Paul Finebaum Has Gut Feeling Joey Aguilar Will Play for Tennessee in 2026

ESPN/SEC Network host believes judge's comments suggest ruling will favor Aguilar

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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ESPN/SEC Network host Paul Finebaum says his "gut feeling" is that quarterback Joey Aguilar will get an additional year of eligibility to play for the University of Tennessee in 2026. Finebaum cited the judge's references to Tennessee as "we" during the eligibility hearing as a sign the ruling may favor Aguilar, though other analysts are more skeptical about Aguilar's chances of winning the case.

Why it matters

The case surrounding Aguilar's eligibility has drawn significant attention, as a favorable ruling could have major implications for the Tennessee football program and its outlook for the 2026 season. Finebaum's prediction, if accurate, would be a significant boost for the Volunteers.

The details

Aguilar sat in court on Friday as lawyers argued for and against his eligibility to play an additional year at Tennessee. Judge Chris Heagerty did not immediately rule on the case, saying he would provide an opinion "in very short order." During the hearing, Finebaum noted that Heagerty referred to Tennessee as "we," which he believes is a sign the ruling may favor Aguilar. However, other analysts like Chris Low are more skeptical, saying there's a better chance Aguilar doesn't win the case based on conversations they've had.

  • The eligibility hearing took place on Friday, February 17, 2026.
  • Judge Heagerty said he would provide a ruling "in very short order" after the hearing.

The players

Paul Finebaum

Host of SEC Nation on the SEC Network and a regular guest on WJOX 94.5 in Birmingham, Alabama.

Joey Aguilar

The University of Tennessee quarterback whose eligibility for the 2026 season is being determined in court.

Judge Chris Heagerty

The judge presiding over the case to determine Aguilar's eligibility for the 2026 season.

Chris Low

An analyst for On3 Sports who discussed the Aguilar case on 104.5 The Zone in Nashville.

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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'.”

— Paul Finebaum, ESPN/SEC Network Host (WJOX 94.5)

“Just based on some of the people I've talked to who have been a part of some of these hearings, sports eligibility type deals, I think there's a better chance that he doesn't (win) than he does.”

— Chris Low, Analyst (104.5 The Zone)

What’s next

Judge Heagerty is expected to issue a ruling on Aguilar's eligibility in the near future, though an exact timeline has not been provided.

The takeaway

The case surrounding Joey Aguilar's eligibility has drawn significant interest, with analysts like Paul Finebaum and Chris Low offering differing predictions on how the judge will rule. Finebaum's "gut feeling" that Aguilar will be granted an additional year at Tennessee is based on the judge's apparent familiarity with the school, though other experts are more skeptical about Aguilar's chances of winning the case.