Joey Aguilar

NFL Draft Profile: Joey Aguilar

Position: Quarterback | School: Tennessee (via App State/UCLA) | Class: Senior

Height: 6'3" | Weight: 225 lbs | Archetype: Gunslinger

College Career Summary

Joey Aguilar’s path to Knoxville is one of the most unique journeys in college football history. After a prolific stint at Appalachian State, where he shattered single-season records for passing yards and touchdowns, he briefly transferred to UCLA in the spring of 2025. However, after a "transfer portal trade" of sorts involving Nico Iamaleava, Aguilar landed at Tennessee.

Winning the starting job in fall camp, Aguilar brought a "no-fear" mentality to Josh Heupel’s high-octane offense. His 2025 campaign was a statistical success, leading the SEC in passing yards for much of the year and finishing with over 3,400 yards. While Tennessee’s 8-4 finish was a step back from their 2024 heights, Aguilar proved he could play at the highest level, delivering signature performances against Georgia and Kentucky. He leaves college football with an active streak of 36 consecutive games with 200+ passing yards, the longest in the nation.

2025 Season Statistical Highlights

• Passing Yards: 3,444

• Completion %: 66.8%

• Touchdowns: 24 Passing, 3 Rushing

• Interceptions: 10

• Passer Rating: 157.1

2025 Game-by-Game Grades

Week	Opponent	Stats (Cmp/Att, Yds, TD/INT)	Grade	Scout's Notes
1	vs Syracuse	16/28, 247 Yds, 3 TD/0 INT	A	Dynamic debut. Showed immediate comfort in Heupel’s vertical shots.
2	vs ETSU	23/31, 288 Yds, 2 TD/0 INT	A-	Clinical and efficient. Distributed the ball to seven different targets.
3	vs #1 Georgia	24/36, 371 Yds, 4 TD/2 INT	A-	The Heavyweight Fight. Massive yardage against an elite defense.
4	@ Miss State	24/40, 335 Yds, 1 TD/2 INT	B-	High yardage but struggled with red-zone turnovers in a narrow win.
5	vs Arkansas	16/25, 221 Yds, 1 TD/0 INT	B+	Played "winning ball." Took the profit underneath and moved the sticks.
6	@ #10 Alabama	28/44, 268 Yds, 1 TD/1 INT	B	High-volume day in a hostile environment; mechanics held up under heat.
7	@ Kentucky	20/26, 396 Yds, 3 TD/0 INT	A+	The Masterpiece. Averaged 15.2 yards per attempt. Total dominance.
8	vs Oklahoma	29/45, 393 Yds, 3 TD/2 INT	B+	Put the team on his back, but two late picks proved costly in a 33-27 loss.
9	vs New Mexico St	17/23, 204 Yds, 1 TD/2 INT	C+	A rare lack of focus; unforced errors against an inferior opponent.
10	@ Florida	17/22, 204 Yds, 1 TD/0 INT	A-	Efficient and mistake-free in a statement road victory.
11	vs Vanderbilt	29/44, 299 Yds, 1 TD/0 INT	B-	Solid volume, but the offense lacked "explosiveness" in a rivalry loss.

NFL Scouting Report

Strengths

• Gunslinger Mentality: Aguilar is never afraid to pull the trigger. He excels at attacking the intermediate and deep parts of the field, showing elite "anticipation touch" on vertical routes.

• Prototypical Durability: At 225 lbs, he has a thick, sturdy frame. He is a "tough out" in the pocket and has shown the ability to play through minor dings without losing velocity.

• Volume Operator: He is at his best when the game is on his shoulders. He is comfortable throwing 40+ times a game and maintains his accuracy even with high usage.

• Rapid Release: To survive in the Tennessee system, he developed a quick, flick-of-the-wrist delivery that minimizes sack opportunities.

Weaknesses

• Interception Variance: His aggressiveness is a double-edged sword. He will occasionally try to "hero ball" a pass into triple coverage instead of taking a check-down.

• Deep Ball Consistency: While he has the arm to get it there, his deep ball can occasionally "float," allowing NFL-speed safeties time to recover.

• Limited Scrambling Threat: While he can move the chains on a designed draw, he isn't a true dual-threat. He is a "pocket-first" operator who uses his legs as a last resort.

Scheme Fit

• Primary Fit: Vertical Air Raid / Spread. He would be an ideal developmental project for a team like the Miami Dolphins or Arizona Cardinals—systems that value quick decision-making and deep-field aggression.

Scout's Final Word

"Joey Aguilar is the 2026 class's version of a high-ceiling veteran. He has more 'live' reps than almost any QB in the country and has produced at every stop. While he doesn't have the 'blue-chip' pedigree of a top-5 pick, his ability to diagnose SEC defenses and deliver under pressure makes him a very attractive Mid-Round (Round 4-5) prospect who could develop into a reliable NFL starter."