Why Kevin Hart is on the Tennessee sideline for today's game vs. ETSU

Comedian Kevin Hart is in attendance for Tennessee‘s game against East Tennessee State in Knoxville.

Hart is accompanying his son Hendrix Hart, who is a senior at Sierra Canyon High School (Chatsworth, CA). He is currently being recruited by the University for track and field.

Things you don't expect to see at a Tennessee football game…Josh Heupel with Kevin Hart.

Yes, Hart is on the sideline here at Neyland Stadium. His son is being recruited for track and field. #Vols pic.twitter.com/uMAcZPf2Q4

— Sam Rothman (@samrothman_) September 6, 2025

The Volunteers are certainly giving Hart and his family a show early, as they have jumped out to a 24-0 lead over East Tennessee State before the first quarter has even come to an end. Quarterback Joey Aguilar is off to a great start for the Volunteers, as he’s completed 10/14 passes for 121 yards and two touchdowns.

Aguilar was brought in as a replacement for former quarterback Nico Iamaleava, who surprisingly transferred to UCLA in the offseason. He had a big performance in his Tennessee debut last Saturday against Syracuse, as he completed 16/28 passes for 247 yards and three touchdowns.

“I thought he handled himself really well,” Heupel stated postgame. “Been a good decision maker. Made some plays down the field. We’ve got to keep coming here. There’s some things we can clean up in all phases.”

Tennessee and Aguilar have been a perfect fit so far

Tennessee was a natural fit for Aguilar. Earlier this summer, he thought back on his college career, evaluating how it’s made him the perfect quarterback for what the Volunteers need this season.

“Growing up I had to work for everything I got to. In high school, I was the starting quarterback. Graduating high school, I had nothing, no scholarships coming out of high school. Really took about two years off, with COVID and things like that. JUCO, and was a backup in JUCO. Earned a starting spot. App State, went to the first game as a backup. Earned a starting spot,” Aguilar told the media. 

“So, I’ve just been enjoying the process, and just working. Truly earning what I’ve accomplished has made everything so fun.”

So far, so good for Joey Aguilar. He’s looked tremendous against Syracuse and now against East Tennessee State, loving the opportunity that was unexpectedly afforded to him this offseason.

If the Volunteers can continue to cruise to a victory over the Buccaneers on Saturday, they will head into their monstrous matchup against No. 4 Georgia with a 2-0 record.