Tennessee, Illinois Set for Music City Bowl Clash with Plenty on the Line
The postseason might not have unfolded exactly the way Tennessee envisioned, but the Volunteers still have something to play for Tuesday in Nashville. After a regular season that included four losses to top-15 teams in the final College Football Playoff rankings, Tennessee finds itself in the Music City Bowl facing a surging Illinois squad - and both programs have a lot riding on this one.
Yes, Tennessee had higher aspirations. But head coach Josh Heupel has kept the focus forward.
“There has been some disappointment, obviously,” Heupel said. “But it’s a group that continued to compete and get better.
We’re not where we want to be - that’s not the standard at Tennessee. It is about going and chasing and winning championships.”
That mindset has already shifted toward development, and bowl season offers a unique opportunity for teams like Tennessee and Illinois to build momentum while giving younger players meaningful reps. With opt-outs and transfer portal departures shaping the depth chart, this game becomes a proving ground for the next wave of talent.
A Chance to Hit Milestones
Tennessee enters the matchup at 8-4, and a win would mark the program’s fourth straight season with at least nine victories. That hasn’t happened on Rocky Top since the late ‘90s, when the Vols stacked five straight nine-win campaigns from 1995 to 1999. Illinois, also 8-4, is chasing history of its own - a win would give the Fighting Illini back-to-back nine-win seasons for the first time ever.
“The opportunity to get better in this postseason play is really, really huge,” Illinois head coach Bret Bielema said.
Bielema has Illinois in a bowl game for the second straight year - something the program hadn’t done since 2010-11 - and a win would make him the first coach in school history to win bowls in consecutive seasons. It would also give the Illini 19 wins over a two-year span, their most ever.
Key Players Missing, Young Talent Stepping Up
Both teams will be without several key contributors, as is now the norm during bowl season.
Tennessee will play without five starters, including four on defense and the SEC’s top wideout. Chris Brazzell II, who led the conference with 1,017 receiving yards and nine touchdowns, is among the players opting out to prepare for the NFL Draft. On defense, the Vols will be missing cornerbacks Jermod McCoy (who missed the season recovering from an ACL injury) and Colton Hood, edge rusher Joshua Josephs, and linebacker Arion Carter - all declaring for the draft.
“Planned on those guys making that announcement,” Heupel said. “We feel good about where we’re at. Guys that are here are ready to go play.”
Illinois will also be down three starters. Outside linebacker Gabe Jacas, the Big Ten’s sack leader with 11, and left tackle J.C. Davis are draft-bound, while defensive back Matthew Bailey is recovering from surgery as he evaluates his own draft future.
Offensive Firepower vs. Defensive Grit
Tennessee’s offense has been one of the most explosive in the country this season. The Vols rank fourth nationally - and second in the SEC - with 482 yards per game, and they’ve scored at least 40 points in seven games. They hit the 400-yard mark in every game except their regular-season finale against Vanderbilt.
At the center of that attack is quarterback Joey Aguilar, who transferred to Tennessee late last spring and hasn’t looked back. Aguilar leads all active FBS quarterbacks in career averages with 275.8 passing yards and 290.8 total yards per game. His ability to stretch the field and keep defenses honest has been a major reason for Tennessee’s offensive success.
Illinois, meanwhile, has made its mark with physical defense and timely offense. Even with Jacas out, the Illini will look to pressure Aguilar and disrupt Tennessee’s rhythm. Bielema’s teams are known for their toughness, and Illinois closed the regular season strong, winning three of their final four games.
New Matchup, Familiar Setting
This will be the first-ever meeting between Tennessee and Illinois - and the Illini’s first trip to the Music City Bowl. For Tennessee, though, Nissan Stadium has become a bit of a second home.
This marks the sixth straight year the Vols have played at least one game in Nashville, and they’re 6-2 all-time at the Titans’ home field. It will also be Heupel’s third game coaching there.
It’s Tennessee’s fourth appearance in the Music City Bowl and first since 2021. While it’s not the New Year’s Six bowl some fans may have hoped for, it’s still a meaningful finale - a chance to finish strong, develop the next wave of stars, and set the tone for 2026.
And for both teams, it’s a shot at history.