How Joey Aguilar’s First Start Compared to Other Josh Heupel Era Tennessee QB Debuts | Rocky Top Insider

The first start of Joey Aguilar’s tenure as Tennessee football’s starting quarterback is in the books. The Appalachian State/UCLA transfer had just the spring to get ready for a Power Four foe in Syracuse, but passed the test and led the Vols to a 45-26 victory.In the game, Aguilar completed 16-of-28 passes for 247 yards and three touchdowns. His attack through the air included a 73-yard touchdown strike to Braylon Staley and touchdown connections with Miles Kitselman and Star Thomas. He also ran the ball six times for 34 yards.

So, this begs the question: how does this compare to previous first starts for Tennessee quarterbacks under the watch of Josh Heupel? In 2021, both Joe Milton III and Hendon Hooker got the ball for the first time. In 2023, Nico Iamaleava got the reins of the offense as a true freshman in the Citrus Bowl win over Iowa.

Ultimately, Aguilar was the only one to eclipse the 200 passing yard mark as he soared to 247. Hooker’s debut as the starter against Tennessee Tech left him in second place with 199. Aguilar had the most attempts to get to this point with 28, though. His 57% completion percentage still topped Joe Milton’s vs. Bowling Green (48%).

Aguilar’s three touchdowns tied Hooker’s mark in 2021, as well. However, Hooker’s rushing score did put him over Aguilar, who didn’t find the end zone with his feet.

However, it’s worth noting, both Hooker and Milton played far inferior opponents in their outings. Iamaleava faced a more comparable team in Iowa. He finished with 151 passing yards on 12-for-19 passing with no scores through the air. He did rush for three, though.

More From RTI: Tennessee Football 2025 Opponent Recap: Week 1

Here’s a closer look at the stats.

• W, 45-26
• 16-for-28
• 247 yards
• 3 TD
• 0 INT
• 0 sacks
• 6 rushes
• 34 rushing yards
• 0 rushing TD
• 1 fumble

• W, 38-6
• 11-for-23
• 139 yards
• 1 TD
• 0 INT
• 3 sacks
• 14 rushes
• 44 rushing yards
• 2 rushing TD

• W, 56-0
• 17-for-25
• 199 yards
• 3 TD
• 0 INT
• 0 sacks
• 9 rushes
• 64 rushing yards
• 1 rushing TD

• W, 35-0
• 12-for-19
• 151 yards
• 1 TD
• 0 INT
• 6 sacks
• 15 rushes
• 27 rushing yards
• 3 rushing TD