*App State/UCLA transfer wins Vols’ quarterback battle in fall camp*
**KNOXVILLE, Tenn.** — Tennessee football has its new leader under center. Head coach Josh Heupel announced Monday that former Appalachian State and UCLA quarterback **Joey Aguilar** has won the starting job to open the 2025 season, beating out returning backup **Nico Iamaleava** and freshman phenom **Jake Merklinger**.
The decision comes after a tightly contested fall camp battle where Aguilar’s experience, arm talent, and command of the offense ultimately separated him from the competition.
### **Why Aguilar Won the Job**
The 6’3”, 220-pound grad transfer brings a unique blend of production and poise to Rocky Top:
– **Proven Playmaker**: Threw for 3,757 yards and 33 TDs at App State in 2023 (No. 5 in FBS in passing yards).
– **Big-Game Pedigree**: Led Mountaineers to a 10-win season, including a 40-34 OT thriller at UNC.
– **Dual-Threat Upside**: Added 5 rushing TDs last year, fitting Heupel’s up-tempo system.
“Joey’s consistency and ability to extend plays stood out daily,” Heupel said. “He’s earned the trust of this locker room.”
What This Means for Tennessee**
Aguilar’s emergence provides stability after **Hendon Hooker’s** departure two years ago. His skill set mirrors Hooker’s success in Heupel’s offense:
✅ **Deep-ball accuracy** (15 completions of 40+ yards in 2023)
✅ **Quick decision-making** (67% completion rate under pressure)
✅ **Leadership** (Named App State’s team captain as a junior)
### **Reaction from the Locker Room**
– WR **Bru McCoy**: “Dude’s a baller. Throws with anticipation and puts us in positions to win.”
– LB **Keenan Pili**: “He’s been studying like a pro since Day 1. That work ethic rubs off.”
### **The Road Ahead**
Aguilar’s first test comes **August 30 vs. Chattanooga**, followed by a Week 3 showdown at **Oklahoma**. With a favorable SEC East schedule (Georgia at home, Florida rebuilding), the Vols could surprise as playoff dark horses.
**Key Stat**: Tennessee is **21-4** under Heupel when his starting QB throws 2+ TDs. Aguilar hit that mark in **10 games** last year.
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**Suggested Visuals**:
1. **Action shot**: Aguilar delivering a pass in Tennessee’s new uniform set (orange helmet, white jersey).
2. **Camp moment**: Aguilar reviewing plays with Heupel on the practice field.
*Final Thought*: If Aguilar translates his Sun Belt dominance to the SEC, the Vols’ ceiling rises dramatically. His journey from underrated recruit to Power 5 starter is one of college football’s best stories—and it’s just getting started.
