Tennessee Takes the Scenic Route: Vols Skip Vanderbilt Facilities Ahead of Music City Bowl
As Tennessee gears up for its Music City Bowl clash against Illinois, there’s been a notable shift in the usual bowl week routine - and it’s got everything to do with the in-state rivalry that never really cools off.
Despite being stationed in Nashville, the Volunteers have opted not to use Vanderbilt’s practice facilities in preparation for the game. That’s a break from tradition.
Typically, the SEC team participating in the Music City Bowl sets up shop at Vandy’s complex. But this year, Tennessee is charting its own course - and that decision speaks volumes.
Instead of practicing on West End, the Vols are holding workouts at Montgomery Bell Academy, a private high school just a few miles away. It’s not about logistics.
It’s about message. Tennessee’s head coach Josh Heupel and his staff made a clear choice to steer clear of the Commodores - a program they just saw in the regular-season finale, a game that left a sour taste in Knoxville.
Rivalries run deep in college football, and this move feels like a subtle but pointed reminder of that. Tennessee and Vanderbilt might share a state, but they don’t share much else - certainly not practice fields, at least not this week.
Meanwhile, Illinois head coach Bret Bielema has no such qualms. His squad is making full use of Vanderbilt’s facilities, and he’s not shy about how much they’re enjoying it.
“The people here in Nashville have been absolutely awesome,” Bielema said during his pregame media session. “To use Vanderbilt’s facility, an SEC team, and we’re the first Big Ten team to be in this building.
Usually, the SEC is always in here. But I know Tennessee really didn’t want to use Vandy’s facility, which I understand.
I understand rivalries. But we’ve been a benefiter of that.
It’s an unbelievable facility.”
Bielema also mentioned speaking with Vanderbilt head coach Clark Lea before arriving in town, and praised the setup the Commodores have in place. For Illinois, it’s a bonus. For Tennessee, it’s a boundary - one they’re not willing to cross.
This isn’t the first time Tennessee’s been in the Music City Bowl, and in previous appearances, they did practice at Vanderbilt. But this time, things are different. Whether it’s about setting a tone, avoiding distractions, or simply not wanting to spend another minute near a program they just battled - the Vols are drawing a line in the turf.
And let’s be honest: that kind of subtle gamesmanship is part of what makes college football rivalries so compelling. Even in bowl season, even when the stakes are technically neutral, these little decisions carry weight.
Beyond the practice field drama, there’s still a game to be played. Tennessee is chasing its ninth win of the season, and while they’ll be without several key contributors due to opt-outs, the majority of the roster is locked in for Tuesday’s showdown. For the Vols, it’s a chance to close the year on a high note and build momentum heading into 2026.
There’s also a bit of extra motivation in the air: giving quarterback Joey Aguilar one more win in orange and white. The bowl game offers a final stage for this group to put a stamp on the season - and they’ll be doing it their way, rivalries and all.
So no, Tennessee won’t be practicing in black-and-gold territory this week. And that’s not just a logistical footnote - it’s a statement.
The Vols are keeping their distance from Vanderbilt, both physically and symbolically. And if that fuels the fire heading into Tuesday’s game?
All the better.
Because in college football, even the smallest decisions - like where you hold practice - can say a whole lot.