With just a week to go before Tennessee takes on Illinois in the Music City Bowl, the Vols are gearing up to close out what’s been a challenging 2025 season on a high note. A win over the Illini wouldn’t just be a strong finish - it would likely be Tennessee’s most impressive victory of the year. But as with any bowl game in today’s college football landscape, the big question isn’t just who they’re playing - it’s who’s playing for them.
Head coach Josh Heupel addressed the roster situation last week, saying he believes the group is more or less locked in for the bowl. Since then, there’s been one more opt-out, but overall, the picture is becoming clearer. Let’s break down where things stand for Tennessee heading into Nashville.
NFL Draft Opt-Outs
CB Jermod McCoy
McCoy won’t be suiting up in the bowl game - and that’s no surprise.
The cornerback didn’t play a snap during the regular season as he worked his way back from a torn ACL. With his sights set on the NFL, he’s choosing to sit this one out.
WR Chris Brazzell
Brazzell is heading to the draft after a breakout 2025 campaign that saw him earn All-SEC honors.
He hauled in 62 catches for 1,017 yards and nine touchdowns, establishing himself as Tennessee’s top playmaker on the outside. With Brazzell out, the Vols will turn to a pair of talented freshmen - Travis Smith Jr. and Radarious Jackson - to help fill the void against Illinois.
Expect both to see a significant uptick in snaps and targets.
LB Arion Carter
Carter led the team in tackles this season with 76, adding 1.5 sacks and a forced fumble.
But turf toe limited his availability down the stretch, so Tennessee has already had to adapt without him. The linebacker rotation will now center around Jeremiah Telander and Edwin Spillman, with Jadon Perlotte, Ben Bolton, and Jaedon Harmon also expected to be in the mix.
Transfer Portal Departures
RB Peyton Lewis
Lewis was part of Tennessee’s three-headed backfield this season, tallying 290 yards and seven touchdowns on 70 carries.
With him entering the portal, the Vols will likely spread the workload among DeSean Bishop, Star Thomas, and Daune Morris. None of them have Lewis’ explosiveness, but each brings something different to the table - and all three could be leaned on in different situations.
QB Jake Merklinger
Merklinger served as the backup quarterback during the regular season, completing 13-of-24 passes for 173 yards and two touchdowns.
With his departure, George MacIntyre steps into the No. 2 role behind Joey Aguilar. It’s Aguilar’s show for the bowl game, but the true freshman MacIntyre will be one to watch if anything unexpected happens.
LB Brenden Anes
Anes didn’t see much action this year, logging just 34 snaps and five tackles. His departure won’t significantly impact the linebacker depth chart for the bowl.
**DB Marcus Goree Jr. **
Goree played just 12 snaps in his redshirt freshman season, recording one tackle. Like Anes, his absence won’t drastically alter Tennessee’s defensive plans.
DL Kellen Lindstrom
Lindstrom saw limited time this season with just 37 snaps and two tackles. His transfer opens up more reps for the younger defensive linemen looking to make a name for themselves heading into 2026.
DL Jamal Wallace
Wallace got some early-season opportunities while Daevin Hobbs and Jaxson Moi dealt with injuries, but his role diminished as the Vols’ defensive line got healthier. He finished the season with 78 snaps and now heads to the portal in search of a bigger role elsewhere.
One to Watch: CB Colton Hood
There’s still one major question mark heading into the bowl game. Cornerback Colton Hood is reportedly planning to declare for the NFL Draft, but he hasn’t made anything official yet.
For now, he’s expected to play in the Music City Bowl - but that status could change quickly. If he does suit up, he’ll be a key piece of Tennessee’s secondary against an Illinois offense that can push the ball downfield.
Final Thoughts
This is the new normal in college football - bowl season rosters are fluid, and the Vols are no exception. Between NFL Draft opt-outs and transfer portal exits, Tennessee will look a bit different when they take the field in Nashville. But that also means opportunity - especially for young players like Smith Jr., Jackson, and MacIntyre, who now have a chance to make a statement heading into 2026.
A win over Illinois wouldn’t erase the ups and downs of the 2025 season, but it would give the Vols some much-needed momentum heading into the offseason - and maybe, just maybe, a glimpse of what the next wave of Tennessee talent looks like.