Josh Heupel receives Big Joey Aguilar judgment on the costs of Nico Iamaleava

After a shocking push to the play -off of the University Football a year ago, the full focus of the attention of the University Football, only for the story to take a dramatic turn when Star Quarterback Nico Iamaleava Suddenly left for UCLA, so that fans and experts scratch their heads and wondered what is in store for the program. Josh Heupel, who celebrated fans as an offensive brain, is now being examined. Critics set his talent evaluation and development skills, in particular in the field of attack, more than ever before.

When Nico left, the volunteers looked at the portal again and certainly assured it Joey Aguilar from UCLA (the same school Iamaleava left). Yet there are doubts whether he can effectively replace one of the roster on the Roster-Hem. The attack, built on the Speed ​​demon, high-flying basic principles that husel has made legendary, is about to take on the biggest challenge so far. And, On3’s JD Pickell has already prepared his judgment.

“The experience factor for Joey Aguilar and what he brings to the table here is very different from what you have with Nico Iamaleava.” Said Pickell. He added“In the course of the season, while watching the kind of football that Joey Aguilar plays with, if nothing else, it will be confident.” That is a daring statement from Pickell. In two seasons, Aguilar built 6,760 Yards and 56 touchdowns, recorded school records and demonstrated that he could perform under pressure when the bet was high. When he made the switch to UCLA, his story seemed to go to the west that the Merry-Go-Round of the Quarterback turned again, and Nico’s move to Ucla left Tennessee to a leader. That was when Aguilar came together, acting blue and gold for orange and white.

“And so I think it’s great for Tennessee because it gives you an authoritative presence in your attack if he will eventually win the job“Said Pickell.”It is a very different personality that plays Quarterback for you than Nico Iamaleava from a playstyle perspective. Joey Aguilar is going to cut it off, man. He will let it tear, “ He adds. Aguilar has gained experience in kicking. Nico was flashy and promising, but Aguilar went through the fire; He started 24 games, directed comebacks and MVPs taken in Bowl games. He is not a man with a big arm; He is a winner who understands how he can save his team when the chips are down.

Pickell admits that Aguilar does not hesitate to take the trouble: “It does not mean that Nico Iamaleava could not have come there, but it was a projection, right? You hoped it would eventually happen. How often, like one of them, you sit there and say: man, he was open. I wish Nico would have let it tear. That was a thought. Or b, you say, man, he was open. ‘ For Nico, every breathtaking, 86-Yard bomb, there were times when receivers come loose, and he hesitated or could not pull the tractor. That is not a knock on him it is just part of the growing pins for a first-year starter.

With Aguilar at the helm, De Vols don’t want magic – they count on a man who has already reached it at a high level. Scouts consider him one of the top 25 quarterbacks in the nation for 2025, and some rank him as high as the 50th best player in the country. So while the vols prepares for Syracuse in their season opener, all eyes are aimed at Aguilar. Can he deliver the hype? Can he be the leader who needs Tennessee? If his performance from the past is something to enter into, the answer is in the affirmative.

Joey Aguilar step into the fire

Joey Aguilar not only takes over an ordinary QB performance -he takes over one of the most viewed spots in university football, with a fan base screaming for another play -off Push and a schedule as accommodating as a SEC -Linebacker. De Vols start against Syracuse and then play Georgia, Alabama, Oklahoma and Florida. And to worsen the problem, the receiving corps is young, inexperienced and without star power.

There is Mike Matthews, Chris Brazzell II, Beylon Staley and Amari Jefferson, who have not yet taken a pass at the university. So what is the truth here? Aguilar has the possibility – no question about that. He is a double threat with a strong arm, a playmaker under Duress, and the kind of experience that comes from starting 24 games and directing comebacks. But he has also been eligible for a year and he learns his fourth violation in 28 months.

With the abrupt departure of Nico, there is uncertainty in the atmosphere that Aguilar should help relieve. He must win his teammates, get their confidence and show that he can be the leader who must have this team all while he tries to learn to learn Josh Heupel’s High-Speed, Signal-heavy attack.