Joey Aguilar Named Tennessee QB1 Over Jake Merklinger After Nico Iamaleava Transfer

Tennessee announced on Sunday that Joey Aguilar will be the starting quarterback to open the 2025 season.

Aguilar, who spent the last two seasons at Appalachian State, succeeds Nico Iamaleava following Iamaleava's transfer to UCLA. He beat out redshirt freshman Jake Merklinger to become QB1.

Aguilar initially committed to UCLA, with the Antioch, California, native returning to his home state. In what amounted to a trade, he swapped the Bruins for the Volunteers following Iamaleava's exit and move to Los Angeles.

During a press conference last week, Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel didn't tip his hand as to how the quarterback battle would end. He at least indicated Aguilar was adjusting nicely to a new offense, though.

"I thought he handled himself very well. That's today," Heupel told reporters. "I think he's gotten better from Day 1 up until today's scrimmage every single day. Comfort. Control. He's handled himself extremely well during our night walkthroughs, which is mental focus, a mental sweat. Because of that, he's extremely comfortable in what we're doing right now."

Aguilar had an obvious experience edge over Merklinger and George MacIntyre, a true freshman who was the No. 13 quarterback in 247Sports' composite rankings. As a two-year starter at App State, he threw for 6,760 yards, 56 touchdowns and 24 interceptions. He had another 452 rushing yards and five touchdowns.

Tennessee kicks off the year on Aug. 30 against Syracuse. Aguilar will have a few weeks to get accustomed to the starting role before the Vols host No. 5 Georgia on Sept. 13.