Huge Boost for Tennessee as Program Confirms Blockbuster Replacement for Nico Iamaleava with Another Big-Time Talent in Stunning Transfer Portal Move

In a headline-making move that feels straight out of the NFL, Tennessee football has effectively executed a quarterback swap, parting ways with former five-star QB Nico Iamaleava, who is heading to UCLA, and welcoming Joey Aguilar as his replacement. The shift, confirmed by ESPN’s Chris Low, represents one of the most intriguing twists of this transfer portal cycle.

Iamaleava’s departure to UCLA reportedly comes with a hefty NIL package worth around $1 million, giving the LA native an opportunity to play closer to home. With Nico now a Bruin, Tennessee quickly filled the void by adding Aguilar, who had entered the transfer portal after joining UCLA from Appalachian State earlier in the year.

This unique quarterback shuffle has caught national attention, with both players essentially switching places — Iamaleava to Westwood, Aguilar to Rocky Top.

Aguilar brings significant experience and production with him. During his time at App State, he threw for over 7,200 yards and notched 61 touchdowns across two seasons, including 56 touchdowns last year alone. Known for his strong arm and aggressive downfield style, Aguilar seems like a natural fit for Josh Heupel’s high-octane offense in Knoxville.

With offensive weapons like Braylon Brazzell, Chris Staley, and Boo Carter around him, Aguilar could thrive in the SEC and quickly emerge as one of the conference’s top quarterbacks. While he originally expected to start for UCLA this fall, Iamaleava’s transfer upended that plan, creating an unexpected opportunity in Tennessee.

Aguilar now faces the challenge of mastering the Volunteers’ system over the summer, but early buzz suggests he could be a breakout star in 2025.

This quarterback carousel underscores the evolving landscape of college football, where NIL deals and the transfer portal continue to reshape rosters in dramatic ways — and in this case, orchestrated what feels like a true QB trade between two major programs.