A Knoxville judge has denied Tennessee quarterback Joey Aguilar's request for a preliminary injunction that would have allowed him to play in the 2026 season, effectively ending his eligibility for the upcoming year. Aguilar, 24, had challenged NCAA rules that count junior college years against his eligibility clock. His case was based on the argument that his junior college seasons at City College of San Francisco and Diablo Valley College should not be counted, and he sought to gain an additional year of NCAA eligibility. The NCAA previously rejected Tennessee's request for a seventh year, and the judge's decision aligns with recent legal trends favoring NCAA enforcement of eligibility standards. Aguilar's legal efforts included a temporary restraining order earlier this month, but the court's denial of the injunction means he will not be able to play for Tennessee in 2026. Aguilar, who passed for 3,565 yards and 24 touchdowns in 2025, will attend the upcoming NFL combine and is expected to pursue a professional career. Tennessee now faces a quarterback competition among unproven players including George MacIntyre, Faizon Brandon, and Ryan Staub, as the team prepares for its next season after an 8-5 record in 2025.