Oddsmakers Place Uncertain Bet on Tennessee Vols QB Joey Aguilar Amid Position Battle*
**KNOXVILLE, Tenn. –** As the Tennessee Volunteers prepare for a highly anticipated 2025 college football season, eyes are increasingly turning to one of the most debated positions in the SEC: the Vols’ quarterback. Following spring practices and a transfer portal shake-up, **Joey Aguilar**, the former Appalachian State standout, is now at the center of attention. However, while the coaching staff remains confident in his development, **oddsmakers have shown caution**, giving Aguilar only a *slight edge* in projected odds to start the season under center for Tennessee.
Aguilar, who transferred to Tennessee earlier this year after a breakout season in the Sun Belt, was seen by many as the likely successor to Joe Milton III. But recent betting lines and insider reports suggest that his hold on the starting job may not be as firm as once believed.
### 🎯 **Odds Reflect an Unsettled QB Room**
Major sports betting platforms such as FanDuel and DraftKings recently adjusted their early season player prop markets, and Aguilar’s name appeared with **only a marginal lead** over other contenders in the quarterback competition. In particular, **true freshman Jake Merklinger** and redshirt sophomore **Nico Iamaleava** remain firmly in the mix, both seeing action in spring scrimmages and impressing coaches with their athleticism and decision-making.
According to current speculative odds (not yet officially listed due to NCAA regulations), Aguilar is only **+140** to take the first snap in Week 1, while Iamaleava sits close behind at **+160**. Merklinger, though less likely, is given **+400** odds — signaling he’s not entirely out of the race either.
Sports analyst **Paul Finebaum** weighed in during a recent SEC Network segment, saying:
> *“Aguilar is experienced and poised, but this isn’t a lock by any means. Tennessee is quietly keeping the competition open — and that’s smart. They’ve got raw talent waiting just behind him.”*
### 🧠 **Aguilar’s Strengths: Experience and Poise**
Aguilar threw for over **3,200 yards and 28 touchdowns** for Appalachian State last season, demonstrating strong downfield vision and an ability to extend plays with his legs. His transfer to Tennessee was widely seen as an immediate depth solution, if not a long-term answer.
Offensive coordinator Joey Halzle has praised Aguilar’s ability to grasp the up-tempo, pro-spread offense that head coach Josh Heupel is famous for running. But in practice, Aguilar has occasionally struggled with timing and chemistry, especially against Tennessee’s revamped secondary.
Sources close to the program report that while Aguilar has been taking most of the first-team reps, **Iamaleava’s explosive athleticism** and **Merklinger’s steady growth** have complicated what initially seemed a straightforward decision.
### 🔍 **Vols Fans, Analysts Watching Closely**
Tennessee fans are no strangers to quarterback battles, having seen a rotating cast in recent years that includes Milton, Hendon Hooker, and Jarrett Guarantano. But the 2025 season feels different. After finishing 9–4 last year and earning a Citrus Bowl appearance, expectations are high in Knoxville. A weak start due to indecision at quarterback could derail momentum — something Heupel is keenly aware of.
Local sports radio shows and message boards have been buzzing with speculation. Some fans argue for Aguilar’s experience in big moments; others clamor for the dynamic potential of Iamaleava, a former 5-star recruit.
“**If Joey doesn’t seal the job early in fall camp, it’s going to be open season,**” said Vols insider Ben McKee. “He’s the frontrunner, but not by much.”
### ⏳ **Decision Likely to Come in August**
Coach Heupel has not committed to a firm timetable for naming a starter, but he’s expected to make a final decision during the **third week of fall camp**, giving all three quarterbacks a fair chance to prove themselves. Until then, oddsmakers and analysts alike will continue to scrutinize every practice report, injury update, and insider tip.
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**Conclusion:**
While Joey Aguilar remains the slight betting favorite to lead the Tennessee Volunteers at quarterback in Week 1, the odds reflect growing uncertainty. With young talent nipping at his heels, Aguilar faces a crucial stretch this summer to solidify his role and prove to both coaches and fans that he can be the steady hand Tennessee needs to launch a serious SEC East challenge in 2025.
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