Tennessee quarterback Joey Aguilar’s bid for a seventh season has been denied by a judge, likely ending his college career. Aguilar was challenging the NCAA policy toward former junior-college players.
Tennessee quarterback Joey Aguilar’s bid for a seventh season took a major blow Friday when a judge denied his preliminary injunction, an action that will likely end his college career. Knox County (Tenn.) Chancellor Christopher Heagerty, who granted Aguilar a 15-day restraining order earlier this month, denied the injunction after a court hearing.
Aguilar, 24, was challenging the NCAA policy toward former junior-college players. He spent four seasons at the juco level before playing two seasons at Appalachian State and one at Tennessee. Aguilar didn’t see any action at the City College of San Francisco. He redshirted in 2019 and the 2020 season was canceled due to COVID-19. He played two seasons at Diablo Valley (2021-22) before joining App State prior to the 2023 season.
“The NCAA is thankful for the judge’s decision today which demonstrates the court’s consideration of eligibility standards and protecting access to the collegiate experience for current and future student-athletes,” the NCAA said in a statement, as reported by Field Level Media. “We will continue to defend the NCAA’s eligibility rules against attempts to circumvent foundational policies and hinder fair competition to all student-athletes. The NCAA is making changes to deliver more benefits to student-athletes and will continue to work with Congress to provide stability for all college athletes.”
Aguilar passed for 3,565 yards, 24 touchdowns and 10 interceptions for Tennessee. He initially chose to play for UCLA in 2025 but the plan changed when Tennessee’s Nico Iamaleava transferred to the Bruins. Aguilar then departed for Tennessee. Aguilar also passed for more than 3,000 yards in each of his two seasons at App State. He passed for a career-best 33 touchdowns in 2023.
Aguilar’s legal team could still appeal the ruling. But it seems more likely that Aguilar will turn his focus to the NFL draft. For more information on the NCAA’s eligibility rules, visit the official NCAA website.
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