All for Tennessee
Fansided

Joey Aguilar and Nico Iamaleava NIL deals again proves Tennessee won the 'trade'

Another reason for Vols fans to be happy Joey is the new starter.
ByBraulio Perez|
Tennessee quarterback Joey Aguilar (6) throws a pass during Tennessee football preseason practice, in Knoxville, Tennessee, July 31, 2025.
Tennessee quarterback Joey Aguilar (6) throws a pass during Tennessee football preseason practice, in Knoxville, Tennessee, July 31, 2025. | Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Once Aug. 30 gets here, it's time to see what Tennessee football and new starting quarterback Joey Aguilar can get done vs. Syracuse. Aguilar was officially named the new starter for this team, taking over for Nico Iamaleava, who has since made the move to UCLA.

Funny enough, Aguilar was set to be QB1 with the Bruins, but a 'trade' of sorts took place when Nico decided he didn't want to continue his college career in Knoxville. Several reports suggested that it was all about money for Iamaleava, who was set to make around $2.5 million with the Vols this season.

Thanks to Pete Nakos, we know that Iamaleava isn't making close to that. Per Nakos, Iamaleava and Aguilar are BOTH set to make around $1.2 million this season. So, Tennessee is saving more than $1 million by bringing in Aguilar and Iamaleava is getting paid close to the same with the Bruins? You tell us who came out on top of that QB switch:

Joey Aguilar and Nico Iamaleava are both set to make around $1.2 million this season

So, Iamaleava's camp held out for less money? At Big Ten Media Days, the former UT quarterback said this move was all about playing close to home and it wasn't a financial decision. It seems like that much was confirmed with Nakos' latest update.

As for Aguilar, he has continued to win over the Tennessee faithful thanks to how humble he is. On multiple occasions, he has passionately let everyone know that he could not be more thankful to be playing in the SEC with the Vols this campaign.

That's been incredible to see, but once the regular season gets here, he's going to have to command the offense with some pep in his step and with plenty of confidence. He tossed for more than 3,000 yards in back-to-back seasons with App State, but the SEC is a whole different ball game.

With Syracuse and East Tennessee State being the first two games of the year, the expectation is that Josh Heupel and his players will enter the Week 3 clash with Georgia at 2-0. Should Aguilar help the Vols pull off an upset over UGA and then ultimately power this team back to the CFP, people will be quick to say he was worth every penny of the $1.2 million or so he's taking home.

Home/Vols Football