Joey Aguilar, the 24-year-old quarterback who guided the University of Tennessee Volunteers through one of the most successful passing seasons in school history, is scheduled to attend the 2026 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana, next week, although it will be for just 48 hours, as opposed to the traditional five-day period.
Why, one might ask, would Aguilar, who is suing the NCAA, attend the Combine and then wait out a decision from Knox County Chancery Court about whether or not he can play for the Volunteers in 2026?
The reason, of course, is that this approach preserves his eligibility while awaiting a decision from Chancellor Chris Heagerty, who heard arguments in Aguilar’s lawsuit against the NCAA on Feb 13.
Aguilar is suing the NCAA because, in his opinion, his two years of play at Diablo Valley Community College should not be considered part of his four years of NCAA eligibility.
Tennessee Volunteers Georgia Bulldogs
Tennessee quarterback Joey Aguilar (6) warms up before a college football game between Tennessee and ETSU at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee, on September 6, 2025.
In fact, according to On3’s Chris Low, sources have indeed confirmed that Joey Aguilar was extended an invite to the Combine, and although there is no decision from Chancellor Heagerty, Joey’s camp remains optimistic about the decision.
Still hopeful of winning in court, Tennessee’s Joey Aguilar is headed to the NFL Combine just in case and will preserve his eligibility by staying for a shorter window, only 48 hours. https://t.co/wUdi8n7D6g
— Chris Low (@Clowfb) February 18, 2026
Knox County Judge Has Not Ruled on Aguilar Case, Despite Intense Back-and-forth in Court
The Feb 13 court hearing was a rather spirited back-and-forth between both sides, and although Chancellor Heagerty did not rule, Joey Aguilar’s attorney, Cam Norris, was questioned by Heagerty about whether or not Joey Aguilar’s damages could be calculated.
“There’s just no specific number,” Norris told the court. “Tennessee has access to about $2 million in NIL money for a quarterback, although no contract has been executed because eligibility has not been granted.”
NCAA attorney Taylor Askew countered, stating in a legal document, “Aguilar’s claims ignore fundamental principles of antitrust law, which require plaintiffs to come forward with sound economic evidence based upon current market realities.”
There is also the bigger picture, as the NCAA pointed out: If the ruling goes in Aguilar’s favor, others might follow with similar claims, leading to many eligibility challenges in the courts. This is part of the reason the ruling is taking longer than the Aguilar camp had hoped.
Aguilar’s temporary restraining order is in effect, though, which allows him to work out with the coaching staff.
A 48-Hour Combine Window That Says Everything About Where Aguilar Stands
According to Chris Low of On3, sources close to the situation have said, “If the ruling goes in his favor, sources close to the situation have said, Aguilar is still going to attend the combine. And the reason is obvious: the ruling can be overturned on appeal.”
Tennessee Volunteers Joey Aguilar
Knox News reporter Adam Sparks speaks to Tennessee quarterback Joey Aguilar (6) during football media day, in Knoxville, Tennessee, July 29, 2025.
Quarterback drills are scheduled for Saturday, Feb 28. Aguilar wasn’t invited to the initial 15 quarterbacks, so this is an individual invite, and he decided to keep it quiet as the litigation is ongoing.
Tennessee’s spring practice begins Mar 16. If the ruling goes in Aguilar’s favor, he’d have to re-enroll through the mini-session the university is offering from Mar 18 to May 7. If the ruling goes against him, the Vols start spring practice with redshirt freshman quarterback George MacIntyre, freshman phenom Faizon Brandon, and Colorado transfer Ryan Staub competing for the quarterback position.
Aguilar led the SEC with 3,565 passing yards and threw 24 touchdowns in the 2025 season. At age 24, he is not considered an elite NFL prospect, which makes the successful ruling and an additional year at Tennessee financially more attractive.
What will happen in that Knoxville courtroom over the next few days will determine if his football future is in Indianapolis or still in Knoxville.