Joey Aguilar to transfer from UCLA following Nico Iamaleava commitment | Report
College football's quarterback carousel continues to churn in the transfer portal.
Following Tennessee QB Nico Iamaleava's official transfer to UCLA football on Sunday, the Bruins will now lose Joey Aguilar, who previously transferred to play for the Bruins during the offseason. He will now enter the portal looking for a place to start in his last season of eligibility.
Aguilar told ESPN's Pete Thamel of his intention to enter the portal on Monday morning.
Aguilar committed to UCLA back in December, and seemed poised to enter the 2025 season as the starter after transferring in from Appalachian State. The Antioch, California, had thrown for 3,000 yards in his last two seasons with the Mountaineers, and seemingly had the inside track to take over for 2024 starter Ethan Garbers, who exhausted his eligibility.
Aguilar began his career at Diablo Valley Community College in California before transferring to App State two years ago. There, he led the Mountaineers to a 14-11 record while throwing for 6,760 yards, 56 touchdowns and 24 interceptions in two seasons. He also added 456 yards and five touchdowns on the ground.
Following Iamaleava’s commitment to UCLA, the Bruins had nine quarterbacks on their roster, before Aguilar decided to transfer on Monday. Iamaleava and Tennessee decided to go their separate ways after the former five-star recruit missed a practice ahead of the Vols' spring game amid reported negotiations over his NIL deal.