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Joey Aguilar will attend NFL combine amid NCAA eligibility case, per report
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- Joey Aguilar will attend NFL combine amid NCAA eligibility case, per report
Tennessee quarterback Joey Aguilar plans to attend the NFL scouting combine despite waiting for a Knox County judge's decision that could declare him eligible to play college football in the 2026 season, On3 reported on Feb. 17.
Aguilar will be a limited participant, which would allow him to remain eligible if the judge rules in his favor.
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The preliminary injunction hearing on Aguilar's eligibility lawsuit was Feb. 13 in Knox County Chancery Court. Chancellor Chris Heagerty said he would rule in "very short order," but there's been no decision yet.
If the injunction is denied, Aguilar likely will turn his attention to the 2026 NFL Draft. If the injunction is granted, Aguilar can prepare to play for Tennessee in 2026, but he could still attend the combine in case the NCAA won a reversal on appeal.
The NFL scouting combine begins Feb. 23 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis . Quarterbacks will take part in interviews on Feb. 27, and on-field drills are slated for Feb. 28 on NFL Network.
These Tennessee players will attend NFL combine with Joey Aguilar
Aguilar did not previously appear on the list of invitees released to the media. He'll now be among seven Tennessee players at the combine , joining wide receiver Chris Brazzell, cornerback Jermod McCoy , cornerback Colton Hood , edge rusher Joshua Josephs , defensive lineman Bryson Eason and tight end Miles Kitselman .
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Aguilar will meet with NFL teams, but he'll likely sit out the on-field workouts at the combine. He underwent surgery on Jan. 2 to remove a benign tumor on his arm . According to his court filing, he expects to be fully recovered soon, perhaps in late February.
Meanwhile, Tennessee starts spring practice on March 16. Aguilar is enrolled at UT and hopes to play one more season for the Vols.
Aguilar isn't viewed as a premier NFL prospect, but he had a strong 2025 season in his UT debut. He led the SEC with 3,565 passing yards, the third most in a single season in UT history, along with 24 TD passes.
According to his complaint in the lawsuit, Aguilar expects to earn " approximately $2 million " in NIL money if he plays for Tennessee in the 2026 season.
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Adam Sparks is the Tennessee football beat reporter. Email adam.sparks@knoxnews.com . X, formerly known as Twitter @AdamSparks . Support strong local journalism by subscribing at knoxnews.com/subscribe .
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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Joey Aguilar to attend NFL combine amid NCAA eligibility case, per report
