"Not a popularity contest" - Tennessee insider predicts winner of Joey Aguilar-Jake Merklinger QB1 battle after Nico Iamaleava's exit

Nico Iamaleava transferred from Tennessee to UCLA this offseason. However, the QB's departure from the program has left uncertainty on the Volunteers' QB1 for the 2025 season.

On Monday, Tennessee insider Brent Hubbs appeared on the "Andy & Ari" podcast to discuss the competition for the Vols' starting quarterback role for next season. Andy Staples asked Hubbs who will take the first snap for Tennessee in the team's 2025 season opener against Syracuse.

"I think it's gonna be Joey Aguilar," Hubbs said. "I do. And my reasoning for that is that Joey has been on the field and has played college football. And, I think there's something to be said for having experience."

Hubbs then explained how Vols coach Josh Heupel needs to make a decision based on which QB performs better this offseason.

"Now, if he (Aguilar) doesn't play effectively, we'll see." Hubbs said. "But again, if somebody is clearly the best quarterback in fall camp, man, you gotta play that guy. Because, kids know who the best player is, and if you don't play the most effective player, it's not a popularity contest."

Andy Staples

@Andy_Staples

LINK

Who takes the first snap at QB for Tennessee against Syracuse in Atlanta?

“I think it’s Joey Aguilar.”

—

@Brent_Hubbs

of

@Volquest_On3

Aguilar began his collegiate career at Diablo Valley in 2021, where he played for two seasons. He transferred to Appalachian State in 2023, spending two years with the Mountaineers.

In December 2024, Aguilar decided to transfer to UCLA. However, he flipped his decision to transfer to Tennessee after Iamaleava transferred to UCLA.

Meanwhile, Jake Merklinger will be playing his first year at Tennessee in 2025.

Why did Nico Iamaleava leave Tennessee this offseason?

Former Tennessee QB Nico Iamaleava - Source: Imagn

Nico Iamaleava entered the transfer portal in April after failing to agree to an NIL contract at Tennessee. Per reports, the QB walked away from a $2.4 million NIL contract for the 2025 season, since he was demanding around $4 million.

Iamaleava led the Vols to the College Football Playoff for the first time in program history in the 2024 season. However, after spending two years at Tennessee, the QB will play his football at UCLA for the 2025 season.

According to reports, Iamaleava settled for a NIL deal in the range of $1.5 million to $2 million at UCLA, which was lesser than what he would have earned at Tennessee.