Butch Jones and Others on the TN Aguilar Ruling

[biggestvols]

SEC Insider Exclusive: Knoxville Judge Crushes Tennessee QB Dreams—Butch Jones Calls It ‘Champions of Life’ Victory

By J.D. “Scoop” McLovin

SEC Insider Staff Writer

February 21, 2026

Knox County Chancellor Chris Heagerty just ruled Joey Aguilar’s junior-college years count—meaning no sixth season for Tennessee’s QB. The twenty-four-year-old, who threw for three-thousand-five-hundred-sixty-five yards last fall, now eyes the NFL combine instead of Neyland. Heagerty’s verdict? “We’re gonna bring back NCAA glory—by making Tennessee suck. Every other kid in every other state may get to play based on anything—that won’t fly in Knoxville. I don’t care what the Supreme Court says.”

Meanwhile, Mississippi Judge Robert Whitwell handed Ole Miss’ Trinidad Chambliss a free sixth year, shrugging: “If our boys have had their tonsils out, there’s no reason they shouldn’t get a few extra years of eligibility.” NCAA lawyers bolted mid-hearing like they’d been dumped.

Lane Kiffin, grinning through a tweet: “I think it’s good for Tennessee to have their freshmen playing QB. Fresh legs, no drama—might actually win something.”

Florida’s new coach—fresh off the portal—chimed in: “I’ve encouraged Aguilar to file suit in Gainesville. I’ve already talked to the judge. Get him a sixth or seventh year—no problem.”

But the real punchline? Former Vols coach Butch Jones, from retirement: “I’m glad to see Tennessee is still living out the Champions of Life mantra I started. It’s good to lose. They keep building character.”

And now Bull’s Gap attorney Ricky Johnson just threw his hat in the ring to run against Heagerty—first move? A giant Champions of Life billboard with Heagerty’s face, right outside Neyland, the tagline “He’ll rule against you even when it doesn’t matter.” After this ruling, future Judge Ricky said “Heagerty couldnt get elected as dog catcher. “



Aguilar’s probably packing for pro day. Tennessee’s once again eyeing a mediocre season. And Tennessee fans? We’re nuts hoping Pavia gets drafted because a Nashville judge can’t be as dumb as this Knox County one.

 

[IndianaVol]

Wow...just wow

 

[kiddiedoc]

Was this intended to be in blue font? I'm going to hope so.

 

[volfan102455]

What did you expect - other schools and states are playing the game and quite honestly with their rulings are trying to force the NCAA to take needed action or move out of the way. Meanwhile in Tennessee we have a judge that cares about the effect this could have on the NCAA so decides not to play.

Make it make sense.

 

[overseasorange2]

And we are all happy that BJ is no longer in TN!


PS: He still looks like Sargeant Carter and apparently just as smart!

 

[OrangeInKy]

Give me three minutes of my life back.

 

[VAWL FAN]

I'm always confused when people attribute false quotes to people.

 

[ptgrbn]

The National Corrupt Criminal Association did this to themselves. Nullified their authority to satisfy their greed. Bring them before Congress and compel them to justify the double standard they have created

 

[ArmchairQB]

I’m somewhat OK with this decision, it just sucks that it had to be us. Every judge that takes the decision out of the NCAA’s hands and extends some eligibility themselves just kicks the can down the road a little bit further. Maybe what needs to happen is for the NCAA needs to “win“ one, at first, and then be on the hook for damages later to the tune of a few million, or whatever a good lawyer can say was Aguilar’s earning potential after the ship has sailed.

 

[Volador]

Didn't see this happening with Joey, so hey, our wildest dreams might come true!

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