Joey Aguilar's request for a preliminary injunction was denied by Chancellor Chris Heagerty in Knox County Chancery Court on Feb. 20, upholding NCAA eligibility rules for former junior college players. The 24-year-old Aguilar, who led the SEC with 3,565 passing yards in 2025, will now pursue a professional career after attending the NFL scouting combine on Feb. 27. Tennessee's spring practice begins March 16 with a three-man quarterback competition. George MacIntyre, a former four-star recruit, may have a slight advantage after spending a year in coach Josh Heupel's offensive system, while five-star prospect Faizon Brandon enrolled in January and must first learn the offense. Colorado transfer Ryan Staub brings more experience as a backup who completed 30 of 55 passes for 427 yards with three touchdowns and four interceptions in 2025.
Tennessee QB Race Opens After Aguilar Denied
Tennessee football faces another quarterback change as Joey Aguilar's eligibility bid was denied, setting up a three-way competition between George MacIntyre, Faizon Brandon, and Ryan Staub.