Tennessee quarterback Joey Aguilar exemplified grit and resilience by playing through the entire 2025 SEC season with a secret, benign tumor pressing on his throwing arm. Despite the undisclosed pain and weakness caused by the condition—which required surgery immediately after the Music City Bowl—Aguilar led the Volunteers’ offense, throwing for 3,565 yards and 24 touchdowns. His ability to perform at an elite level while battling a major injury has preserved his NFL draft prospects and cemented his status as a true American champion.
Story Highlights
- Aguilar underwent surgery Friday to remove a benign tumor pressing on his biceps tendon and labrum, causing undisclosed pain and weakness.
- Despite the condition, he led Tennessee with 3,565 passing yards, 24 TDs, and an SEC-leading 274.2 yards per game over 13 starts plus the Music City Bowl.
- Full recovery expected in eight weeks, preserving his NFL draft prospects after a career totaling 10,325 yards and 80 TDs.
- Transfer from JUCO roots highlights crisis of NIL deals and NCAA eligibility fights, with Aguilar suing for extra playing time.
Aguilar’s Secret Battle on the Field
Joey Aguilar, Tennessee’s starting quarterback, played through severe arm pain from a benign tumor pressing on his biceps tendon and labrum. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported the 24-year-old kept the condition quiet throughout the 2025 season. Aguilar completed all 13 regular-season games and the Music City Bowl loss to Illinois on Wednesday, where he went 14-of-18 for 121 yards and a rushing touchdown. Surgery occurred Friday, with full recovery projected in eight weeks. This resilience powered Tennessee’s offense to sixth in FBS scoring and eighth in yards per game, despite an 8-5 record.
🚨 BREAKING 🚨
Joey Aguilar underwent successful surgery today to remove a benign tumor that had been pressing on his biceps tendon and labrum. (Via @RapSheet)
Wishing him a smooth and speedy recovery 🙏🍊 pic.twitter.com/X8GN98awuB
— Tri-Star Network (@TriStar_Network) January 2, 2026
JUCO Journey to SEC Stardom
Aguilar’s path began at City College of San Francisco in 2019, followed by Diablo Valley College from 2021-22. He starred at Appalachian State as a two-year starter, earning 2023 Sun Belt Newcomer of the Year with 3,757 yards and 33 touchdowns. In December 2024, he committed to UCLA but flipped to Tennessee in April 2025 after Nico Iamaleava’s NIL holdout led to a reported $10 million UCLA deal. Iamaleava’s $2.4 million annual holdout destabilized Tennessee’s quarterback room, thrusting Aguilar into the starter role. His 2025 stats marked career highs, ranking third in Tennessee quarterback yards since 2012.
Navigating NIL Turmoil and NCAA Lawsuits
Aguilar joins JUCO quarterback Diego Pavia in a December 2024 lawsuit seeking extra eligibility through an injunction against the NCAA. This fight underscores broader instability from name, image, and likeness deals, exemplified by Iamaleava’s unprecedented holdout as the first college player to demand a massive payout. Tennessee relied on transfers for quarterback stability amid such drama. Aguilar’s discretion preserved his starting position and SEC standing, third in conference passing yards. The lawsuit could extend his career, aiding NFL preparation.
Professional outlets praise Aguilar’s rise from junior college obscurity to Power conference leader. CBS Sports notes his stats as career-best, while Fox emphasizes the transfer saga. No conflicting reports exist on the tumor’s benign nature or recovery timeline. Tennessee has not confirmed the surgery.
NFL Future and Team Implications
An eight-week recovery may delay Aguilar’s NFL Combine or pro day participation, but specialists expect full health restoration. His career totals—10,325 yards and 80 touchdowns in 38 games—bolster draft stock. Tennessee faces quarterback depth questions for 2026, with Vols fans viewing Aguilar as an offensive bright spot in a disappointing 8-5 campaign. NFL scouts monitor timing uncertainties. The case reinforces JUCO transfers’ success in elite conferences and potential draft class disruptions from extended eligibility.
Watch the report: UT QB Joey Aguilar undergoes surgery to remove benign tumor on arm
Sources:
- Tennessee’s Joey Aguilar Reportedly Has Surgery to Remove Tumor Near Biceps Tendon
- Joey Aguilar, Tennessee quarterback, has surgery to remove tumor
- Tennessee QB Joey Aguilar undergoes surgery to remove benign tumor from throwing arm: report
