already enrolled and turning heads in practice. Though unlikely to start this year, his presence puts additional pressure on both Aguilar and Merklinger. MacIntyre is the future — and possibly sooner than expected.
There’s also Navy Shuler, the veteran walk-on with strong bloodlines (son of Vols legend Heath Shuler), and Dee Craver, a high-upside project who continues to develop.
The message is clear: No one’s spot is safe. And competition is the new normal in Knoxville.
Offensive Line & Supporting Cast
Another critical factor in the QB battle: the environment around them.
Tennessee returns a solid, if not spectacular, offensive line. Protecting a less mobile quarterback could present challenges, especially against SEC defensive fronts. Aguilar’s escapability may give him the edge early in the season.
The receiving corps, however, is a strength. Bru McCoy is back as the alpha. Sophomore speedster Chas Nimrod, freshman phenom Mike Matthews, and versatile tight end Ethan Davis provide multiple weapons. Whoever wins the job will inherit a group ready to explode — if the quarterback can get them the ball.
2025 Schedule: Early Tests Await
The Vols won’t have the luxury of easing into the season. They open with Western Kentucky, then host NC State, before diving into SEC play against Florida, Georgia, and Oklahoma by Week 6.
That early stretch demands poise and production. If Merklinger shows inconsistency, the calls for Aguilar will be deafening. Conversely, if Aguilar starts but falters under the pressure of SEC speed, fans may demand the future in Merklinger or even MacIntyre.
It’s a tightrope Heupel must walk carefully.
What’s At Stake for Tennessee
In the wake of Iamaleava’s departure, the stakes for 2025 feel even higher.
Josh Heupel’s reputation as a quarterback guru is being tested. Can he develop a new starter on the fly? Can Tennessee avoid a step back in a loaded SEC that includes rising powers like Texas and LSU?
The QB decision won’t just impact wins and losses — it’ll influence recruiting, locker room morale, and even fan trust. Tennessee needs stability at the position. The wrong call could spiral.
The Most Likely Outcome? A Shared Season
Here’s the honest truth: it’s entirely possible that both Aguilar and Merklinger start games in 2025.
In this era of college football, few teams escape the year with just one healthy, productive QB. Aguilar’s experience may make him the early favorite, but Merklinger could emerge by midseason — or sooner — if Aguilar struggles.
This isn’t a failure of planning. It’s a reflection of modern football.
The real win for Tennessee might be having two capable quarterbacks who can elevate the program — and push each other to be better.
The Bottom Line
Joey Aguilar’s arrival in Knoxville is not just a footnote — it’s a turning point.
His presence creates pressure, competition, and urgency — all things Tennessee needs after losing a generational talent. Jake Merklinger may still be the long-term answer, but he’ll have to earn it every day. There are no more coronations. Only battles.
For Tennessee, the 2025 season may not begin with a clear-cut starter. But it could end with the Vols discovering something even better: a battle-tested, resilient quarterback room ready for the next chapter.
And in the SEC, that’s how contenders are made.
