With the Music City Bowl just around the corner, Tennessee and Illinois are both in Nashville, gearing up for what should be a tightly contested matchup. The Vols are slight favorites heading in, but with opt-outs reshaping both rosters, this one feels like it could swing in either direction. For Tennessee, the spotlight shifts to the next wave - a group of young, hungry players ready to seize their moment.
Let’s take a closer look at three Vols who could break out in Tuesday’s bowl game and set the tone for 2026.
1. CB Tre Poteat - Next Man Up in the Secondary
Tre Poteat hasn’t seen much action this season - just 50 defensive snaps - but that’s about to change in a big way. With Tennessee’s depth tested by opt-outs and injuries, the freshman corner is expected to take on a significantly larger role in the Music City Bowl.
Poteat did get some meaningful reps late in the year, including a solid showing against New Mexico State in Week 12. But it’s what he’s done behind the scenes that’s turning heads. Head coach Josh Heupel praised his December preparation, calling it “really good” and adding that he expects Poteat to be ready to play “at a really high level.”
That’s no small endorsement. The former four-star recruit now has a chance to translate that practice momentum into live-game impact. Keep an eye on how he handles Illinois’ passing attack - this could be the first real glimpse of a future starter in Tennessee’s secondary.
2. WR Radarious Jackson - The Stage Is Set
With several veterans sidelined, Radarious Jackson is expected to be among Tennessee’s starting wideouts on Tuesday. And for the Memphis native, it’s a prime opportunity to showcase why he was such a key part of the 2025 recruiting class.
Jackson’s numbers this season - seven catches for 72 yards - don’t jump off the page, but context matters. He’s been buried in a deep receiver room, one that’s seen plenty of rotation. Now, with the depth chart thinned out, Jackson has a clear runway to prove he belongs in the Vols’ future plans.
He’s got the tools: speed, strong hands, and a knack for finding space. And with receivers coach Kelsey Pope continuing to develop a deep group that includes Braylon Stayley and Tristen Keys, Jackson has a chance to carve out a bigger role heading into next season. Don’t be surprised if he makes a splash in Nashville.
3. LEO Caleb Herring - A Big Audition on the Edge
With Joshua Joseph opting out to prepare for the NFL Draft, sophomore edge rusher Caleb Herring steps into the spotlight at the LEO position. And if his 2025 production is any indication - four sacks, two passes defended, and 14 total tackles - he’s more than capable of making noise.
Herring has always had the athletic profile: long, quick off the snap, and disruptive in space. While he’s still developing consistency, the flashes have been there. This bowl game isn’t just another outing - it’s a chance for Herring to solidify his role heading into the offseason.
Make no mistake, this is a proving ground. With the transfer portal always in play, every rep matters. Herring’s performance could go a long way in convincing the coaching staff that he’s ready to be a foundational piece on the edge - not someone to be recruited over, but someone to build around.
Final Word
The Music City Bowl may not have playoff implications, but for Tennessee, it’s a valuable look at what’s next. With a mix of young talent and opportunity, the Vols are treating this like more than just a postseason send-off - it’s a preview of the future. And for players like Poteat, Jackson, and Herring, Tuesday’s game is a chance to turn potential into production.