(BCSNN) — Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel has named senior transfer Joey Aguilar the Volunteers’ starting quarterback for the 2025 season, the program announced. Aguilar will lead the No. 24-ranked Vols into their opener against Syracuse on Aug. 30 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

Aguilar transferred to Tennessee this spring after a brief stint at UCLA, where he landed following two standout seasons at Appalachian State. His move to Knoxville came after former Vols quarterback Nico Iamaleava transferred to UCLA in April, triggering a reshuffling of Tennessee’s quarterback room. Aguilar beat out redshirt freshman Jake Merklinger and true freshman George MacIntyre for the starting job.

“He’s gotten better every single day,” Heupel said after Tennessee’s second fall scrimmage. “His comfort and control in our offense have really stood out. He’s handled himself extremely well during our walkthroughs and scrimmages, and he’s earned this opportunity.”

At Appalachian State, Aguilar threw for 6,760 yards and 56 touchdowns across 24 starts, earning 2023 Sun Belt Newcomer of the Year and Cure Bowl MVP honors. He set school records for single-season passing yards (3,757), touchdowns (33), and total offense (4,002) in 2023. Though he led the FBS in interceptions last season with 14, Heupel expressed confidence in Aguilar’s ability to thrive in Tennessee’s high-tempo system.

Aguilar replaces Iamaleava, who guided the Vols to a 10–3 record and a College Football Playoff berth in 2024 before departing amid NIL disputes. Tennessee’s offense, which ranked in the top 20 nationally in total yards per game in each of Heupel’s four seasons, will now be led by a quarterback with extensive experience and a proven track record of production.

The Volunteers kick off their season against Syracuse on Aug. 30 at noon ET, with the game broadcast on ABC. It marks the beginning of Heupel’s fifth year in Knoxville, as Tennessee looks to build on last season’s playoff appearance and contend once again in the SEC.