Could Joey Aguilar Be Eligible To Return To Tennessee In 2026?
Image: Andrew Ferguson/Tennessee Athletics
By Aidan Sidoti
It’s certainly a possibility, thanks to Diego Pavia’s attorney.
On Tuesday, college sports law writer Sam C. Ehlrich posted on X about a legal challenge that could give quarterback Joey Aguilar an additional year in Knoxville.
“Pavia's attorney is saying that unless the rules are not found to be subject to antitrust they're going to stack on a challenge to the redshirt rule and asking for an injunction so Pavia can play in 2026.”
The ramifications of this challenge would extend far beyond Vanderbilt.
If Pavia’s legal team prevails in claiming that the NCAA’s redshirt rule goes against antitrust law, it could open the door for other collegiate athletes– like Joey Aguilar, to seek an extra year of eligibility.
Under current NCAA guidelines, Aguilar’s eligibility would run out after this year. However, if the redshirt rule is deemed invalid, he could be eligible to return in 2026, potentially giving the Vols a six-year veteran while incoming five-star Faizon Brandon would be able to redshirt.
Through three games at Tennessee, Aguilar has been brilliant, throwing for 906 yards, nine touchdowns, and just two interceptions. That includes a 371-yard, four touchdown performance in Saturday’s loss to No. 6 Georgia.
As the legal battle unfolds, Tennessee fans may have some hope that Aguilar’s time in Knoxville will not be limited to just one season.
