Tennessee football has a roster position and NIL funds ready for quarterback Joey Aguilar, contingent on the outcome of his lawsuit against the NCAA for an additional season of eligibility.
The lawsuit was filed on Friday in Knox County Chancery Court, as detailed in documents obtained by On3 on Monday.
The complaint states, “If this Court provides Aguilar relief from the NCAA’s JUCO rule soon, then Tennessee will welcome him back to the roster.”
“His potential earnings for playing college football in 2026 could approach $2 million. Thus, the NCAA’s application of his JUCO years against him denies Aguilar millions of dollars.”
Aguilar is requesting an emergency temporary restraining order against the NCAA, emphasizing the urgency for a prompt resolution.
The lawsuit adds, “Aguilar needs a quick decision to determine whether to join spring practice or prepare for the NFL draft.”
Having played only three years of Division I ball—two seasons at Appalachian State before transferring to Tennessee last April—Aguilar had previously competed at Diablo Community College in California during 2021 and 2022.
The case highlights Aguilar’s time with the Vols as the only season where he significantly profited from football, earning over $1 million in 2025. The Vols are projected to head into the 2026 season with options like redshirt freshman George MacIntyre and Colorado transfer Ryan Staub at quarterback, but Aguilar would likely be viewed as the starter if eligible.
Moreover, the lawsuit argues the uncertainty of an NFL career diminishes Aguilar’s prospects, stressing that securing a fourth full season would greatly enhance his draft potential.
Aguilar recently underwent surgery to treat a benign tumor on his arm, which impacted his performance last season. Despite this, he managed to have a standout season, according to the complaint, which emphasizes the injury’s severity and its effect on his playing ability.
Joey Aguilar Voluntarily Dismissed from Diego Pavia Lawsuit
Previously, Aguilar was one of 26 plaintiffs in the Diego Pavia lawsuit, which successfully secured another season of eligibility for the Vanderbilt quarterback due to similar circumstances. Last week, Aguilar opted for a voluntary dismissal from the Pavia case to pursue his rights independently.
The lawsuit asserts that junior college football should not count against NCAA eligibility, claiming that the NCAA’s restrictions violate antitrust laws. “Following a standout 2025 season, the NCAA is blocking Aguilar from participating in a fourth year of Division I football, denying Tennessee a talented quarterback and robbing Aguilar of significant financial opportunities,” the complaint concludes.
