On Tuesday, he earned a preseason honor by being selected to the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award preseason watchlist ahead of the 2025 season. He was one of 58 quarterbacks to get selected to the preseason watchlist The award is presented to the top senior or upperclassman quarterback who is on track to graduate with his class.

For the third time in five years under Josh Heupel, Tennessee is turning to a transfer to start at quarterback. Former Appalachian State star Joey Aguilar, who spent spring practice at UCLA, beat redshirt freshman Jake Merklinger in a training camp battle for the right to lead the Vols as they look to follow up their first College Football Playoff appearance in program history.

Joey Aguilar is set start at quarterback for No. 24 Tennessee in the Volunteers’ season opener against Syracuse.