Aguilar started his career being named the Sun Belt Newcomer of the Year in 2023. He ended that season with MVP honors of the Cure Bowl, where he threw for 211 yards and rushed for a touchdown in a win over Miami (OH). In 2024, he was an All-Sun Belt honorable mention after starting 11 games.

Joey Aguilar will start at quarterback for Tennessee football against Syracuse in the 2025 season opener. UT made the announcement on Aug. 17.

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.