Chancellor Chris Heagerty knows whatever he decides in the Joey Aguilar case could reach far beyond one quarterback’s eligibility. That’s why there’s still no ruling as of February 17. With the courtroom clock ticking, this lawsuit has pushed Congress back into the spotlight since Aguilar’s legal battle has reopened the SCORE Act conversation. 

Last August, the Student Compensation and Opportunity Through Rights and Endorsements Act, aka the SCORE Act, started moving through the House. The bill would grant the NCAA sweeping antitrust protections and shield it from labor challenges, and it would invest heavily in it. Congress rejected it last fall, but fresh pleas are surfacing again. 

According to reporting from Ross Dellenger, D1 and D3 commissioners are pressing lawmakers hard. They urged Congress for passage of the SCORE Act, which is their third “aggressive” attempt since August to move the bill. It’s undergoing modifications again, with hopes of passage as soon as next month. 

The D2 Commissioners Association made its stance clear. Representing 23 conferences and over 300 institutions, they called the SCORE Act “essential.” They don’t want their student-athletes to be treated as employees. They believe that would wreck their model, which pursues enrollment and academic missions. 

“The bill also replaces the patchwork of over 30 conflicting state laws, allowing student-athletes nationwide to compete under a single, unified set of rules,” it stated. “This consistency is essential for fairness and maintaining competitive integrity. Additionally, the SCORE Act provides limited liability protections that enable athletic associations and conferences to create and enforce necessary rules regarding eligibility, seasons of competition, recruiting, academic standards, and other fundamental aspects of college sports.”

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D3 made a similar statement, as its commissioners represent schools where nearly one in three students plays a sport. They emphasize academic growth, making it clear that D3 athletes are students first, and an employment model would crush programs. This would be bad news, especially for schools that don’t offer scholarships or generate revenue. But not everyone in Washington is buying it.

Back on December 3, the SCORE Act was just a final vote away from becoming official. But Congress pulled back after bipartisan backlash. Critics like Rep. Chip Roy and the Congressional Black Caucus raised concerns about athlete rights. Meanwhile, Rep. Lori Trahan called it “a gift to the NCAA and the Power Two conferences at the expense of athletes.” 

This brings us right back to Knox County. The facts regarding Joey Aguilar’s eligibility fight could shape how much urgency there is among the lawmakers to intervene in this situation.

The issues in Joey Aguilar’s case

“These issues are far-reaching,” Chancellor Heagerty said. “I know this is a Tennessee court, but it’s my court. So I’m not going to get it wrong. It’s going to take a while, but it’s not going to take too long. You should have my opinion in very short order.”

The temporary restraining order remains in place, meaning Joey Aguilar is eligible for now. Right now, whether he can play long-term is the million-dollar question. The NCAA allows student-athletes to play four seasons within five years. Joey Aguilar has spent nearly seven years in college football but only three at NCAA institutions. He argues that JUCO time shouldn’t count because they’re not under NCAA governance. His attorney, Cam Norris, said as simply as he could. 

“So the relief that your honor enters, the only relief that we’ve asked for, is for Mr. Aguilar to be able to play in 2026,” he said. “That does not harm the NCAA to have one player more to play football.”

But the NCAA feels there will be pandemonium if Joey Aguilar wins. Other athletes might follow his example, maybe even D2 and D3 players. The NCAA’s stance is that this is about preserving the entire eligibility structure. That’s why commissioners are lobbying Congress right now. What do you think about this situation? Drop your comments below.