Aguilar’s TRO shows NCAA is losing control of eligibility enforcement

Joey Aguilar was granted a temporary restraining order on Wednesday in the Knox County Court. 

Aguilar is seeking a fourth season of eligibility to play quarterback for the Tennessee Volunteers, citing that his time at Diablo Community College should not count against his Division I eligibility clock. This was not only a win for him, but a loss for the NCAA’s ability to enforce eligibility rules. 

Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel and his offensive staff are hoping for an Aguilar return to Knoxville. The signal-caller threw for 3,565 yards and 24 touchdowns last season. After bringing in a transfer portal class that emphasized improving the defense, the Vols look to be a playoff contender next year with continuity on the offensive side of the ball. 

TRO is becoming common for athletes who want an extra year of eligibility

Similarly, Diego Pavia filed a lawsuit against the NCAA in November 2024, challenging the NCAA’s rules on the eligibility of junior college athletes. It took a month for Pavia to be granted his TRO, and his case was settled with a preliminary injunction. Aguilar chose to file in state court and was granted a TRO within a week; he awaits his hearing on the preliminary injunction.