Tennessee QB Joey Aguilar Joins Lawsuit Seeking NCAA Eligibility Extension

Aguilar and 25 other former junior college athletes aim to extend waiver granted to Vanderbilt's Diego Pavia

Apr. 13, 2026 at 3:55am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a college football game, with players and the field abstracted into sharp, overlapping planes of color and shape, capturing the dynamic energy of the sport.A lawsuit seeking to extend NCAA eligibility rules could reshape the future of college football.Antioch Today

Tennessee quarterback Joey Aguilar has joined a lawsuit alongside 25 other former junior college athletes, seeking an additional year of NCAA eligibility. The group is requesting a preliminary injunction to prevent the NCAA from enforcing its rules that would bar them from participating in Division I football during the 2026-27 and/or 2027-28 seasons. The lawsuit aims to extend the waiver granted to Vanderbilt's Diego Pavia, which allowed him to compete this season after transferring from junior college.

Why it matters

This case could have significant implications for the future of NCAA eligibility rules and the ability of junior college transfers to continue their college football careers. If successful, it could open the door for more former junior college athletes to gain additional years of eligibility, potentially reshaping rosters and competition across Division I football.

The details

The preliminary injunction hearing is scheduled for February 10th and will be presided over by Chief Judge William L. Campbell. Aguilar, who previously played at Appalachian State and Diablo Community College, has been noncommittal about his plans for the 2026 season, stating he's 'excited to go out there and play one more time for this team.' The lawsuit argues the NCAA's eligibility rules violate antitrust laws and seeks to replicate the ruling that allowed Pavia to compete this season, in which he led Vanderbilt to a historic 10-win season and was a Heisman Trophy finalist.

  • The preliminary injunction hearing is scheduled for February 10, 2026.
  • Aguilar joined the lawsuit on December 26, 2025.
  • Pavia was granted a waiver to compete this season (2025-26).

The players

Joey Aguilar

The starting quarterback for the University of Tennessee, who previously played at Appalachian State and Diablo Community College.

Diego Pavia

The Vanderbilt quarterback who was granted a waiver to compete this season (2025-26) after transferring from junior college, leading the Commodores to a historic 10-win season and a Heisman Trophy finalist appearance.

William L. Campbell

The Chief Judge who will preside over the preliminary injunction hearing on February 10, 2026.

George MacIntyre

The redshirt freshman quarterback at the University of Tennessee.

Faizon Brandon

The freshman quarterback at the University of Tennessee.

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What they’re saying

“I'm excited to go out there and play one more time for this team. I'm super grateful for the coaches, community, and players for accepting me in.”

— Joey Aguilar, Tennessee Quarterback

What’s next

The preliminary injunction hearing on February 10, 2026, will determine whether the court will extend the waiver granted to Diego Pavia to allow Aguilar and the other 25 plaintiffs to compete in the 2026-27 and/or 2027-28 seasons.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing debate around NCAA eligibility rules and the challenges faced by junior college transfers seeking to continue their college football careers. The outcome could set a precedent for future cases and impact the landscape of Division I football rosters and competition.