College Football Insider Shares Take on Joey Aguilar's Battle Against the NCAA

Aguilar's lawsuit aims to return to Tennessee for 2026 season, but the implications could be far-reaching.

Feb. 9, 2026 at 10:55am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Tennessee quarterback Joey Aguilar is in the midst of a legal battle to return to the Volunteers' football program for the 2026 season. Aguilar is one of several players, including Vanderbilt's Diego Pavia and Ole Miss' Trinidad Chambliss, who are challenging the NCAA's eligibility rules. College football insider Chris Low shared his thoughts on the situation, noting that while he understands Aguilar's motivation, a victory could "open the floodgates" and "change college sports" in a way that may not be beneficial for the sport as a whole.

Why it matters

Aguilar's case is part of a growing trend of major college football players challenging the NCAA's eligibility rules, which could have significant implications for the future of the sport. A victory for Aguilar could set a precedent that allows more players to extend their college careers, potentially disrupting the traditional model of college athletics.

The details

Aguilar was originally a plaintiff in Diego Pavia's lawsuit against the NCAA before separating from it last week. Aguilar is now trying to determine whether to prepare for Tennessee's spring practice or focus on a future in the NFL. A judge has granted Aguilar's request for a temporary restraining order, allowing him to join the Vols' team for winter workouts, and a preliminary injunction has been set for this Friday.

  • Aguilar was originally a plaintiff in Diego Pavia's lawsuit against the NCAA before separating from it last week.
  • A judge has granted Aguilar's request for a temporary restraining order, allowing him to join the Vols' team for winter workouts.
  • A preliminary injunction has been set for this Friday as another important date in Aguilar's quest to return to Tennessee.

The players

Joey Aguilar

Tennessee quarterback who is in the midst of a legal battle to return to the Volunteers' football program for the 2026 season.

Chris Low

College football insider who shared his thoughts on Aguilar's situation and the potential implications for the sport.

Diego Pavia

Vanderbilt quarterback who was previously involved in a lawsuit against the NCAA.

Trinidad Chambliss

Ole Miss quarterback who is also challenging the NCAA's eligibility rules.

Charles Bediako

Alabama forward who left school, went into the draft, and signed a pro contract, and is now trying to return to college.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“If Joey wins and is granted a temporary injunction to play, it's going to open the floodgates. It's going to change, even more so, it's going to change college sports.”

— Chris Low, College football insider

“If he's got a chance to come back and play another year of college football, make $2 million, how can you blame him for trying? If he were my son, if he were your son, 'yeah, go for it, son.' I get that part of it completely.”

— Chris Low, College football insider

“So, I don't know where this leads to if they all win. Let me say this about Joey. Joey's been a great ambassador in the short time that he's been there at Tennessee. In no way, shape, or form do I hold any ill will toward him trying. If he were my son, I'd probably tell him to do the same thing. But for the sport as a whole, Bob? I don't know that it's a good thing.”

— Chris Low, College football insider

What’s next

A preliminary injunction has been set for this Friday as another important date in Aguilar's quest to return to Tennessee.

The takeaway

Aguilar's case is part of a growing trend of college football players challenging the NCAA's eligibility rules, which could have significant implications for the future of the sport. While Aguilar's motivation is understandable, a victory for him could "open the floodgates" and "change college sports" in a way that may not be beneficial for the sport as a whole, according to the college football insider.