NCAA Attorney Argues Against Extended Eligibility for Tennessee QB Joey Aguilar

Aguilar's lawsuit challenges NCAA rules counting junior college seasons against eligibility clock

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Tennessee quarterback Joey Aguilar has filed a lawsuit against the NCAA, arguing that his time spent competing at junior colleges should not count against his overall eligibility. The case has drawn the involvement of NCAA attorney Taylor Askew, a University of Tennessee alum, who is defending the NCAA's position that junior college seasons do diminish an athlete's remaining years of competition. The outcome of the case could set a precedent and force the NCAA to reconsider its policies regarding junior college transfers.

Why it matters

Aguilar's case highlights the growing tension between the traditional structure of college athletics and the increasingly complex paths athletes take to reach the highest levels. A ruling in Aguilar's favor could open the door for more athletes to pursue extended careers and provide greater flexibility for those who choose to start at a junior college, potentially shifting NCAA policy. However, the NCAA is steadfast in its stance that maintaining consistent eligibility rules is crucial for fairness and competitive balance across all programs.

The details

Aguilar's argument centers on the idea that time spent competing at junior colleges shouldn't count against an athlete's NCAA eligibility, as junior colleges are not part of the NCAA structure. This is a critical point, as the NCAA currently counts those years, potentially limiting opportunities for athletes who utilize the junior college system to gain eligibility or improve their academic standing. Aguilar previously removed himself as a plaintiff in a federal lawsuit brought by Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia, which challenged the same NCAA rule, underscoring the widespread concern over this issue.

  • Aguilar filed the lawsuit against the NCAA in early 2026.

The players

Joey Aguilar

A quarterback for the University of Tennessee who is suing the NCAA to gain an additional year of eligibility, arguing that his time spent at junior colleges should not count against his NCAA clock.

Taylor Askew

An attorney representing the NCAA in the case against Aguilar. Askew is a Knoxville native and University of Tennessee law graduate who has previously represented the NCAA against Tennessee in cases involving other athletes.

Judge Chris Heagerty

The judge presiding over Aguilar's lawsuit against the NCAA, whose impending decision could have significant ramifications on NCAA eligibility rules.

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What they’re saying

“We must uphold the integrity of the rules, even when facing opposition from a passionate fanbase.”

— Taylor Askew, NCAA Attorney (newsy-today.com)

What’s next

Judge Heagerty is expected to rule on Aguilar's lawsuit against the NCAA in the coming weeks, with the decision potentially setting a precedent for how the NCAA treats junior college transfers and their eligibility.

The takeaway

Aguilar's case highlights the evolving landscape of college athletics, where the traditional NCAA structure is being challenged by the increasingly complex paths athletes take to reach the highest levels. The outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications, potentially forcing the NCAA to reconsider its policies and provide greater flexibility for junior college transfers.