From Junior College to the SEC: Aguilar’s Unorthodox Path
Joey Aguilar’s route to the Volunteer program (and to potential NFL prospects) is far from traditional, which is part of what makes his story compelling.
Aguilar is from Antioch, California, and played at Freedom High School before beginning his college career at City College of San Francisco (CCSF).
He later transferred to Diablo Valley College, where he showed dual-threat ability throwing and occasionally rushing.
His next move was to Appalachian State, where he had two strong seasons. Over those years, he amassed solid passing numbers (by some accounts over 6,700 yards and 56 touchdowns) in an offense that suited his strengths.
For 2025, Aguilar transferred again this time landing at Tennessee. He arrived in the Vols’ program shortly after former Tennessee QB Nico Iamaleava transferred to UCLA in what many viewed as a quarterback “swap.”
By August 17, 2025, Aguilar won the starting job at Tennessee, edging out Jake Merklinger and George MacIntyre.
In his Vols debut (vs. Syracuse), he completed 16 of 28 passes for 247 yards and three touchdowns in a 45–26 win, delivering flashes of his ceiling.
So Aguilar brings with him experience, resilience, and a proven ability to adapt to different offenses. That versatility will likely be viewed favorably by NFL scouts, especially in long-term evaluation.
What He’s Doing Now: The 2025 Season and Momentum
Before anyone can seriously project Aguilar into the 2026 NFL Draft, he needs to show consistency against SEC defenses and perform under the toughest conditions. Early signs, however, are promising:
Aguilar has extended a career streak of 28 consecutive games with at least 200 passing yards, a rare mark of consistency at the FBS level.
Analysts have credited him with elevating Tennessee’s offense under head coach Josh Heupel’s system.
His early 2025 performance earned him increased attention in Heisman Trophy discussions, indicating national visibility beyond just the SEC.
Media voices and former players have praised his film study habits, football IQ, decision-making, and ability to orchestrate both short and deep throws.
Still, it’s not all smooth sailing. Some reports suggest a few concerns remain, such as adjustments to defensive complexities, consistency in reads under pressure, and quarterback footwork in the pocket. One source noted that a UCLA coach had raised questions about his film room habits earlier in his trajectory.
It’s also worth noting that Aguilar is not viewed as a “sure thing” for 2026 he’s a project with upside. One national media outlet cautioned that, while being “pinned” as a possible 2026 draftee is encouraging, a full SEC season will be instrumental in shaping how NFL evaluators view him.
The Draft Projection: Why He’s on the Radar (and What He Needs to Prove)
So why is Aguilar being floated as a potential 2026 NFL Draft pick? And what must he do to solidify that status?
Why the buzz is justified
Size and physical profile
Aguilar is listed at about 6′3″, 225 lbs, which is within the prototypical range for NFL quarterbacks.
Experience and production
With multiple seasons of starting under his belt (including against stronger competition than many traditional JUCO-to-Power-5 jumpers), he already has a body of work to evaluate—something many “one-and-done” QBs don’t.
Consistency and volume
The 200+ passing yards streak is a rare metric that signals he can sustain production game after game.
Adaptability
Moving from JUCO to mid-major, then to the SEC and thriving in different offensive systems suggests he can handle schematic complexity.
Upside under the radar
Because he came in via transfers and isn’t from a high-profile recruiting background, he may fly under the radar early, making him a potential value pick if he outperforms expectations.
What he must show to validate the hype
Elite performances vs. top-tier defenses: Strong games vs. SEC powerhouses will carry more weight than gaudy stats against weaker opponents.
Progression in reads and pocket mechanics: Scouts will closely examine how quickly and cleanly he processes pre-snap/post-snap reads, and his mechanics under duress.
Limiting turnovers: He must minimize interceptions and poor decisions, especially in highly scrutinized “on-ball” games.
Leadership, poise, and demeanor: Intangibles matter a lot at the QB spot. The way he handles adversity, third downs, big-game pressure, and sideline adjustments will be judged heavily.
Health and durability: A clean 2025 season without injury will bolster confidence in his long-term resilience.
Challenges & Risks That Could Temper His Stock
No prospect is without red flags, and Aguilar has some challenges to overcome:
Age and wear
Because he’s had multiple stops and has logged a fair number of snaps, evaluators might be wary of “how many miles on the car.”
Late arrival in SEC spotlight
He hasn’t yet been battle-tested against consistent top-10 defenses; it’s in the coming months that he must prove he belongs on that stage.
System vs. “NFL translator” concerns
Some QBs who thrive in college systems struggle to translate to NFL game speed or decision-making constraints.
Perception and pedigree
Coming from lesser-known programs and having transferred often, he might get overlooked in favor of flashier names unless he forces attention.
The Big Picture: Where Aguilar Fits Into the 2026 QB Landscape
The 2026 quarterback class is expected to have multiple high-profile names (for example, Dante Moore leads many early boards at QB). Aguilar sits somewhat behind the radar but with the potential to climb.
As of the latest “Rookie Big Board” rankings, Aguilar is listed among quarterbacks in the 2026 class not at the very top, but ranked as a notable prospect. That signals he is on the scouting radars but will need to elevate his play to break into top-tier projections.
If he can deliver a season of signature wins, low turnover rates, and clear improvement under pressure, teams might view him as a dark-horse mid-round (or possibly late-round) target in 2026.
Labeling a college quarterback a “future pro pick” is always speculative, but Joey Aguilar has the ingredients that make the speculation reasonable. His non-linear pathway, consistency, adaptability, and early success at Tennessee give him a narrative that scouts and media alike can rally around.
Yet, the next several months are critical. His performances in big games, his handling of adversity, and improved mechanics and decision-making will ultimately determine whether he’s just a “possible” selection for 2026 or someone who has forced himself into serious consideration.
