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Tennessee lands new QB to replace Nico Iamaleava

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated Apr 21, 2025 7:45 PM ET

The Tennessee Volunteers have landed a new quarterback after losing Nico Iamaleava in the transfer portal.

Former Appalachian State quarterback Joey Aguilar intends to sign with Tennessee, according to Chris Low of ESPN. Aguilar had transferred to UCLA, but entered the portal after Iamaleava committed to the Bruins.

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. He trades places with Nico Iamaleava, who transferred from Tennessee to UCLA in the current portal. Back to business as usual.
— Chris Low (@ClowESPN) April 21, 2025

Tennessee and UCLA are essentially swapping quarterbacks, just as they had been rumored to do. Aguilar never actually played a game for the Bruins, though. He spent his last two seasons at Appalachian State, where he threw for a total of 6,760 yards and 56 total touchdowns. He had originally committed to UCLA in December, but that was before Iamaleava became available.

One would assume that Aguilar will have the clear edge to win the Tennessee starting job over redshirt freshman Jake Merklinger.

Iamaleava abruptly left Tennessee after throwing for 2,616 yards with 19 touchdown passes and 5 interceptions last season. The Volunteers made the College Football Playoff with Iamaleava under center, but Aguilar will have plenty of motivation to take Tennessee to even greater heights.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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