Eakin Howard/Getty Images

Tennessee & UCLA Just Completed A 'College Quarterback Trade'

Originally posted on The Spun | By Matt Hladik | Last updated Apr 21, 2025 7:09 PM ET

We've seen a lot of crazy things in college football this offseason.

The transfer portal and NIL have opened up a whole new world for college programs. Roster movement is at an all-time high. On Monday night, college football fans and media are digesting a "quarterback trade" between UCLA and Tennessee.

No, this wasn't an actual trade. You still can't trade players at the college level--maybe someday though. But with UCLA quarterback Joey Aguilar transferring to Tennessee, it completes the QB exchange that took place when Nico Iamaleava, Tennessee's 2024 starter, transferred to UCLA over the weekend.

ESPN's Chris Low broke news of Aguilar's decision Monday evening.

"The QB trade is complete. Joey Aguilar plans to sign with Tennessee after transferring to UCLA from App. State in the winter portal, sources tell ESPN," Low tweeted. "He trades places with Nico Iamaleava, who transferred from Tennessee to UCLA in the current portal. Back to business as usual."

Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Nico Iamaleava (8) celebrates a touchdown during the first half of the College Football Playoff first round game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Dec. 21, 2024.© Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Aguilar was App State's starter each of the last two seasons. The Antioch, Calif. native threw for 6,760 yards, 56 touchdowns and 24 interceptions, including 33 TDs in 2023.

Aguilar will be QB1 in Knoxville, and he was looking like UCLA's likely starter, until Iamaleava shocked the college football world. The former five-star recruit held out of a spring practice session amid an NIL dispute with Tennessee, which led to both sides agreeing to part ways.

"To the amazing people in Knoxville, thank you for embracing and uplifting me throughout my time there," Iamaleava said when announcing his commitment to UCLA Sunday. "I’ll be forever thankful for the support you showed me every step of the way and I’ll always cherish the relationships I built there and the memories I created with my brothers. I believe with all my heart that I gave my all as a Volunteer. I’m truly grateful for the time I had at UT.

"My journey at UT has come to an end. This decision was incredibly difficult, and truthfully, not something I expected to make this soon. But I trust God’s timing, and I believe He’s leading me where I need to be. Even though, this chapter is ending, a new chapter has begun and I am committed to UCLA!"

It's a wild college football world out there.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: