At 24 years old, many college football fans are searching how old is Joey Aguilar as the Tennessee Volunteers quarterback continues to draw national attention during the 2025–26 season. His age, experience, and unconventional path through college football have made him one of the most intriguing players in the NCAA today.
Joey Aguilar, whose full name is Jose “Joey” Aguilar, was born on June 16, 2001, in Antioch, California. As of February 2026, he is 24 years old. While that age might seem slightly older than the typical college quarterback, Aguilar’s journey through junior college football, pandemic disruptions, and multiple transfers explains the extended timeline of his collegiate career.
Early Life and High School Career
Aguilar grew up in Northern California and attended Freedom High School in Oakley. There, he developed into a promising quarterback known for his arm strength and leadership skills. Though he showed clear potential, he did not immediately land at a major Division I program out of high school.
Instead, Aguilar chose the junior college route, a path many athletes take to develop further and earn opportunities at higher levels of competition. That decision would eventually shape his entire football story.
Junior College Years and the COVID Disruption
In 2019, Aguilar enrolled at City College of San Francisco. He redshirted his first season, preserving eligibility while adjusting to college-level football. The following year, the 2020 season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which halted competition across many college programs nationwide.
With limited game experience during that stretch, Aguilar later transferred to Diablo Valley College. It was there that he began to showcase the talent that would ultimately elevate him to the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) level.
His junior college experience built resilience and maturity. Unlike many quarterbacks who follow a straight path from high school to Power Five programs, Aguilar’s route demanded patience and persistence.
Breakthrough at Appalachian State
Aguilar’s major breakthrough came after transferring to Appalachian State University. He became the starting quarterback and quickly made an impact.
During the 2023 season, he threw for more than 3,700 yards and 33 touchdowns, setting school records and positioning himself among the most productive quarterbacks in the Sun Belt Conference. His strong arm, mobility, and decision-making ability allowed Appalachian State to maintain a dynamic offense throughout the season.
His performance put him on the national radar. Analysts and fans began paying close attention to his development, especially given his unconventional path and maturity level compared to many of his peers.
Transfer to Tennessee and SEC Spotlight
Ahead of the 2025 season, Aguilar transferred to the University of Tennessee. Competing in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) placed him on one of the biggest stages in college football.
At Tennessee, he stepped into a leadership role within the Volunteers’ offense. During the 2025 season, Aguilar passed for more than 3,500 yards and recorded 24 touchdown passes. He consistently delivered in high-pressure SEC matchups, demonstrating both poise and athleticism.
His size — listed at 6-foot-3 and approximately 225 pounds — fits the modern quarterback prototype. He combines physical presence with the ability to extend plays, making him a dual-threat option capable of stretching defenses.
Eligibility Battle and 2026 Season Developments
One of the most significant developments in Aguilar’s story involves his eligibility status for the 2026 season.
Because of his redshirt year, the COVID-19 disruption, and multiple transfers, Aguilar’s college timeline extends beyond the typical five-year window. In early February 2026, a Knox County judge issued a temporary restraining order preventing the NCAA from enforcing eligibility restrictions while his case proceeds.
This legal action allows him to participate in team activities and pursue continued eligibility as the situation unfolds. The outcome of this case could have broader implications for how eligibility rules apply to athletes who spent time in junior college programs or were impacted by pandemic-related disruptions.
For now, Aguilar remains actively connected to the Tennessee program as his eligibility status moves through the legal process.
Leadership and Playing Style
Aguilar’s on-field style blends aggressiveness with calculated risk-taking. He is comfortable pushing the ball downfield but also shows discipline when reading defenses. His experience across multiple programs has sharpened his understanding of different offensive systems.
Coaches have praised his leadership presence in the locker room. Being 24 years old gives him added maturity compared to many college quarterbacks, which often translates into steadier decision-making during critical game moments.
He also demonstrates mobility, extending plays with his legs when protection breaks down. That versatility keeps defenses guessing and makes him difficult to scheme against.
Academic and Personal Background
Beyond football, Aguilar has completed his undergraduate degree, balancing academics alongside the demands of Division I athletics. His long journey through multiple schools required adaptability not only on the field but also in the classroom.
He comes from a supportive family background and has often credited his parents for encouraging perseverance throughout his career. His story reflects determination through setbacks, delays, and unexpected turns.
NFL Potential and Future Outlook
Given his age and extensive college experience, Aguilar has naturally drawn interest from professional scouts. NFL evaluators typically examine quarterbacks based on arm strength, mobility, decision-making, and leadership — all areas where Aguilar has shown measurable growth.
If he remains eligible for the 2026 season, another strong year in the SEC could further elevate his draft prospects. Alternatively, he may choose to explore professional opportunities depending on how his eligibility case concludes.
At 24 years old, Aguilar stands at a pivotal moment. His age places him slightly older than many draft-eligible quarterbacks, but it also means he brings years of real-game experience across multiple levels of competition.
Why Fans Keep Asking: How Old Is Joey Aguilar?
The question how old is Joey Aguilar continues trending because his age connects directly to his eligibility and future prospects. Fans want to understand how his timeline fits within NCAA rules and how it affects Tennessee’s quarterback situation.
Knowing that he is 24 provides context to his extended college career. His path included:
- A redshirt season
- A canceled COVID year
- Junior college competition
- A transfer to Appalachian State
- A transfer to Tennessee
- Ongoing eligibility proceedings
Few quarterbacks in modern college football have followed such a layered and eventful journey.
A Story of Persistence
Aguilar’s story resonates with many because it highlights perseverance. He did not begin at a powerhouse program. He navigated pandemic cancellations, roster competition, and transfer adjustments.
Yet he emerged as a starting quarterback in the SEC — one of the most competitive conferences in college football.
His age is not merely a statistic. It represents years of development, setbacks, and steady improvement. For Tennessee fans, it also represents experience at a position that often determines championship hopes.
The Bottom Line
Joey Aguilar is 24 years old as of February 2026. His birthdate of June 16, 2001, confirms his place among the older active college quarterbacks, but his journey explains why.
From junior college beginnings in California to record-setting performances and SEC competition, Aguilar’s career reflects resilience and growth. His eligibility situation remains a key storyline heading into the 2026 season, and his future — whether in Knoxville or at the professional level — will continue to attract national attention.
What do you think is next for Joey Aguilar — another standout college season or the jump to the NFL? Share your thoughts and stay tuned for updates.