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Tennessee's Joey Aguilar granted restraining order in bid for another year eligibility
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- Tennessee's Joey Aguilar granted restraining order in bid for another year eligibility
Tennessee quarterback Joey Aguilar has been granted a temporary restraining order by a judge in Knoxville, Tennessee, potentially laying the groundwork for his return to the Vols in 2026.
The 15-day order in Knox County Chancery Court was obtained by Knoxville News on Wednesday, Feb. 4. The order prohibits the NCAA from using Aguilar's two seasons of junior college football against him — but only temporarily.
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The Knoxville News notes Aguilar's next step is seeking a preliminary injunction, which then could allow him to play next season. Aguilar's lawyers asked for the injunction hearing to be set on Friday, Feb. 6, though ESPN reports the date is likely for the following Friday, on Feb. 13.
REQUIRED READING: Joey Aguilar gets restraining order vs NCAA. What's next for Tennessee QB?
Aguilar, a seventh-year senior in 2025, passed for an SEC-leading 3,565 yards with 24 touchdowns to 10 interceptions in his first season at Tennessee after transferring from Appalachian State. His return would be a boost to coach Josh Heupel's offense, as the Vols return zero quarterbacks with starting experience and didn't add a surefire starter from the transfer portal.
Aguilar started his career in 2019 at City College of San Francisco, redshirting as a freshman. His redshirt freshman season was then canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He then transferred to Diablo Valley College in California, where he was a two-year starter.
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Aguilar's complaint asks for a quick resolution, as he would need to start preparing for the NFL draft if he can't return to school, according to Knox News. The complaint also states Tennessee has an open roster spot for Aguilar, along with approximately $2 million in name, image and likeness (NIL) money set aside for the quarterback.
If Aguilar doesn't return to Tennessee, the Vols would have a likely quarterback battle between incoming five-star recruit Faizon Brandon, redshirt freshman George MacIntyre and Colorado transfer Ryan Staub, who has one career start.
Alabama forward Charles Bediako, who played three NBA G-League seasons before receiving a temporary restraining order to return to the Crimson Tide this season, is also set for a preliminary injunction on Feb. 6.
Editor's note: This story has been udpated with additional information.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Joey Aguilar gets restraining order if bid to return to Tennessee
