NCAA Defeats Joey Aguilar In Eligibility Lawsuit, Tennessee QB Loses Bid For 2026 Return

Former Tennessee quarterback Joey Aguilar has lost his fight against the NCAA for an additional year of eligibility, thanks to a preliminary injunction being denied by a Knoxville Chancellor. 

After filing a lawsuit in search of a sixth year of college football, based on the fact that he played two years at the JUCO level, Aguilar was actually granted a TRO in the case when first filed. But, Chancellor Chris Heagerty clearly did not hear enough evidence from the plaintiff to grant him a preliminary injunction. 

If you were wondering, this case was certainly different than Charles Bediako and Trinidad Chambliss, in many ways. Joey had also sued the NCAA with the intention of focusing on lost revenue if he weren't allowed to play another year of college football. 

But, the problem was that his attorneys could not provide enough actual proof of what the current NIL market looked like, especially when it came to what other athletes were making across college athletics. 

NCAA Statement:

"The NCAA is thankful for the judge's decision today which demonstrates the court's consideration of eligibility standards and protecting access to the collegiate experience for current and future student-athletes," the NCAA said in a statement following the Aguilar ruling.

"We will continue to defend the NCAA's eligibility rules against attempts to circumvent foundational policies and hinder fair competition to all student-athletes. The NCAA is making changes to deliver more benefits to student-athletes and will continue to work with Congress to provide stability for all college athletes."

It was at this moment last Friday that the proceedings turned, since there is no actual proof that can be provided to the court. This quickly went from a case about JUCO rules, to financial losses that both Aguilar and the University of Tennessee would face if they did not have their starting quarterback return for the 2026 season. 

Whiskey Sales, NIL, Tennessee Fans: Joey Aguilar's Fight Against NCAA Had It All, With Vols Arguing In Court

We had terms like "Labor Market Harm" and "Consumer Market Harm." But neither of those can be justified without actual proof, or some type of contractual evidence. Even Chancellor Heagerty pointed out that without data, how would he be able to make an informed decision on what the actual financial ramifications would be for Aguilar? 

"I can't base my decision on conjecture and speculation," Heagerty said to Aguilar's attorney, Cam Norris. "You don't hand them (injunctions) out like popcorn. So tell me what proof you have to show me that the harm in this case, who I respect a great deal, and how it's going to affect him."

Yes, Aguilar could file an appeal, but judging on the lack of evidence presented in court last week, I have a hard time thinking he would actually win. 

NCAA Defeats Joey Aguilar In Eligibility Lawsuit, Tennessee QB Loses Bid For 2026 Return

Folks on the outside might have thought this would be a home-court advantage type of case for the now former Tennessee quarterback. But, Chancellor Heagerty made it clear during his questioning of both sides that he was not going to be swayed by his Tennessee fandom. 

BREAKING: Trinidad Chambliss Granted Preliminary Injunction As Judge Hammers NCAA, Ole Miss Should Have Its QB

How weird did it get during last Friday's proceedings? Look no further than NCAA attorney Taylor Askew. 

"I love Tennessee football," NCAA attorney Taylor Askew expressed to the court while arguing his case. "But, Tennessee is better than this. We don't have to go to court to get our guy back. We don't do that in Tennessee. He (Aguilar) is a hero in Tennessee. 

"We didn't know who he was until Nico (Iamaleava) left. You're a hero to kids around this city. But it doesn't mean the Vols get something everybody else doesn’t." 

Now, Aguilar will prepare for the NFL combine, while Tennessee will have a legitimate quarterback competition leading up to next season.