Legal Analyst Breaks Down Joey Aguilar Eligibility Hearing, Gives Thoughts on Potential He Wins

A legal expert analyzed the odds Tennessee quarterback Joey Aguilar will win his case to regain NCAA eligibility.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Tennessee football quarterback Joey Aguilar had his eligibility hearing on Friday, arguing that his time in junior college should not count toward his NCAA eligibility. However, there was no immediate ruling, with the judge saying he will take time to weigh both sides. A legal analyst who appeared on a local radio show broke down the hearing, noting Aguilar's lawyer made a strong case but the NCAA's lawyer was a better public speaker, which can sometimes sway judges. The analyst said he felt slightly less optimistic about Aguilar's chances of winning the case compared to earlier, but still believes he has a good shot at prevailing.

Why it matters

This case could set an important precedent for how the NCAA handles eligibility disputes, particularly those involving time spent in junior college. Aguilar's ability to play next season for Tennessee hangs in the balance, which would have a significant impact on the Volunteers' football program.

The details

During the hearing, the judge focused heavily on the issue of market value, which the NCAA does not typically argue. This caught Aguilar's lawyer off guard, but he was able to adjust. The analyst noted that Aguilar's case is different from a recent successful case involving an Ole Miss quarterback, as Aguilar is arguing about junior college seasons while the Ole Miss player argued about a previous redshirt ruling.

  • On Friday, February 14, 2026, Joey Aguilar had his eligibility hearing.
  • The judge announced he will not rule from the bench and is taking time to weigh both sides.
  • The likely decision date is Tuesday, February 18, 2026, though it could be extended longer.

The players

Joey Aguilar

The Tennessee football quarterback who is fighting to regain his NCAA eligibility after time spent in junior college.

Chris Heagerty

The judge presiding over Aguilar's eligibility hearing.

Jake Thompson

The legal analyst who appeared on a local radio show to break down the hearing.

Tyler Ivens

The co-host of the radio show that interviewed the legal analyst.

Will West

The co-host of the radio show that interviewed the legal analyst.

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What they’re saying

“If you want me to be completely candid, Joey's lawyer is a very good lawyer, but the lawyer for the NCAA was a better public speaker. And I know that shouldn't matter, sometimes it does. Sometimes, if a judge hears the same thing, the more eloquent person wins. Sometimes that's a factor, sometimes it's not.”

— Jake Thompson, Attorney (99.1 The Sports Animal)

“I think ultimately, I feel slightly worse, but don't take that the wrong way. I mean, if I was 80% yes, he was going to get it, maybe I'm 70% yes, he's going to get it, now.”

— Jake Thompson, Attorney (99.1 The Sports Animal)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday, February 18, 2026 whether or not to grant Joey Aguilar an injunction that would allow him to play next season.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex legal battles student-athletes can face when disputing NCAA eligibility rules, with the potential outcome having significant implications for Aguilar's college football career and the broader precedent it could set for similar cases going forward.