The Tennessee Volunteers entered the 2025 season with College Football Playoff expectations-and for good reason. After a breakthrough CFP appearance in 2024, the Vols had their sights set on a return trip.
But an 8-4 finish, while solid on paper, fell short of those lofty goals. And as bowl season arrives, the tone around the program reflects that disappointment.
The Vols’ four losses came against some of the toughest competition in the nation-Georgia, Alabama, and Oklahoma, all of whom made the CFP, plus a Vanderbilt squad that finished the season ranked No. 14.
That’s not exactly a soft schedule. But Tennessee’s inability to close in big moments ultimately kept them out of the playoff conversation.
The frustration is showing in the lead-up to the Music City Bowl. Senior edge rusher Josh Josephs became the latest Volunteer to opt out of the postseason matchup, reportedly turning his focus to preparing for the NFL Draft.
His absence marks the fifth Tennessee player to sit out the bowl game. He joins cornerbacks Jermod McCoy and Colton Hood, wide receiver Chris Brazzell II, and linebacker Arion Carter on the list of key contributors who won’t suit up on Dec.
It’s hard to blame them. For veterans with NFL aspirations, the calculus is simple: risk versus reward. And with the Vols falling short of their ultimate goal, the Music City Bowl doesn’t carry the same weight it might have in other years.
Still, Tennessee had its chances this season. In a wild early-season clash with Georgia, the Vols came out swinging, jumping out to a 21-7 lead in the first quarter.
They were up 38-30 with just 6:40 left in regulation, but couldn’t close the door, eventually falling 44-41 in overtime. That loss stung-and it set the tone for what would become a season of near-misses.
A month later in Tuscaloosa, Tennessee was on the verge of going into halftime down just two points against Alabama. But a costly pick-six flipped the game on its head, and the Vols never recovered, losing 37-20. Two weeks after that, a home loss to Oklahoma effectively ended any lingering playoff hopes.
Now, the focus shifts to the Music City Bowl, where Tennessee will face Illinois on Dec. 30 at 5:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.
Despite the opt-outs, the Vols are still slight favorites, listed at -2.5 according to BetMGM. And while the roster may be missing some familiar faces, this game still offers a chance for younger players to step up and for the program to end the year on a high note.
Looking ahead, Tennessee has the foundation to make another CFP run in 2026. But for now, they'll look to close out 2025 with a win-and set the tone for what’s next.