At this point, it's starting to feel like things are going to end up moving in Tennessee's favor when it comes to stud quarterback Joey Aguilar pushing for an extra season of eligibility. Many of us thought Aguilar was going to leave Knoxville, but let's hold the phone on that.
Joey Aguilar reportedly files lawsuit to keep his 2026 Tennessee dream alive
Reporter Adam Sparks of the Knoxville News Sentinel has been all over Aguilar's legal pursuit to be back on the field in 2026 with the Vols. On Wednesday morning, he provided another monster update, reporting that Aguilar was just 'granted a temporary restraining order against NCAA eligibility rules.' Yeah, this is pretty major:
BREAKING:
— Adam Sparks (@AdamSparks) February 4, 2026
Tennessee quarterback Joey Aguilar has been granted a temporary restraining order against NCAA eligibility rules by a Knoxville judge.
It serves as the first step toward his potential return for the Vols in the 2026 season.https://t.co/nao9VUzzWT
Tennessee QB Joey Aguilar is doing everything he can to return next season
A 2019 high school graduate, Aguilar joined the City College of San Francisco, but was a redshirt during his freshman season. Then in 2020, COVID prevented him from taking the field. The veteran QB then spent two seasons at Diablo Valley Community College before suiting up for App State in 2023 and 2024.
His fifth season came with the Vols, with Tennessee welcoming him with open arms. He quickly won over the fanbase, and again, the expectation was that he'd be one and done playing in the SEC. That's now unknown, as Aguilar has just taken quite the step forward in getting that extra year of playing time he desperately wants.
Last campaign for the Vols, the 6-3, 225-pounder tossed for 3,565 yards and 24 touchdowns. While he was far from perfect, he surely turned heads with his strong play, especially in the near upset of Georgia in September.
For now, things are up in the air for Aguilar, but the temporary restraining order makes it seem like positive steps are being taken. Ryan Staub, George MacIntyre and Faizon Brandon are also hoping to turn heads this spring and fall, but if Aguilar can work his magic, then Tennessee will be set with its QB1 for when Week 1 gets here.