Tennessee quarterback Joey Aguilar has been named to the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award watch list. The announcement follows his recent designation as the starting quarterback for the University of Tennessee football team ahead of its season opener against Syracuse in Atlanta.
Aguilar, who transferred from Antioch, California, is among 58 quarterbacks recognized on this year’s watch list. Thirteen players from the Southeastern Conference are included.
A post by Tennessee Football on social media read: ” Watch List Season (@Jooey16_ has been named to the Johnny Unitas @GoldenArmAward Watch List. (…) » https://t.co/nhVWllvwjg #GBO pic.twitter.com/mg6vfcCfjA.” The post was published Aug. 19, 2025.
According to information about the award, its mission is “focusing on the development of young athletes through education and athletics, while honoring the legacy of HOF quarterback Johnny Unitas.”
Aguilar will be making his 25th Football Bowl Subdivision start when Tennessee faces Syracuse to open their season. He begins this year as the FBS active career leader in total offense per game and ranks second nationally in passing yards per game.
In 2023, Joe Milton III was also named a candidate for the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award.
The Vols will play Syracuse at noon on Aug. 30 in Atlanta.
