Tennessee quarterback Joey Aguilar recently shared some candid thoughts about the upcoming Music City Bowl, his future, and the team’s journey—and trust me, it’s a conversation you won’t want to miss. But here’s where it gets controversial: While many players might consider opting out of bowl games, Aguilar’s perspective is refreshingly different. Let’s dive into what he had to say.
As the Vols gear up to face Illinois on December 30 at Nissan Stadium in Nashville (5:30 p.m. ET on ESPN), Aguilar addressed the media with a calm yet determined tone. When asked about the Diego Pavia lawsuit and its impact on his focus, he kept it straightforward: ‘Not much. My answer is still my answer—just focus on the season and pursue what I want to pursue afterwards.’ And this is the part most people miss: Despite the distractions, Aguilar’s ability to stay grounded in the present is a testament to his leadership.
The uncertainty of this season, compared to last year, hasn’t shaken him. ‘To a certain extent, it feels the same, but obviously, I’m preparing for a bowl game, so my focus is on that and getting ready for Illinois,’ he explained. When pressed about his future—whether he’ll return for another college season or explore pro opportunities—Aguilar admitted, ‘I guess I’ll figure that out after the bowl game.’ Bold question for you: Is this the right approach, or should players have a clearer plan by now?
Aguilar didn’t shy away from praising Tennessee’s younger players, who’ve been racking up awards and honors. ‘Coach Heupel always says young guys don’t have time to be young. These guys come in, put the work in, and grind every day. They deserve it,’ he said. One standout? David Sanders, who battled through an injury early in the season to dominate on the O-line. ‘I’m so glad to have him protecting me,’ Aguilar added with a smile.
After a disappointing loss to Vanderbilt, the team’s mindset shifted quickly. ‘We didn’t play how we were supposed to in the second half, but we’re grateful for one more game together. Our goal is to execute against Illinois,’ Aguilar emphasized. Controversial take alert: Some might argue that bowl games are just consolation prizes, but Aguilar’s enthusiasm suggests otherwise. ‘Everybody’s super excited to go out there,’ he said, dismissing any notion of motivation issues.
Freshmen wide receivers Radarious Jackson and Travis Smith Jr. also earned Aguilar’s praise. ‘They’re both incredible athletes, and they’re not taking this opportunity for granted,’ he noted. When asked specifically about Jackson, Aguilar lit up: ‘You throw the ball anywhere near him, and he’s gonna catch it. His catch radius is crazy.’ Thought-provoking question: Could Jackson be the next big star for Tennessee?
Despite the season’s emotional weight, Aguilar remains level-headed. ‘It’s a game. I’m blessed to play it one more time,’ he said. His perspective? ‘I’ve been playing this forever, and eventually, it’ll come to an end, but I’m excited to go out there one more time.’ The break before the bowl game allowed the team to recharge, both physically and mentally. ‘Everybody’s healthier, and we’re ready to go,’ Aguilar confirmed. As for his downtime? ‘Golf a couple of times,’ he chuckled.
Even his music taste reflects his laid-back approach. ‘I listen to a lot of country and worship music, but before games, I keep it calm,’ he shared, giving a shoutout to rapper TMOFF. Final question for you: Does Aguilar’s calm demeanor give Tennessee an edge, or is it a sign of complacency? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!
