Chancellor to Decide on Aguilar's Eligibility for Tennessee Football

Ruling could impact Vols' playoff hopes and millions in potential earnings for star QB

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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A forthcoming chancery court ruling by Chancellor Christopher Dunn Heagerty will determine whether Joey Aguilar, the University of Tennessee's star quarterback, will be eligible to play additional seasons of college football. The case centers on whether the NCAA's rule counting junior college competition towards the five-year eligibility limit is valid under Tennessee law. The decision could have major implications for the Vols' playoff chances, as well as millions in potential earnings for Aguilar.

Why it matters

Aguilar's eligibility affects the Vols' chances of winning games and making the playoffs, putting pressure on head coach Josh Heupel. It also has major financial implications for Aguilar, who could earn millions more if granted additional seasons. The case also raises questions about the fairness of the NCAA's rules around junior college competition and whether they violate state laws.

The details

At issue is whether the NCAA is correct in counting Aguilar's junior college competition towards the five-year eligibility limit for college football. Despite a long-standing NCAA rule, Vanderbilt's Diego Pavia was recently granted a bonus year, leading to confusion. Aguilar, who is 24, played for the Vols under the same waiver and wants to continue his college career. The chancellor initially granted a temporary restraining order against the NCAA, citing Aguilar's likelihood of success on the merits. However, at a more recent hearing, the judge had more critical questions for Aguilar's attorney than the NCAA representative, and the amount of money involved became a focal point.

  • On February 3, Chancellor Heagerty granted a temporary restraining order against the NCAA.
  • On Friday the 13th, the judge had more hard questions for Aguilar's attorney than the NCAA representative at a more recent hearing.

The players

Christopher Dunn Heagerty

The chancellor who will rule on Aguilar's eligibility case.

Joey Aguilar

The University of Tennessee's star quarterback who is seeking additional seasons of eligibility.

Josh Heupel

The head coach of the University of Tennessee football team.

Diego Pavia

The Vanderbilt quarterback who was recently granted a bonus year of eligibility.

George MacIntyre

A quarterback competing for the starting job at Tennessee.

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What they’re saying

“I think I know this much: Christopher Dunn Heagerty's forthcoming chancery court ruling regarding Joey Aguilar eligibility for more Tennessee football is not exactly life or death.”

— Marvin West, Author (knoxtntoday.com)

“If you believe Aguilar eventually wins, all this meditation looks like window dressing. If you think Joey will lose ...”

— Marvin West, Author (knoxtntoday.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on whether to allow Joey Aguilar to continue playing for the University of Tennessee football team.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complexities and potential inequities in the NCAA's eligibility rules, particularly around junior college competition, and could set an important precedent for how state laws interact with NCAA regulations.