UCLA QB Joey Aguilar Expected to Sign with Tennessee

In a rare quarterback swap, Joey Aguilar is transferring from UCLA to Tennessee, while Nico Iamaleava moves from Tennessee to UCLA after a contentious dispute over NIL compensation. Aguilar, who had just joined UCLA from Appalachian State and was expected to start, now heads to Tennessee following Iamaleava's abrupt exit and subsequent UCLA commitment. Iamaleava led Tennessee to the College Football Playoff last season but left amid disagreements with the program, though his camp disputes money was the main issue. Aguilar brings significant experience, having thrown for over 6,700 yards and 56 touchdowns in two seasons at Appalachian State and was named Sun Belt Newcomer of the Year in 2023. At Tennessee, Aguilar will compete for the starting job alongside Jake Merklinger and George MacIntyre. The unusual quarterback trade highlights the evolving landscape of college football amid NIL-driven transfers.