Joey Aguilar Lawsuit 2026, No Ruling Yet After Feb 13 Hearing—Tennessee QB’s $2M NIL Fight Stalls As Judge Questions Proof Of “Damages” In JUCO Eligibility Case
Tennessee quarterback Joey Aguilar was back in court Friday for his lawsuit against the NCAA seeking another year of college eligibility. After a preliminary injunction hearing in Knox County Chancery Court, Chancellor Christopher D. Heagerty said he would make a ruling in the near future whether Aguilar can return to the Volunteers. The temporary restraining order remains in effect until the judge issues his written decision.
Aguilar filed a lawsuit against the NCAA with the goal of obtaining an injunction that would allow him to play for the Volunteers in 2026, arguing his two junior college seasons shouldn’t count against his NCAA eligibility clock.
What Is Joey Aguilar Suing The NCAA For?
Aguilar filed his lawsuit earlier in the month arguing that he should be allowed a fourth year of playing Division I football rather than having the years he spent in junior college count against his eligibility. Aguilar played at Diablo Valley (California) Community College from 2021-22 before transferring to Appalachian State, where he spent the 2023 and 2024 seasons.
After transferring to Tennessee, Aguilar completed 67.3% of his passes for 3,565 yards with 24 touchdowns and 10 interceptions this past season, leading the SEC in passing yards.
Why Aguilar Withdrew From The Federal Pavia Case
Initially, Aguilar was one of 26 plaintiffs in the Diego Pavia Lawsuit Update, How Vanderbilt QB Is Killing NCAA’s JUCO Eligibility Rules Forever. However, “Left watching the clock run out on his last opportunity to play college football and earn substantial compensation for it, and with new counsel, Aguilar voluntarily dismissed himself from the Pavia lawsuit on January 29, 2026,” to file in Tennessee state court instead.
The strategic move aimed to get faster relief. Aguilar had removed himself from the list of plaintiffs in a federal lawsuit that Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia filed in federal court, betting a Tennessee judge would rule more quickly than the federal multi-plaintiff case.
The $2 Million Problem: Judge Questions NIL “Damages”
The February 13 hearing exposed a critical weakness in Aguilar’s case. The lawsuit noted that Tennessee has a roster spot open for Aguilar and he would be able to earn $2 million by playing another season with the Vols. Some reports suggest Aguilar claims he would be losing out on $2-4 million in compensation if he were not granted the injunction.
But “I can’t base my decision on conjecture and speculation,” Heagerty said to Aguilar’s attorney, Cam Norris. “You don’t hand them (injunctions) out like popcorn. So tell me what proof you have to show me that the harm in this case”.
The problem is that, since NIL contracts are not public record, and weren’t entered into evidence, Chancellor Heagerty was having a hard time wrapping his head around what actually constitutes ‘damages’ in this case.
The NCAA’s Defense And National Implications
NCAA attorney Taylor Askew argued the NCAA rules regarding the eligibility of junior college players — agreed to by all members — have been in place for many years. The NCAA maintains JUCO seasons should count because athletes compete and develop skills during those years.
“This outcome — after the plaintiff withdrew from a federal lawsuit and separately filed a lawsuit in state court with the exact same facts — illustrates the impossible situation created by differing court decisions,” the NCAA said.
Heagerty was concerned that a decision in a Tennessee court could have national implications. A ruling for Aguilar could open floodgates for hundreds of former JUCO players seeking extra eligibility.
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What Happens Next?
Chancellor Heagerty will issue a written ruling “in very short order” according to court observers. The temporary restraining order allows Aguilar to work out with the team while the court decides.
Similar to the Trinidad Chambliss Lawsuit, Ole Miss QB Sues NCAA For Sixth Year Of Eligibility, Aguilar’s case tests whether state courts will grant relief that federal courts have struggled to provide consistently.
FAQs
What is the Joey Aguilar lawsuit about?
Aguilar is suing the NCAA to gain a fourth year of Division I eligibility, arguing his two junior college seasons shouldn’t count toward his five-year eligibility clock.
When was the lawsuit filed?
Early February 2026 in Knox County Chancery Court after Aguilar withdrew from the federal Diego Pavia class action on January 29, 2026.
What happened at the February 13 hearing?
The judge heard arguments but didn’t rule from the bench. Chancellor Heagerty questioned whether Aguilar provided sufficient proof of financial damages from lost NIL compensation.
How much money is at stake?
Aguilar claims he could earn $2-4 million in NIL compensation if allowed to play another season at Tennessee.
Why did Aguilar leave the Pavia lawsuit?
To file in Tennessee state court for faster relief. The federal case involves 26 plaintiffs and moves slower than a single-plaintiff state case.
What did Aguilar accomplish at Tennessee?
He led the SEC with 3,565 passing yards, completing 67.3% of passes with 24 TDs and 10 interceptions in the 2025 season.
When will the judge rule?
Heagerty said he’ll issue a written ruling “in very short order” but gave no specific timeline.
Last Updated: February 14, 2026
Disclaimer: This article provides general information about ongoing sports litigation and is not legal advice.
What To Do: Follow official court filings and Tennessee football news for updates on Aguilar’s eligibility status as the judge prepares his ruling.
Stay informed, stay protected. — AllAboutLawyer.com
About the Author
Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
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