In a recent episode of the Greg McElroy and Cole Cubelic podcast, noted sports analyst Paul Finebaum shared his insights regarding Tennessee quarterback Joey Aguilar. Finebaum expressed a strong belief that Aguilar will be granted an additional year of eligibility, citing the judge”s repeated references to Tennessee as “we” during legal proceedings.
Aguilar, who has been awaiting news on his eligibility status, currently has no definitive timeline for when a decision will be reached, as his next court date remains unspecified. If granted the extra year, Aguilar is expected to be the starting quarterback for the Volunteers, maintaining continuity in the offense which had seen success in the previous season. However, should his appeal fail, Tennessee would likely enter a competitive quarterback battle among Faizon Brandon, Ryan Staub, and George MacIntyre.
Aguilar has had an interesting journey in college football, having spent only one season with the Volunteers after transferring from UCLA without appearing in a game. His previous experience at Appalachian State had established him as a standout in the group of five quarterbacks in the nation.
During his tenure with Tennessee, Aguilar has made a significant impact, ranking in the top-20 nationally for passing yards, passing touchdowns, and overall passing efficiency as the season progressed. He notably achieved a season-high of 29 completions for 393 passing yards and three touchdowns in a game against No. 18 Oklahoma.
His impressive performances include a 10-for-10 start against Florida and a career-high completion rate during a victory over the Gators, demonstrating his ability to perform under pressure. Aguilar”s statistics also reflect his ability to connect on deep passes, with several touchdowns coming from 32 yards or more, including a remarkable 72-yard touchdown.
As the Volunteers look ahead, Finebaum”s insights may provide hope for the team”s future, especially if Aguilar can continue to build on his successful debut season. The outcome of his eligibility case could significantly influence Tennessee”s aspirations for the coming years.
