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Tennessee quarterback Joey Aguilar reportedly underwent surgery to remove a benign tumor from his arm.
The NFL Network reported that the tumor had pushed on his biceps tendon and labrum, causing weakness and pain.
Representatives in Tennessee did not immediately respond to a request to confirm the report.
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Tennessee quarterback Joey Aguilar (6) retreats for the throw during the Music City Bowl NCAA college football game against Illinois on December 30, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Angelina Alcantar/News Sentinel/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
In his first full season with the Vols, Aguilar had a career-best 67.3% completion rate, throwing for 3,565 yards and 24 touchdowns. He led the SEC with 274.2 passing yards per game.
Aguilar joined the Vols after a long quarterback saga with the school. He played his first two college seasons at Appalachian State and then transferred to UCLA. But when Nico Iamaleava left Tennessee for the Bruins, it forced Aguilar’s hand.
Tennessee quarterback Joey Aguilar (6) looks around the stadium after losing an NCAA football game between Tennessee and Vanderbilt at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee on November 29, 2025. (Angelina Alcantar/News Sentinel/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
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Iamaleava’s NIL drama with the Vols sent shockwaves through college football because he became the first college player to hold out on a program for a major payout. His deal was reportedly worth up to $10 million over multiple seasons, and he was set to make $2.4 million this past season.
In his career, Aguilar has amassed 10,325 passing yards and 80 touchdowns in 38 games.
Tennessee went 8-4 in the regular season and then lost to Illinois in the Music City Bowl.
Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Joey Aguilar (6) looks on against the Florida Gators during the first half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. (Kim Klement Neitzel/Imagn Images)
Before going to Appalachian State, Aguilar played JUCO football for two years, leaving his NCAA eligibility in doubt. He is currently a plaintiff in a lawsuit against the NCAA.
