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Judge's explanation for denying Joey Aguilar an extra Vols season is beyond infuriating

This is just too bad.
Conner Linsner
Conner Linsner

All for Tennessee

Chancellor Chris Heagerty questions NCAA attorney Taylor Askew during a hearing for Tennessee quarterback Joey Aguilar in Knox County Chancery Court in Knoxville, Tenn., on Feb. 13, 2026. / Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Friday afternoon, a week after Joey Aguilar's hearing for his eligibility case, it was reported that Aguilar was denied his extra year. Vols fans were all upset, and it was sad to see Aguilar not able to get one more season. Tennessee and Aguilar have yet to make an official statement, but I'm sure one will come soon.

The most frustrating part about this is the basis on which Judge Heagerty ruled. He said, "Other DI athletes in a similar position may be impacted and cause sweeping implications and significant ambiguity and uncertainty regarding the eligibility rules of the NCAA.”

I guess Heagerty thought it would just cause too much harm moving forward? I know this isn't all his fault, but when it comes to these rulings between the NCAA and players' eligibility, there is so much inconsistency, it's infuriating. I guess Aguilar has to fall on the sword because Heagerty didn't wanna open up Pandora's box, which is frustrating for Aguilar, Heupel, and Tennessee football fans.

Aguilar had a legit gripe against the NCAA, but it always felt like an uphill battle for the star quarterback. Courts always seem to avoid ruling on injunctions like this, especially when it comes to a large organization like the NCAA. It's too bad, and we don't get to see Aguiilar in the orange and white one more time.

Joey Aguilar had a great career no matter what

Aguilar will always be known as a hero when it comes to Tennessee fans. When Nico left, the Vols needed an option that was reliable and could keep them afloat, and he did just that. It’s unfortunate we won’t get to see him for another season, especially considering he looked poised to build on his SEC-leading passing performance from last fall.

Now, Tennnessee will have an open compeoption fot their QB1 spot and Aguilar will begin his prep for the NFL Draft. Thank you for everything, Joey.

Conner Linsner

Conner Linsner

Conner is the Site Expert at All for Tennessee, covering Tennessee Volunteers athletics. He has been covering college and professional sports on various FanSided sites since 2020. After graduating from Wayne State University in 2024, he decided his passion for collegiate and professional athletics had driven him to work in sports media. Conner has been to over half of the Major League Baseball stadiums with his father and plans to hit every single ballpark in the majors. Conner's work has also been featured on Sports Illustrated.