Judge denies Tennessee QB Joey Aguilar's eligibility bid

Aguilar sought an injunction to continue playing for the Volunteers this fall

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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A judge in Tennessee has denied Joey Aguilar's bid for an injunction that would have enabled the quarterback to continue playing for the Volunteers this fall. Aguilar was arguing that he should be allowed a fourth year of playing Division I football rather than having the years he spent in junior college count against his eligibility. However, the judge ruled that granting an injunction could have "sweeping implications" and "cause significant ambiguity and uncertainty regarding the eligibility rules of the NCAA."

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between student-athletes, universities, and the NCAA over eligibility rules. As more student-athletes seek legal action to extend their playing careers, courts are being forced to weigh the potential impact on the broader collegiate sports landscape.

The details

Aguilar played at Diablo Valley (California) Community College from 2021-22 before transferring to Appalachian State, where he spent the 2023 and 2024 seasons. He then transferred to Tennessee and completed 67.3% of his passes for 3,565 yards with 24 touchdowns and 10 interceptions this past season. Aguilar had filed a lawsuit against the NCAA in an attempt to return to Tennessee to play one more season, arguing he should be allowed a fourth year of playing Division I football.

  • On February 4, 2026, a Knox County Chancery Court judge granted Aguilar a temporary restraining order.
  • On February 21, 2026, the judge denied Aguilar's request for an injunction and dissolved the temporary restraining order.

The players

Joey Aguilar

A quarterback who played at Diablo Valley Community College, Appalachian State, and Tennessee, and was seeking an extra year of eligibility to continue playing for the Volunteers.

Christopher D. Heagerty

The Knox County Chancery Court judge who denied Aguilar's request for an injunction.

NCAA

The organization that oversees college athletics and sets eligibility rules that Aguilar was challenging.

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What’s next

Aguilar has been invited to next week's NFL draft scouting combine, but it remains unclear if he will be able to play one more season of college football.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges student-athletes face in navigating the complex rules and regulations of the NCAA. As more athletes seek legal action to extend their playing careers, courts will continue to grapple with the broader implications of their decisions on the collegiate sports landscape.