When Josh Heupel got Joey Aguilar last spring at the eleventh hour, many fans were happy to have the former UCLA quarterback. Aguilar had a stellar 2025, leading the SEC with 3,565 passing yards and throwing 24 touchdowns.
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The talk of Tennessee fans everywhere all offseason has been what will Josh Heupel do when it comes to the starting quarterback next fall? With Joey Aguilar’s eligibility still up in the air, the idea of getting him back is very appealing, but there’s no real clarity yet. Nobody is sure what will happen when it comes to the pending lawsuit.
Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports had a major update regarding Aguilar. He reports that sources tell him Aguilar is unlikely to receive a waiver for another year of eligibility, but nothing has been finalized.
While a waiver is still being pursued and there’s nothing final yet, it’s currently viewed as unlikely that Tennessee QB Joey Aguilar will be granted an additional year of eligibility, sources tell @CBSSports.
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) January 11, 2026
Threw for 3,565 yards this season at Tennessee. pic.twitter.com/rXE9JVFNNc
Joey Aguilar likely done at Tennessee
Well, this is a gut punch. It's nothing official, but it seems the odds of Aguilar coming back next fall are slim to none. If this is really it, Tennessee will always hold a special place in its heart for Aguilar. He arrived at a chaotic moment, stepping in after Nico Iamaleava’s sudden departure, and immediately won over the fanbase. Aguilar thrived, producing in a brand-new environment, learning a new system, and doing it all in the SEC.
Based on Josh Heupel's actions in the portal, we can likely take away that he had the same thought. He wants Aguilar back next fall, but he's been keeping targets warm in the case that Aguilar is not granted another year. While it seems like he's never put the full-court press on anyone, Heupel has brought in Sam Leavitt, the No. 2 quarterback in the portal according to Saturday Blitz, and Missouri's Beau Pribula to visit Knoxville.
It's unlikely Heupel trots out George MacIntyre or Faizon Brandon next fall, but anything is possible. Many fans love that MacIntyre flashed last fall in minimal action. MacIntyre has all the physical tools you could want in a starter, but he does need to get stronger and work on learning the offense.
As for Brandon, there’s no doubt he’s a future star, as he was the No. 2 player in the 2026 class. However, asking a true freshman to be the QB1 next fall feels like a long shot, especially given Heupel had a disappointing 2025.
Josh Heupel now has a lot of work ahead of him, as the QB1 decision is the most important one he will make this offseason.