Joey Aguilar Joins Tennessee in Major SEC Quarterback Shakeup
In a dramatic turn of events, the Southeastern Conference (SEC) witnessed a significant quarterback reshuffle ahead of the 2025 college football season. Joey Aguilar, who had recently transferred to UCLA from Appalachian State, is now set to join the Tennessee Volunteers, following the departure of Nico Iamaleava to UCLA.
Aguilar, a standout quarterback at Appalachian State, amassed 6,760 passing yards and 56 touchdowns over two seasons. His initial move to UCLA was influenced by the opportunity to play closer to his Northern California home and to work under head coach DeShaun Foster and offensive coordinator Tino Sunseri. However, the arrival of Iamaleava at UCLA altered the quarterback dynamics, prompting Aguilar to enter the transfer portal once again and commit to Tennessee.
Iamaleava’s transfer from Tennessee to UCLA was reportedly due to disagreements over his Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal. After leading the Volunteers to a 10-3 season and a College Football Playoff appearance in 2024, he sought to increase his NIL compensation from $2.4 million to $4 million. When negotiations stalled, Iamaleava chose to transfer to UCLA, where his NIL deal is reportedly less than his previous arrangement at Tennessee.
Aguilar’s move to Tennessee is seen as a strategic acquisition for the Volunteers. With a proven track record and experience, he is expected to bring stability to the quarterback position. His NIL deal at Tennessee is valued at approximately $1.2 million, aligning with the remaining value of his previous agreement at UCLA.
As the 2025 season approaches, both Tennessee and UCLA are undergoing significant transitions at the quarterback position. The outcomes of these changes will be closely monitored by fans and analysts alike, as both programs aim to solidify their standings in their respective conferences.
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