The Tennessee Volunteers parted ways with Nico Iamaleava in the spring after a significant NIL dispute, with the program refusing to budge. That standoff led to what many are calling the first “trade” in NCAA history: Iamaleava headed to UCLA, while Joey Aguilar made the move to Knoxville from the Bruins. Heading into the season, Aguilar was seen as a perfect fit for Josh Heupel’s system.
“Aguilar fits what Tennessee is looking for, a proven starter with one year to play. He passed for 6,760 yards and 56 TDs last two years at App. State. Also a very capable runner. Heupel and Vols definitely looking for another QB,” On3’s Chris Low wrote.
So far this season, Aguilar has lit it up for the Volunteers — and has looked better than Iamaleava ever did in his time at Tennessee, even when factoring in a softer early schedule. As the Vols gear up for a massive showdown against Georgia this weekend, Aguilar’s father weighed in on the high-profile exchange.
“We don’t have any problems with Nico. If anything, it’s thank you... I think it’s clear who won the trade. Look at the fans and the stats. Everything happens for a reason,” Aguilar’s father told On3’s Pete Nakos.
While things are trending upward in Knoxville, Iamaleava continues to face criticism for what many consider a misguided departure from Tennessee. Each week, new voices pile on. Most recently, it was Clay Travis who didn’t hold back after UCLA’s Week 2 upset loss.
“Nico throws a final drive interception and UCLA is upset by UNLV. The 0-2 Bruins will struggle to make a bowl game. Meanwhile Joey Aguilar is 2-0 and will start in front of over 100,000 Vol fans against Georgia next week. Just an all time disaster decision by Nico,” Clay Travis posted.
Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
As Aguilar’s father said — it’s becoming increasingly obvious which side “won the trade.” If anything, the Vols now seem to be thriving without the distractions that came with Iamaleava and his camp. With Aguilar simply focused on playing football and his family enjoying the ride, Tennessee fans are getting exactly what they hoped for — stability, leadership, and wins.