Tennessee QB Joey Aguilar Denied Injunction in NCAA Eligibility Case

Aguilar's college football career ends as judge rules against him in lawsuit over NCAA eligibility rules

Feb. 20, 2026 at 9:42pm

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Tennessee quarterback Joey Aguilar's college football career has come to an end after a Knoxville judge denied his request for a preliminary injunction against the NCAA's eligibility rules. Aguilar, who previously played at Appalachian State and junior colleges, sued the NCAA over its policies regarding former junior college players. However, the judge ruled against Aguilar, stating that he failed to show the NCAA's 'JUCO rule' substantially affected Tennessee trade or commerce.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing tension between student-athletes and the NCAA over eligibility rules, which can significantly impact a player's collegiate career and future earning potential. The judge's decision upholds the NCAA's authority to enforce its policies, even in the face of legal challenges from individual players.

The details

Aguilar, 24, started his college career at City College of San Francisco in 2019 before transferring to Appalachian State from 2022 to 2024. He played one season at Tennessee in 2025, leading the SEC in passing yards. However, the NCAA deemed him ineligible for the 2026 season due to its rules regarding former junior college players. Aguilar sued the NCAA, seeking an injunction that would have allowed him to return to Tennessee. But the judge ultimately sided with the NCAA, denying Aguilar's request and ending his collegiate football career.

  • On February 20, 2026, a Knoxville judge denied Joey Aguilar's request for a preliminary injunction against the NCAA.
  • Aguilar is expected to declare for the 2026 NFL Draft and participate in the NFL Scouting Combine on February 27, 2026.

The players

Joey Aguilar

A 24-year-old quarterback who played at Appalachian State and Tennessee, and is now ineligible to continue his college football career due to the NCAA's rules regarding former junior college players.

Chris Heagerty

The two-time Tennessee graduate chancellor who initially granted Aguilar a 15-day restraining order against the NCAA's eligibility rules, but then ultimately denied Aguilar's request for a preliminary injunction.

NCAA

The national governing body for college sports, which defended its eligibility rules in this case and was granted a victory by the judge's decision.

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What they’re saying

“In fact, the plaintiff (Aguilar) has repeatedly taken the position in this civil action that the requested relief would solely apply to him and not affect others. This argument seems to actually hurt the plaintiff's chances to show sufficient evidence that the 'JUCO' rule affects Tennessee trade or commerce to a substantial degree.”

— Chris Heagerty, Two-time Tennessee graduate Chancellor

What’s next

Aguilar is expected to declare for the 2026 NFL Draft and participate in the NFL Scouting Combine on February 27, 2026.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between student-athletes and the NCAA over eligibility rules, which can significantly impact a player's collegiate career and future earning potential. The judge's decision upholds the NCAA's authority to enforce its policies, even in the face of legal challenges from individual players.