NEW ORLEANS – The Allstate Sugar Bowl announced Thursday that Tennessee senior quarterback Joey Aguilar was added to the watch list for the 2025 Manning Award, which annually recognizes the top quarterback in the nation.
The Manning Award was created by the Allstate Sugar Bowl in honor of the college football accomplishments of Archie, Peyton and Eli Manning. It is the only quarterback award that includes the candidates’ postseason performances in its balloting. Finalists will be selected prior to the postseason, and the winner will be announced following the College Football Playoff National Championship.
Aguilar has thrived in his debut season on Rocky Top, leading the Southeastern Conference in passing yards (1,948) and ranking tied for third in the league in passing touchdowns (15) through his first seven starts as a Volunteer. For the season, he has completed 146-of-226 passes for 1,948 yards with 15 touchdowns and six interceptions – including at least one touchdown pass in all seven contests of the 2025 campaign.
Consistent throughout his career, Aguilar has thrown for over 200 yards in all 31 of his FBS starts dating back to his two seasons at App State. He is also the FBS active career leader in total offense per game (289.3, minimum 2,500 yards) and passing yards per game (272.1, minimum 5,000 yards).
In addition to being recognized by the Manning Award, Aguilar is a member of numerous watch lists for national honors in 2025 – including the Maxwell Award, Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award and Hispanic College Football Player of the Year.
