Report: Aguilar joining Tennessee to replace Iamaleava
Joey Aguilar is trading places with Nico Iamaleava.
Aguilar plans to sign with Tennessee after entering the transfer portal Monday, sources told ESPN's Chris Low.
His deal is financially similar to his previous agreement with UCLA and will pay him approximately $1.2 million, sources told ESPN's Pete Thamel.
Aguilar - the former Appalachian State quarterback who transferred to UCLA this spring - recently decided to enter the portal after the Bruins landed Iamaleava, who led the Volunteers to their first College Football Playoff appearance last season.
Iamaleava's shocking exit from Tennessee took place after the two sides unsuccessfully negotiated an NIL deal. However, the dynamic passer's family claimed he left due to concerns about the Vols' offense for 2025.
Aguilar was productive during his two-season stint at Appalachian State, passing for 6,760 yards and 56 touchdowns against 24 interceptions, including an FBS-high 14 picks in 2024. He also rushed for five TDs.
He'll inherit a Tennessee offense that averaged 35.7 points and 447 yards per game in 2024. The Vols posted a 10-3 record last year, with their season ending with a 42-17 loss to Ohio State in the first round of the CFP.