Bowl season in college football has evolved into something very different from what it used to be. Once a stage for seniors to take one final bow and NFL hopefuls to showcase their skills, it's now more of a strategic decision point.
For many players, the risk of injury in a non-playoff bowl just isn’t worth it with the NFL Draft looming. That’s the reality facing both Tennessee and Illinois heading into the Music City Bowl.
Tennessee’s Shorthanded Roster: Key Names Missing
The Volunteers are heading into this one with a roster that looks quite a bit different from what fans saw during the regular season. Between opt-outs, injuries, and transfers, Tennessee will be without several key contributors on both sides of the ball.
Let’s start with the offensive side. Wide receiver Chris Brazzell has opted out, and that’s a big blow.
Brazzell was a major reason Tennessee’s passing attack found its rhythm again this season-his ability to stretch the field gave the offense a vertical threat it sorely needed. With him out, the Vols will turn to true freshman Radarious Jackson, who’s been coming on strong late in the year.
Expect Travis Smith to get some looks as well, but this is a big opportunity for Jackson to show he belongs on the big stage.
In the backfield, DeSean Bishop figures to carry the load, but all eyes will be on Daune Morris. There’s been buzz around the freshman, and this could be his breakout moment. With Peyton Lewis hitting the transfer portal and Star Thomas seeing his role diminish, Morris could be the next man up in Tennessee’s backfield rotation-and this bowl could be his coming-out party.
Up front, the offensive line takes a hit with guard Wendell Moe out due to injury. Sham Umarov is expected to step in, but that’s not a one-for-one replacement. Moe’s absence will test Tennessee’s depth and cohesion in the trenches.
Defensively, the Vols are particularly thin at cornerback. Colton Hood, Jermod McCoy, and Rickey Gibson are all out, which means true freshman Ty Redmond will be thrown into the fire.
William Wright is expected to step into a starting role, but beyond that, Tennessee’s depth chart is murky. For a team that already had its struggles defending the pass, this is a real concern.
Linebacker Arion Carter is also out, but there’s a silver lining. Jaden Perlotte has emerged as a capable replacement and should help stabilize the middle of the defense.
And with backup quarterback Jake Merklinger transferring, George MacIntyre returns home to Nashville and will serve as the No. 2 behind the starter for this one.
Illinois Opt-Outs: Fewer, But Still Impactful
Illinois hasn’t been hit quite as hard in terms of numbers, but the quality of their absences is significant.
Left tackle J.C. Davis is sitting this one out after starting 25 straight games and earning first-team All-Big Ten honors.
He’s seen his draft stock rise considerably, and it’s no surprise he’s turning his attention to the next level. Losing a rock-solid blindside protector like Davis is a big deal, especially against an SEC front.
On the other side of the ball, edge rusher Gabe Jacas is also headed for the draft. Another first-team All-Big Ten selection, Jacas led the conference with 11 sacks this season and has been a constant disruptor off the edge.
At 6-3, 275 pounds, he’s a nightmare for opposing tackles and projects as a Day 2 pick in the spring. Without him, Illinois loses its top pass-rushing threat.
In the secondary, safety Matthew Bailey is out with a shoulder injury. Bailey led the Illini with 76 tackles and was a steady presence on the back end. Whether he returns to school or declares for the draft remains to be seen, but for now, Illinois will have to find a way to replace his production and leadership.
What It All Means for Tuesday
Despite the roster shakeups, Tennessee enters the Music City Bowl as a slight favorite-2.5 points, according to FanDuel Sportsbook-with the total set at 61.5. That line reflects the uncertainty on both sidelines, especially with so many new faces stepping into bigger roles.
For Tennessee, the story is about youth and opportunity. Several freshmen are being thrown into the spotlight, and how they respond will go a long way in determining the outcome. For Illinois, the losses are fewer but arguably more impactful, especially in the trenches and on defense.
This game may not feature all the household names fans watched during the regular season, but it’s still loaded with intrigue. Bowl season might look different these days, but for the players stepping up, it’s still a chance to make a name for themselves-and maybe change the trajectory of their careers in the process.