The Vols’ QB Gamble: Could Keeping Nico Have Changed Tennessee’s Season?

By David Oglesby

Photo / UT Athletics - Design / Yudai Sugimoto

With the 2025 season of Tennessee almost over, an assessment of how they did and whether the quarterback change helped or hurt is a valid discussion. The departure of Nico Iamaleava, who led them to incredible heights the year prior, and the entrance of Appalachian State transfer Joey Aguilar have left many wondering if the Vols got what they expected and how they will fare going forward with Aguilar compared to if they had negotiated to keep Iamaleava.

Tennessee football was part of what was effectively the first-ever college football trade last spring when they swapped quarterbacks with UCLA. Of course, it wasn’t actually a trade. Nico Iamaleava entered the transfer portal after spring practice and found that the market was not as robust as he expected. UCLA and DeShaun Foster took advantage of the opportunity and brought the former five-star quarterback home to Southern California. This decision left Joey Aguilar in no man's land. Aguilar transferred to UCLA from Appalachian State back in the winter for his final season of eligibility. Ultimately, with both sides desperate, Aguilar landed at Tennessee and eventually beat out Jake Merklinger to become the Vols’ starting quarterback.

So how did the two compare? Let’s start statistically.

Statistical Comparison:

Aguilar put up some impressive numbers, completing 258 of 356 passes for 3,444 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. While he wasn’t a significant threat on the ground, he did rush for 104 yards and three touchdowns. The Antioch, California native pushed the ball downfield better than any quarterback at Tennessee since Hendon Hooker, combining accuracy with a knack for delivering intermediate passes. According to multiple sports news outlets, his play revitalized Tennessee’s passing game, which had suffered during the previous two seasons.

However, Aguilar's downside was turnovers. Known for being prone to mistakes, his 10 interceptions this season were double the previous high in Heupel’s era. This statistically weighed heavily against him as it demonstrated an inconsistency that Tennessee ultimately could not overlook.

In contrast, Iamaleava completed 208 of 323 passes for 1,928 yards, with 13 touchdowns and seven interceptions in 11 games at UCLA this season. His biggest strength was his dual-threat capability, rushing for 505 yards and four touchdowns. Iamaleava's shortcomings, however, surfaced once again, with issues regarding accuracy when throwing deep and a tendency to rely on his legs when pressured.

When comparing their teams' overall success, Aguilar had the advantage. Tennessee finished the season with an 8-4 record (4-4 SEC), despite not defeating a single FBS team that secured even six wins. Nonetheless, Aguilar guided the Volunteers to a milestone victory, leading them to their first win in The Swamp in 22 years.

Team Performance and Coaching Changes:

In a stark contrast, UCLA faced a disastrous season overall, starting with a 0-4 record. This included losses to teams like UNLV and New Mexico, which prompted the firing of Foster by the end of September. However, the Bruins managed a midseason resurgence, snagging consecutive wins against ranked opponents like Penn State, Michigan State, and Maryland. Despite the upswing, Iamaleava’s contributions didn’t translate into a successful season, and the Bruins ultimately finished with a disappointing 3-9 record, landing them at 12th place in the Big Ten.

Interestingly, while Iamaleava faced ongoing challenges with turnovers—including crucial mistakes during tight games—his performance mirrored that of Aguilar in certain respects. Each quarterback displayed flashes of brilliance but also moments that led to their teams' downfalls.

Looking Forward:

As for the future, Joey Aguilar hinted at potential plans for 2026 when asked about his long-term intentions. After Tennessee’s unfortunate loss to Vanderbilt, he did not shut down the possibility of returning if a forthcoming court ruling favors his NCAA eligibility. Aguilar is part of a lawsuit challenging the NCAA's junior college participation rule, which seeks to alter the eligibility window by excluding junior college seasons. If successful, he could gain an extra year of eligibility and potentially return to Tennessee.

Nico Iamaleava, too, is at a crossroads. Though he struggled throughout this season under a new coaching regime, he demonstrated potential that could continue to grow in sunny SoCal. A new chapter awaits with the arrival of Bob Chesney, who could provide the stability necessary for Iamaleava to flourish. However, there remains the possibility that he will have to compete for the starting job should Chesney opt to bring in his own players.

Conclusion: Who Wins?:

In evaluating the two quarterbacks, it is arguable that Tennessee may have performed better had they kept Iamaleava. His unique combination of passing and rushing ability made him a special talent. If he had maintained the form he exhibited the previous season, it’s plausible to speculate that the Vols would have faced more formidable opposition, perhaps even clinching a higher win total.

On the flip side, one can wonder how Aguilar would have fared had he remained at UCLA. Given Iamaleava's turbulent year, Aguilar could have brought a fresh perspective to the Bruins' struggling offense—especially with his established ability to connect on passing plays downfield. In an ideal scenario, he might have capitalized on the team’s midseason resurgence, pushing UCLA toward a more competitive ending.

Ultimately, both Iamaleava and Aguilar have significant decisions ahead. As they plan their futures—whether in college or aiming for professional careers—they’ll each have lessons learned from their tumultuous seasons. In a world where college football is ever-changing, their stories illustrate just how complex the sport has become, and how individual choices can resonate throughout their careers.