The Nico Iamaleava NIL escapade at Tennessee ended up in, basically, a trade. Iamaleava left the program over a monetary dispute. He transferred to UCLA. And Aguilar transferred from UCLA to Tennessee.

No. 24 Tennessee has decided on its new starting quarterback. Joey Aguilar, who transferred in from UCLA following the departure of Nico Iamaleava, will lead the offense onto the field when the Vols open their season against Syracuse in Atlanta on Aug. 30, the program announced.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Tennessee Officially Names Starting QB After Nico Iamaleava's Departure. Tennessee has found its replacement at starting quarterback following the tumultuous departure of Nico Iamaleava. As expected, the Volunteers have named Joey Aguilar their starter for the upcoming 2025 season.