Joey Aguilar will enter the Week 12 clash against the New Mexico State Aggies as the captain. As a show of gratitude for the trust HC Josh Heupel has placed in him, Aguilar made a bold promise, one that could help his career reach Peyton Manning-level heights. Fans quickly showed their support and appreciation on social media, and even his mother reacted to his commitment.

The official Tennessee X account posted a video of the Volunteers’ play-by-play radio commentator, Mike Keith, interviewing Joey Aguilar. Keith asked how Aguilar felt about the program, to which the quarterback replied, “How much the fans are involved like the vol walk, out in the community, and how much support they give us“. Aguilar then confirmed his plans to be a Tennessee player for the rest of his career, in which Keith drew comparisons to Peyton Manning and Heath Shuler’s careers.

“It’s fun to know, especially for the kids. The kids think I’m one of the biggest celebrities there is in the whole world. To know just to dab him up or say what’s up to him makes their world is something I hope I can just keep doing.” Joey Aguilar said in response to the love he receives from the community. Fans showed their appreciation for his commitment to the program. His mother, Lydia Aguilar, reposted the tweet, showing support for her son’s loyalty to the Volunteers.

With his Heisman-level performances earlier in the season, Aguilar has quickly become a fan favorite at the program. This season, the quarterback has posted a pass completion rate of 65.7% for 2737 passing yards, with 21 passing touchdowns. Aguilar has also shown his dual-threat abilities, posting 48 rushing attempts for 85 yards and 2 rushing touchdowns.

He has shown inconsistencies, however. His 8 interceptions have dipped his stock in the Heisman race. And two of those came against Oklahoma in Week 11, resulting in a 27-33 loss. He will be looking to move past the blemish when his side takes on the New Mexico State Aggies in Week 12.

Can Joey Aguilar make a comeback in the Heisman race?

After Nico Iamaleava left for UCLA, Josh Huepel had to make a signing that would fill the gap left by the quarterback. He decided to go with Joey Aguilar, a decision that has aged like fine wine. Aguilar showed brilliance in the earlier parts of the season. But his interceptions and inconsistencies have played a part in lowering his stock. There is also the fact that other contenders refuse to take their feet off the gas pedal.

Currently, Julian Sayin leads the Heisman race, followed by Fernando Mendoza, Ty Simpson, Jeremiah Smith, etc. So, if Aguilar wants to move above the pecking order, he will have to drop outstanding performances in these last three remaining games. Tennessee faces New Mexico State, Florida Gators, and Vanderbilt. However, even with three wins and standout performances, it will only guarantee recognition, not the trophy itself.

To even have a chance at the trophy, Joey Aguilar will have to lead the Volunteers to the playoffs and finish in a high position. But Tennessee is not making the playoffs, unless there is some miracle.