Despite being on the outside looking in for the College Football Playoff, the vibes are strong for Tennessee after the Vols destroyed the Gators in Gainesville. Standout quarterback Joey Aguilar was all smiles after the game, even hitting the Gator Chomp several times. Gotta love it.
Diego Pavia changes his tune with Tennessee vs. Vanderbilt up next
Come next Saturday, Aguilar will be playing in his home finale against Vanderbilt, as he'll be ready to say goodbye to the Tennessee faithful. Or is he? Earlier this week, news broke that Aguilar has joined the lawsuit as a plaintiff in trying to get JUCO players more eligibility. Because of this, might he be able to return next year? Aguilar was of course asked about that after the Tennessee win over Florida and his response didn't provide too much clarity on the situation.
"Nah, I've still got the same answer," Aguilar said via GoVols247 when asked if his plans have changed for next year. "I'm just going to finish out this year and see what happens."
Joey Aguilar has kept the door open for a surprise return to Tennessee next season
Aguilar saying he's going to finish out the year and then see what happens leaves everything pretty open-ended. On one hand, if he's given the opportunity to return to Knoxville next season, you've got to imagine he'll jump all over that option.
Tennessee is loaded with plenty of young talent and a push for the College Football Playoff should be on the way next season. If Aguilar is back behind center, it's only going to improve the Vols' chances of reaching the CFP for the second time in three years - that assumes they don't get in this year.
Currently, George MacIntyre and Jake Merklinger are also on the roster, while 5-star QB Faizon Brandon will make things official with Tennessee during the Early Signing Period. There's buzz that Merklinger could leave UT this winter, though.
Heupel could go shopping in the transfer portal again once it opens, but the uncertainty could be wiped away if Aguilar is somehow given another year of eligibility. He's going with the flow and not putting too much energy into that idea, but we don't have to tell you that the Tennessee faithful sure are. Getting Aguilar back would be unreal for Tennessee.