WHO COULD HAVE THOUGHT : tennessee transfer qb joey aguilar spreads positivity at east tn children’s hospital
Tennessee’s newly minted signal-caller, Joey Aguilar, wasted no time integrating into the Knoxville community. On a bright Saturday visit to the East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, Aguilar, joined by fellow Vols defensive back William Wright, brought joy and encouragement to young patients at the pediatric facility .
🎗 What Happened
In his first public appearance as a Volunteer, Aguilar greeted children and families, posed for photos, and offered words of support.
The hospital’s Instagram noted, *“It’s almost the most wonderful time of the year!… Thanks for the visit, guys!”* .
🏈 A Quarterback Swap with Momentum
Aguilar’s transfer marks a compelling swap: after transferring from Appalachian State to UCLA, he found himself on the move again once Nico Iamaleava left the Bruins post-NIL disagreement. Aguilar opted to don orange and pledged to bring experience to Tennessee’s QB room .
At Appalachian State (2023–24), Aguilar threw for 6,760 yards and 56 touchdowns in 25 starts .
His addition provides the Vols a veteran presence competing alongside Jake Merklinger and George MacIntyre for the starting role this fall .
🌟 Why This Matters
1. Immediate Fan Connection – Community appearances like this hospital visit showcase Aguilar’s character and willingness to embrace his new home.
2. Leadership Signal – A new QB presence that’s visible off-field can translate into influence within the locker room and campus culture.
3. Momentum Builder – As Tennessee builds toward a strong 2025 campaign under QB competition, early goodwill can help Aguilar connect with fans and teammates alike.
—
Bottom Line:
Joey Aguilar’s visit to East TN Children’s Hospital is more than a photo-op—it’s a meaningful gesture reflecting his commitment to Knoxville beyond football. Coupled with his record-breaking collegiate performance and quick transition into Tennessee’s QB competition, Aguilar is making a well-rounded case to be a leader on and off the field.
