Since Josh Heupel took over in the NIL era, Tennessee has brought in plenty of transfer talent like every top program. It’s hard to narrow down the best ones because there have been so many impact players, but these three really stand out.
1. Joey Aguilar, QB
At a time when Tennesse had no hope, like Batman in Gotham City, Joey Aguilar saved the day, coming over from UCLA. In 2025, he kept Tenensee afloat after Nico left the Vols standing high and dry at the altar. Aguilar had a very good season for the Vols last year, leading the SEC in regular-season passing yards. He ended the year with 3,565 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions.
Not to mention, without Joey Aguilar, the Vols likely would not have won eight games. Considering how many close contests Tennessee let slip away, it’s fair to wonder if the 2025 team could have reached double-digit wins. Aguilar was never the next Peyton Manning, but he came to Knoxville, embraced the program, and did his job to the best of his ability. For that, Vols fans will always appreciate his lone season in orange. Despite his one year here, he was worth every cent and then some.
2. Jermod McCoy, CB
Despite only playing one season for Tennessee, coming over from Oregon State, Jermod McCoy was an absolute star and helped lead Tennessee to the College Football Playoff. Don’t let recency bias fool you, just because McCoy slipped in the NFL Draft doesn’t take away from how dominant he was in Knoxville, which led him to be a projected top 10 pick at one point.
In 2024, he played a major role in Tim Banks’ defense, helping guide the Vols to their first-ever playoff appearance. McCoy finished the year with 44 tackles, four interceptions, and nine passes defended in 13 games. He was a lockdown corner who made plays week after week. It’s unfortunate fans never got to see him in 2025, because pairing him with Colton Hood could have given Tennessee the best cornerback duo in the nation.
3. Hendon Hooker, QB
Hendon Hooker is honestly one of my favorite Vols ever. He was incredible for Tennessee, especially in 2022 when he threw for over 3,100 yards with 27 touchdowns and only two picks. That team went 10-2, which made the South Carolina loss even more confusing. When they abruptly lost 63-38, taking them out of playoff contention.
Either wya, Hooker was one of the best quarterbacks ot ever step through Knoxville. He was a third-round pick by the Detroit Lions and could have gone higher if he hadn't gotten hurt. The Hooker era of Tennesse football was defined by great offenses and consistently explosive plays. He pushed the ball downfield accurately and made big play after big play. He had 17 first-place votes for the Heisman trophy in 2022. Had he not gotten hurt and Tennessee won the SEC, I think he could have potentially edged out Caleb Williams, the eventual winner.
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