© Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images / Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel-USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The Tennessee football team picked up another convincing win to start its 2025 campaign, beating ETSU 72-17. Transfer quarterback Joey Aguilar threw for 288 yards and two scores to once again lead an offensive explosion.
He says he’s “grateful” with how things worked out over the offseason. His former school, UCLA, meanwhile has seen its QB room take another hit.
Aguilar previously played at Appalachian State, where he was a dual threat star. The signal caller threw for 6,760 yards across two seasons. He added 452 rushing yards.
He entered the transfer portal following a coaching change. The California native landed closer to home at UCLA.
Aguilar signed with the program in the spring window. He was then squeezed out a short time later.
Tennessee football traded QBs with UCLA.
Nico Iamaleava expressed unhappiness in Knoxville ahead of a College Football Playoff matchup against Ohio State. He then sat out of the spring game in April amid NIL concerns.
His camp reportedly demanded a pay raise. They also wanted to see offensive line and wideout upgrades made through the transfer portal. Neither happened, at least not to Iamaleava’s liking. So, he bailed.
The passer took a pay cut to sign with the Bruins. UCLA essentially told Joey Aguilar that he was no longer wanted.
As a result, he filled the void under center with the Vols by transferring to Tennessee. He’s grateful for the opportunity.
Now, the two quarterbacks are going in opposite directions. Aguilar landed QB of the Week honors after a three-touchdown performance against Syracuse. He followed it up with another strong outing in Week 2.
UCLA, meanwhile, is 0-2 with losses to UNLV and Utah. Iamaleava has thrown as many interceptions as scores. His most recent pick sealed the loss to the Rebels.
UCLA’s backup plan has gone awry.
The Bruins brought in former Ole Miss and Louisville signal caller Pierce Clarkson to further bolster the quarterback position following the Iamaleava addition. His status is now in doubt.
Clarkson was arrested over the weekend for an alleged felony.
The details of the incident remain unclear. The school had not made a public statement on the report as of Monday morning.
The arrest is a potential hit to depth behind Iamaleava. Clarkson is one of five quarterbacks on the roster, and one of the oldest in the QB room.
A former four-star prospect, he was expected to compete for the QB2 role. Nico Iamaleava has already dealt with injury speculation, having been seen in a knee brace after the season opener.
That, combined with his on-field play, have the Bruins searching for answers under center. Clarkson might not be able to provide them given his current situation.