Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images
By Chris Marler
Tennessee has decided on a starting quarterback to start the 2025 season.
Former Appalachian State and UCLA signal caller Joey Aguilar was named the starter late Sunday evening.
At the helm.@Jooey16_ | #GBO🍊 pic.twitter.com/QNf0NaNFFs
— Tennessee Football (@Vol_Football) August 18, 2025
In two years as the starter for the Mountaineers, Aguilar completed over 60 percent of his passes while throwing for 55 touchdowns and over 6,700 yards. He finished each season in Boone with over 3,000 yards passing, something a Tennessee quarterback hasn’t done since Hendon Hooker in 2022.
“I think he’s gotten better, from day one up until today’s scrimmage. Really every single day. Comfort and control. He’s handled himself extremely well during our night walkthroughs, which is mental focus, mental sweat. And because of that, he’s extremely comfortable in what we’re doing right now,” said Tennessee head coach Josh Heuepel.
Aguilar beat out redshirt freshman Jake Merklinger and true freshman George MacIntyre for the starting job. Tennessee kicks off their season in Atlanta on Saturday, Aug. 30, against Syracuse.
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