Tennessee QB Granted Temporary Restraining Order Against NCAA

Joey Aguilar seeks extra year of eligibility through legal action

Feb. 4, 2026 at 8:55am

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Tennessee senior quarterback Joey Aguilar has been granted a temporary restraining order against the NCAA regarding his eligibility. The move serves as the first step in Aguilar's lawsuit seeking an additional year of playing time with the Volunteers after transferring from UCLA and Appalachian State.

Why it matters

Aguilar's case highlights the ongoing legal battles between student-athletes and the NCAA over eligibility rules, which have become increasingly contentious in recent years as players seek more control over their careers.

The details

Aguilar, who transferred to Tennessee after the 2025 season, filed a lawsuit seeking an extra year of eligibility. In 2025, he completed 272-of-404 passes for 3,565 yards, 24 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in 13 games for the Vols. He also rushed for 101 yards and 4 touchdowns. The temporary restraining order granted by a Knoxville judge serves as the first step in Aguilar's legal challenge to the NCAA's eligibility rules.

  • Aguilar transferred to Tennessee from UCLA after 2025 spring football practices.
  • In 2025, Aguilar completed 272-of-404 passing attempts for 3,565 yards, 24 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in 13 games during his first season at Tennessee.

The players

Joey Aguilar

A senior quarterback at the University of Tennessee who has filed a lawsuit against the NCAA seeking an extra year of eligibility after transferring from UCLA and Appalachian State.

NCAA

The national governing body for college sports in the United States, which sets and enforces eligibility rules for student-athletes.

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What they’re saying

“Tennessee quarterback Joey Aguilar has been granted a temporary restraining order against NCAA eligibility rules by a Knoxville judge. It serves as the first step toward his potential return for the Vols in the 2026 season.”

— Adam Sparks, Reporter

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide in the coming weeks whether to grant Aguilar a preliminary injunction, which would allow him to play in the 2026 season while his lawsuit against the NCAA proceeds.

The takeaway

Aguilar's case highlights the ongoing tensions between student-athletes and the NCAA over eligibility rules, as players increasingly seek more control over their careers through legal challenges. The outcome of this case could have broader implications for how the NCAA handles such disputes in the future.