Tennessee Hands the Keys to Joey Aguilar

The question’s been hovering over Knoxville all offseason. Who’s QB1 when the Vols run out in week one? Josh Heupel went ahead and ended the guessing game: Joey Aguilar is Tennessee’s starter.

It wasn’t shocking news. Most fans expected Aguilar to win the job. But what stood out wasn’t the who, it was the when. Heupel didn’t drag this into game week or try to play coy with Syracuse. He named his man, locked him in, and now Joey gets every first-team rep until toe meets leather.

The Fans React

Vol Nation lit up immediately, and the nicknames came pouring in.

• “Here comes the Aguilator.”
• “Joey Swaguilar.”
• “GI Joey.”
• “Throwy Joey.”
• “The Jaguilar.”
• And of course, “Joey Football.”

That’s pageantry, Tennessee-style. A new QB arrives, and the fanbase rallies with a mix of memes, pride, and cautious optimism.

One fan put it bluntly: “Always the expected outcome, but good to know he’s up to speed enough to lock it down before week 1.” Another added, “I’m glad Heupel decided to call it. Now he can get all the first-team reps and really start to dial it in.”

No Games With Syracuse

Some fans expected Heupel to keep Syracuse guessing, maybe juggling a few names to create film prep headaches. But most saw the early call as a sign of confidence. As one comment said, “If we need to play mind games to beat Syracuse, we are toast.”

Another fan kept it real: “Less gamesmanship from Heupel since it’s Syracuse week 1. If we were in a close game with Syracuse with a middle schooler at QB, we’re already screwed regardless.”

The Big Picture

There’s still skepticism. A practice-goer admitted, “I frankly was not impressed with Aguilar. He was missing deep, mid-range and short stuff. But I also think our defense will be stout, so I have no doubt he will improve.”

Others pointed to his Sun Belt success as proof he can handle it. “The cat had a really good Sun Belt season. That doesn’t happen when you can’t even begin to hit the broad side of a barn.”

Skeptics countered, “He was throwing against Sun Belt defenses. A very different speed, I imagine.” But another fan had the last word: “Compared to practice? A standout Sun Belt QB isn’t going to be lost in SEC practice.”

Representation Matters

One comment stood out beyond football. “Puerto Rican QB1, let’s go! The prophecy has been fulfilled.” The fan added, “Never understood the representation thing, but it does feel cool having someone who looks like me be the face of my favorite team. It’s like if one of us made it, we all made it.”

That’s bigger than X’s and O’s. That’s connection.

Expectations for 2025

The vibe is cautiously hopeful. Tennessee isn’t walking in with national title hype like last year, but fans know the roster still has teeth. The defense could surprise, the O-line is improved, and if Aguilar steadies the ship, the Vols could still be in the mix come November.

As one fan summed it up: “This is definitely a hope for the best, expect the worst kind of year. I hope Joey balls out and shines. If not, he’s a VFL in my book for even taking the risk.”

Final Word

It’s Joey Aguilar’s show now. Knoxville has handed him the keys, and the fanbase has handed him nicknames, memes, and cautious faith. Week one against Syracuse won’t define his career, but it will be the first page in Tennessee’s 2025 story.

Whether he’s “Joey Football” or “Throwy Joey,” one thing’s certain: Neyland will be rocking, and Vol Nation will be watching every throw.