What Joey Aguilar said about possible return to Tennessee football

Joey Aguilar did not rule out a potential return to Tennessee football in 2026 if a court ruling on NCAA eligibility goes in his favor.

“I guess we will see," Aguilar said. "I am not sure.”

Aguilar's comment came on Nov. 29 after No. 18 Tennessee (8-4, 4-4 SEC) lost 45-24 to No. 12 Vanderbilt (10-2, 6-2) at Neyland Stadium. The Vols quarterback went through pregame senior day ceremonies, but then did not shut down the possibility of returning when asked if he had decided on his future or if a court ruling in his favor would mean he has a decision to make.

Aguilar joined Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia’s lawsuit against the NCAA’s junior college rule in mid-November, hoping to gain an extra year of eligibility which would allow him to return to the Vols in 2026. Aguilar was among numerous plaintiffs added to the amended complaint, which was filed in federal court in Nashville on Nov. 21 and obtained by Knox News. The lawsuit seeks to challenge the rule that counts junior college participation as part of athletes' NCAA eligibility.

The NCAA allows players to compete for four seasons in a five-year window with junior college seasons counting against the five years. Pavia's lawsuit seeks to change that stance on eligibility and make junior college seasons not count against an athlete's eligibility window. If successful, only seasons at an NCAA institution would count as part of NCAA eligibility.

Aguilar has played three seasons at NCAA schools. He played two seasons at Appalachian State in 2023 and 2024. He spent one season at Tennessee in 2025. If the lawsuit is successful, Aguilar could chose to return to Tennessee in 2026 with another year of eligibility.

He spent four seasons in junior college.

Aguilar redshirted at City College of San Francisco in 2019. The COVID-19 pandemic canceled his 2020 season. He spent two seasons at Diablo Valley College from 2021-22.

As the roster currently stands, Tennessee is slated to have three quarterbacks on its roster. Redshirt freshman Jake Merklinger and freshman George MacIntyre are on the roster and can return. The Vols have a commitment from Faizon Brandon, who is the No. 7 prospect and No. 3 quarterback in the 2026 class per the 247Sports Composite.

If Aguilar returns, it would give Tennessee a starter with experience while its younger quarterbacks develop.

Knox News reporter Adam Sparks contributed to this report.

Mike Wilson covers University of Tennessee athletics. Email him at [email protected] and follow him on X @ByMikeWilson. If you enjoy Mike’s coverage, consider a digital subscription that will allow you access to all of it

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: What Joey Aguilar said about possible return to Tennessee football