Court Approves QB Aguilar’s Request for Additional Eligibility
Tennessee quarterback Joey Aguilar has successfully obtained a temporary restraining order in his legal battle with the NCAA. This order allows him to pursue an extra year of eligibility to continue his career with the Volunteers this fall.
Court Ruling Details
The order was issued by Chancellor Christopher D. Heagerty on Wednesday. Aguilar filed his lawsuit last week in Knox County Chancery Court, seeking to exclude his junior college years from counting against his eligibility.
Heagerty stated that Aguilar “has demonstrated a substantial likelihood of success on the merits of his claim.” The restraining order is set to last for 15 days, pending a hearing on the injunction.
Aguilar’s Background and College Career
Before joining Tennessee, Aguilar had an extensive college football journey. He played at Diablo Valley Community College in California from 2021 to 2022 and then transferred to Appalachian State, where he participated in the 2023 and 2024 seasons.
In the last season, Aguilar completed 67.3% of his passes, throwing for 3,565 yards with 24 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Prior to his time in junior college, he redshirted at City College of San Francisco in 2019, and his 2020 season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The NCAA Controversy
Aguilar had previously removed himself from a federal lawsuit initiated by Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia. Pavia’s lawsuit challenged NCAA regulations that include junior college seasons in eligibility determinations for Division I football players.
- Pavia filed his lawsuit against the NCAA in November 2024.
- He received a preliminary injunction, allowing him to play for Vanderbilt in 2025.
- Pavia finished as the runner-up for the Heisman Trophy.
- The NCAA has appealed the injunction but issued a waiver for other junior college athletes.
Significance of Aguilar’s Case
Overall, Aguilar’s appeal highlights significant challenges for players navigating complex NCAA eligibility rules. The outcome of his case remains uncertain, especially as a ruling on Pavia’s lawsuit is not expected before February 10.
Chancellor Heagerty’s ruling acknowledged the urgency of Aguilar’s situation, pointing out that continued delays threaten to hinder his career opportunities. “Each day that passes leaves Aguilar unable to prepare and jeopardizes major career opportunities,” Heagerty noted.
