Paul Finebaum Predicts Tennessee QB Joey Aguilar Will Secure NCAA Eligibility

The college football analyst believes the legal momentum is swinging in favor of the student-athlete in the high-profile case.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Tennessee quarterback Joey Aguilar is currently suing the NCAA to secure a final season of competition, arguing that his previous seasons at the junior college level should not count against his Division I eligibility clock. A preliminary injunction hearing took place on Friday, and prominent analyst Paul Finebaum expects Aguilar to return for the Volunteers, noting the shifting legal landscape regarding challenges to the NCAA's authority.

Why it matters

The outcome of Aguilar's case could have broader implications for how the NCAA handles eligibility disputes, particularly around the impact of junior college tenures on Division I time limits. Finebaum's prediction suggests the NCAA may be vulnerable to these types of legal challenges as players seek to take advantage of their 'freedom' in the evolving college sports landscape.

The details

Aguilar contends that his previous seasons at the junior college level should not count against his Division I eligibility clock. A preliminary injunction hearing took place on Friday, and Chancellor Christopher D. Heagerty did not issue an immediate ruling, opting to review the extensive documentation over the weekend. The court extended a temporary restraining order that allows Aguilar to practice with the team while the legal process plays out.

  • The preliminary injunction hearing took place on Friday, February 14, 2026.
  • The court is expected to deliver its final ruling on Tuesday, February 18, 2026.

The players

Joey Aguilar

The Tennessee Volunteers' quarterback who is suing the NCAA to secure a final season of competition, arguing that his previous seasons at the junior college level should not count against his Division I eligibility clock.

Paul Finebaum

A prominent college football analyst who appeared on the McElroy and Cubelic In The Morning podcast to discuss Aguilar's case and offer his prediction that the student-athlete will be allowed to return to the Volunteers.

Chancellor Christopher D. Heagerty

The judge presiding over the preliminary injunction hearing, who did not issue an immediate ruling and opted to review the extensive documentation over the weekend.

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What they’re saying

“My gut feeling is he's going to play and I'm basing that on very little other than the fact that the judge kept referring to Tennessee as 'we'. I just sense that Aguilar—they're all different—but my feeling is he is going to get the additional year.”

— Paul Finebaum, College Football Analyst (McElroy and Cubelic In The Morning)

“It scared the NCAA to death and now they're having to defend everything and quite frankly they should have to defend everything.”

— Paul Finebaum, College Football Analyst (McElroy and Cubelic In The Morning)

What’s next

The court is expected to deliver its final ruling on Tuesday, February 18, 2026, determining whether Joey Aguilar will be granted an additional season of eligibility to play for the Tennessee Volunteers.

The takeaway

This case highlights the shifting legal landscape in college sports, where players are increasingly challenging the NCAA's authority through the courts. The outcome could have broader implications for how the NCAA handles eligibility disputes, particularly around the impact of junior college tenures on Division I time limits.