The NCAA praised a Knoxville judge’s decision Friday to deny Tennessee quarterback Joey Aguilar a preliminary injunction in his eligibility case against the organization. Aguilar is seeking an eighth collegiate season — but just fourth at the NCAA level — after the NCAA denied him last month.

“The NCAA is thankful for the judge’s decision today which demonstrates the court’s consideration of eligibility standards and protecting access to the collegiate experience for current and future student-athletes,” the NCAA statement read, per On3‘s Pete Nakos. “We will continue to defend the NCAA’s eligibility rules against attempts to circumvent foundational policies and hinder fair competition to all student-athletes. The NCAA is making changes to deliver more benefits to student-athletes and will continue to work with Congress to provide stability for all college athletes.”

Friday afternoon’s ruling by Knox County Chancery Court Judge Chris Heagerty upholds the NCAA’s previous decision on Aguilar’s eligibility status, effectively ending his college career. While he can still appeal Friday’s ruling, On3 reports Aguilar will attend next week’s NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis during a 48-hour window that will allow him to maintain his potential collegiate eligibility upon appeal.

The 24-year-old Aguilar was arguing his junior college experience shouldn’t count toward his NCAA eligibility clock after a four-year JUCO career at City College of San Francisco and Diablo Valley. Aguilar then played two seasons at Appalachian State between 2023-24 before transferring to Tennessee last April after originally signing with UCLA in Dec. 2024. Aguilar and former Vols quarterback Nico Iamaleava effectively traded places after Iamaleava transferred to the Bruins following Spring practice in Knoxville.

“We didn’t know who he was until Nico left and he came and it was wonderful, but it doesn’t mean we break the rules — it doesn’t mean the Vols get something everyone else doesn’t,” NCAA attorney Taylor Askew said in last week’s injunction hearing.

Aguilar was previously granted a temporary restraining order (TRO) by Heagerty in which the judge said the Vols quarterback had demonstrated a likelihood of success on the merits, with the NCAA’s denial of a fourth season likely violating the Tennessee Trade Practices Act, but Friday’s ruling dissolves that TRO.

Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel threw his support behind Aguilar and even filed an affidavit explaining the time crunch that necessitated the temporary injunction.

“UT would love to have Aguilar back for the upcoming 2026 season. But UT needs to know whether he will be eligible,” Heupel’s statement read. “It is essential for Joey, his coaches and teammates, and for UT to all know the status of his eligibility as soon as possible.”

— On3’s Pete Nakos contributed to this report.