Joey Aguilar, a former Appalachian State and UCLA quarterback, has committed to the University of Tennessee in the transfer portal in April 2025.
He credits his parents, Jose and Lydia Aguilar, for his athletic achievements and helps his father coach youth football. He remembers the children being amazed when he visited the practice.
Highlights
- Joey Aguilar’s parents, Jose and Lydia Aguilar, were high school sweethearts who became teen parents and worked tirelessly to provide for their children.
- His father is a first-generation Mexican American, and his mother is Puerto Rican.
- He often joins his father to coach youth football and loves seeing the kids’ faces light up when he steps onto the field.
Joey played football at Freedom High School and completed 336 of 552 pass attempts for 5,575 yards and 59 touchdowns to 14 interceptions.
Later, he committed to play college football at Diablo Valley College, where he completed 228 of 379 passing attempts for 2,992 yards, 21 touchdowns, and ten interceptions.
However, he committed to playing Division I college football at Appalachian State University for his junior year. He was a backup quarterback behind Ryan Burger but came in for relief when Burger went down with an injury.
Joey was named the starting quarterback for their week 2 matchup versus North Carolina and went 22 for 43 passing for 275 yards and two touchdowns with an interception in a loss.
He decided to transfer to UCLA on December 28, 2024, and moved to the University of Tennessee in April 2025.
Growing up, I was always overlooked but always worked hard. I just had that mindset that I deserve more for myself. When I see all these people that I believe I am better than getting scholarships to these programs, I just take that as accountability for myself that I am not doing something right and I should be doing more.
Joey Aguilar
Joey Aguilar’s Parents Are High School Sweethearts
Joey Aguilar’s success on the football field is no surprise to those who know his story, especially his parents, Jose and Lydia Aguilar. Her mother often shares his accomplishments on social media.
His parents became teen parents and worked tirelessly to provide for their children, supporting their dreams in sports and extracurricular activities.
Joey’s parents’ dedication paid off. He became the first in his immediate family to graduate from college, a milestone that fills them with immense pride.
Jose proudly coached Joey early on and always believed in his potential. Though Joey initially dreamed of being a running back, his father recognized something special early on.
Jose insists that even at seven years old, Joey had an uncanny ability to throw the ball precisely. It was a sign of the quarterback he would become.
Furthermore, Joey’s Latino heritage is a core part of his identity. His father is a first-generation Mexican American, and his mother is Puerto Rican.
Whether representing his flags or embracing his roots, Joey never shies away from celebrating who he is. That representation matters, especially in a sport where Latino quarterbacks are rare.
As the 2023 Cure Bowl MVP, Joey understands the power of his platform. He knows his success can inspire the next generation of athletes and takes that responsibility seriously.
Often joining his father to coach youth football, Joey loves seeing the kids’ faces light up when he steps onto the field. He views it as more than just teaching the game.
It’s awesome. Hispanic quarterbacks there aren’t many out there. To go out there and represent is amazing. Especially for the younger kids seeing a Hispanic quarterback and they’re Hispanic as well. Growing up they can be like ‘Dang, that’s awesome. I want to be like that one day. It’s a blessing. I am doing it for a reason, and God has a plan for me to show everyone to pursue dreams.
Joey Aguilar
Additional Information
- Joey Aguilar has been in a relationship with basketball player Rylan Moffitt and often shares glimpses of their personal lives on social media.
- He stands 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighs about 220 lbs.
- He played for Coach Zach Sims at Freedom and Gavin Cribb at Diablo Valley.
