photo by UT Athletics
The Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Educational Foundation announced Tuesday afternoon that Tennessee senior quarterback
Joey Aguilar was named to the 2025 preseason watch list for the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, presented annually to the top senior or upperclassman quarterback who is on track to graduate with their class.
The signal caller from Antioch, California, is one of 58 quarterbacks on the list, including one of 13 from the Southeastern Conference.
Aguilar will make his 25th FBS start when the Vols open the 2025 campaign in Atlanta against Syracuse on Saturday, Aug.
30. He enters the season as the FBS active career leader in total offense per game (288.5, minimum 2,500 yards) and ranks second in passing yards per game (270.4, minimum 5,000 yards).
Recently named UT's starting quarterback by head coach
Josh Heupel, Aguilar arrived on Rocky Top in the summer of 2025 after spending the previous two seasons at App State. In 25 games with the Mountaineers, he completed 511-of-850 passes (60.0 percent) for 6,760 yards and 56 touchdowns, both ranking fifth in App State program history.
Now in its 39th year, the Golden Arm Award continues to honor excellence both on and off the field. The award is presented by the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Educational Foundation in partnership with A. O. Smith Corporation, whose mission aligns with the Foundation's commitment to advancing the game of football while promoting character, leadership, and academic achievement among young athletes.
As the 2025 college football season unfolds, the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award watch list will be narrowed to semifinalists and finalists before one standout quarterback will take home the award in December. The winner will be celebrated at the annual Golden Arm Award ceremony at the Four Seasons Hotel in Johnny Unitas' hometown of Baltimore—an unforgettable night honoring leadership, legacy, and the best in college football.