Tennessee quarterback Joey Aguilar faced a setback in his pursuit to play for the Volunteers in 2026, as a Knoxville judge denied his request for a preliminary injunction in his eligibility case against the NCAA. This ruling represents a significant victory for the NCAA, which has faced several challenges regarding player eligibility in recent weeks.
Aguilar’s hopes to gain eligibility were inspired by Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, who successfully obtained a temporary injunction earlier this year due to a health issue he encountered in 2022. However, Aguilar’s situation differed; his attorneys argued that his two years at City College of San Francisco and two years at Diablo Valley College should not impact his NCAA eligibility. Despite these arguments, the court did not grant Aguilar the same opportunity as Chambliss, making his chances of wearing a Volunteer uniform this fall increasingly unlikely unless a swift appeal alters the decision.
The absence of Aguilar will have significant implications for Tennessee’s quarterback situation. He was a key player last season, completing 67.3% of his passes for 3,565 yards and 24 touchdowns, making him one of the most productive quarterbacks in the SEC. With Aguilar’s exit, the Volunteers must now rely on inexperienced options in what promises to be an intriguing spring quarterback battle.
Tennessee’s top candidates include redshirt freshman George MacIntyre, who played in only two games last season, and true freshman Faizon Brandon, a highly touted five-star recruit from the class of 2026, ranking as the No. 3 player nationally along with being the No. 3 quarterback. Additionally, Colorado transfer Ryan Staub is in the mix. While MacIntyre’s limited experience in the field may not be substantial, he has had an extra year to immerse himself in head coach Josh Heupel’s system.
For Tennessee, the loss of Aguilar places considerable pressure on their young quarterback lineup to adapt quickly, particularly as the team targets a spot in the College Football Playoff for 2026. Head coach Josh Heupel faces the crucial task of selecting the right player to lead the team through the upcoming season, adding an element of urgency to their preparations. As the spring approaches, fans and analysts will closely monitor how the situation develops and which quarterback ultimately secures the starting role for the Volunteers.