For the first time since his coaching days, Nick Saban is back in Knoxville this weekend. Yup, Tennessee football and Georgia are facing off soon in what will be the best contest of the day and everyone can't wait for it.
While on The Pat McAfee Show on Friday, Saban was asked about the Vols and what they've been able to get done thus far this campaign. Saban didn't hold back in telling McAfee that he's been impressed with both Josh Heupel and Aguilar, with the two exceeding expectations. This will surely have Vols fans even more excited for kickoff vs UGA to get here:
Tennessee football vs. Georgia final odds and a prediction
"I think Josh Heupel does a great job with the offense and Joey Aguilar does a great job of executing the offense..
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) September 12, 2025
If they can run the ball against you it's gonna be a real tough day" ~ Coach Saban #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/68QBTKn2Yn
Nick Saban is a big fan of what Joey Aguilar is getting done with Tennessee football
"I think Josh Heupel does a great job with the offensive team," Saban said. "And I think Joey Aguilar does a great job of executing the offense. He actually executes the offense to me a little better than even Nico (Iamaleava) did. Now Nico is the better athlete, he can run faster and all that, but when it comes to accuracy and decision making, Joey Aguilar does a really good job - that's important for Josh Heupel's offense."
It's easy to agree with Saban there. There's been a lot of talk about the Vols winning the 'QB trade' from this offseason, with things surely looking that way early on. On Friday night, Iamaleava and UCLA fell to 0-3 on the year, shockingly losing at home to New Mexico.
The season has not gone according to plan for Nico and his camp. As for Aguilar and the Vols, they're getting ready to host College GameDay on Saturday, with the No. 6 team in the country on campus. Again, this is the best game of the day for everyone to enjoy.
It's also going to be the toughest test for Aguilar of his college career. Saban and countless others have been enjoying the show he's put on in his first two games, but now that SEC play is about to get started, the challenge of playing at such a strong level will be raised. With that said, Saban has confidence in the veteran signal-caller and the feeling is shared by everyone in Knoxville.