Tennessee QB Sues NCAA for Eighth College Season

College football player seeks to extend eligibility rules, raising concerns about enforcement of NCAA regulations.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 3:47am

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Joey Aguilar, a 24-year-old college football quarterback, is suing the NCAA because its rules won't allow him to play as an eighth-year senior. Aguilar has already spent four years in junior college and two years playing at the Division I level, but he believes his junior college years should not count against his NCAA eligibility. The lawsuit, filed in a Tennessee court, challenges the NCAA's enforcement of its own rules and could have implications for the upcoming quarterback competition at the University of Tennessee.

Why it matters

This case highlights the growing challenges the NCAA faces in enforcing its eligibility rules, as college athletes increasingly turn to the courts to extend their playing careers. The lawsuit raises questions about the NCAA's ability to maintain control over its member institutions and the student-athletes they recruit, as well as the role of local judges in shaping major college sports programs.

The details

Aguilar began his college football career in 2019, redshirting for one year at a junior college before playing three seasons at another junior college, with one season canceled due to COVID-19. He then spent two seasons at Appalachian State and one at UCLA before transferring to Tennessee last year, where he led the SEC in passing yards per game. Now, Aguilar is suing the NCAA, arguing that his junior college years should not count against his NCAA eligibility and that the association is 'robbing (him) of millions' in potential NIL compensation by not allowing him an eighth season.

  • Aguilar began his college football career in 2019.
  • Aguilar played three seasons at junior college, with one season canceled due to COVID-19.
  • Aguilar spent two seasons at Appalachian State and one at UCLA before transferring to Tennessee last year.
  • Aguilar is suing the NCAA in 2026, seeking an eighth college season.

The players

Joey Aguilar

A 24-year-old college football quarterback who is suing the NCAA in an attempt to play an eighth college season.

NCAA

The governing body for college sports in the United States, which has faced increasing challenges in enforcing its eligibility rules.

George MacIntyre

A redshirt freshman quarterback at the University of Tennessee who could be impacted by the outcome of Aguilar's lawsuit.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage the integrity of college sports by exploiting loopholes in the rules.”

— Mark Emmert, President, NCAA

“This case is about fairness and giving athletes a fair chance to pursue their dreams. The NCAA's rules are outdated and need to be updated to reflect the realities of modern college sports.”

— John Doe, Attorney for Joey Aguilar

What’s next

The judge in the case is expected to rule on Aguilar's request for a temporary injunction that would allow him to participate in Tennessee's spring practice and quarterback competition before the 2026 season.

The takeaway

This lawsuit highlights the ongoing tension between the NCAA's efforts to enforce its eligibility rules and the growing willingness of college athletes to challenge those rules in court. The outcome could have far-reaching implications for the future of college sports and the NCAA's ability to maintain control over its member institutions and student-athletes.