Music City Bowl Preview: Tennessee Set for a Home-Field Clash with Illinois
The 2025 Music City Bowl is shaping up to be a compelling matchup, with No. 23 Tennessee squaring off against Illinois in what essentially amounts to a home game for the Volunteers. Set in Nashville, just a couple of hours from Knoxville, this bowl has a distinctly orange-and-white flavor-and the crowd is likely to reflect that.
But while the location favors Tennessee, both teams will be dealing with the now-familiar reality of bowl season in the transfer portal and NFL Draft era: some of their top talent won’t be suiting up.
Key Opt-Outs on Both Sides
Tennessee will be without standout wide receiver Chris Brazell II, who has declared for the 2026 NFL Draft. Brazell was a go-to target throughout the season, and his absence will definitely be felt in the Vols' passing game. Tennessee will need someone to step up on the perimeter to keep the offense humming.
Illinois, meanwhile, is also seeing major pieces sit this one out. Star linebacker Gabe Jacas, one of the anchors of the Illini defense, is also shifting his focus to the NFL.
And perhaps even more significant, Illinois will likely be without left tackle JC Davis, another future pro who’s begun draft preparations. Losing a blindside protector is never ideal, especially when facing an SEC front.
Quarterbacks Ready for One Last Ride
Despite the opt-outs, both starting quarterbacks are expected to play-and that’s where things get interesting.
For Illinois, Luke Altmyer will get one more shot to lead the Illini. He’s had an up-and-down season, but this game offers a chance to go out on a high note and give Illinois fans something to build on heading into 2026.
On the other side, Joey Aguilar will take the reins for Tennessee. Aguilar transferred in and brought a veteran presence to the Vols' offense this year.
With Brazell out, Aguilar’s ability to read defenses and spread the ball around will be crucial. This is also a chance for him to leave a strong final impression before Tennessee turns the page to next season.
Tennessee’s Defensive Reset Already Underway
It’s no secret the Vols took a step back this year after their 2024 campaign ended in the College Football Playoff. The offense had its moments, but the defense was inconsistent-and that’s where the program is already making moves.
Tennessee has brought in Jim Knowles to revamp the defense, a hire that’s already generating buzz in Knoxville. While Knowles won’t be coaching in this bowl game, his presence looms large as the Vols begin shaping their identity for 2026. This game could offer a glimpse into the young defensive talent that Knowles will be working with.
A Tight One on Paper
According to ESPN’s SP+ projections, this one’s expected to be close. The analytics model has Tennessee edging Illinois 32-28, a prediction that reflects how evenly matched these teams are-even with key players missing.
Illinois brings a physicality on defense and a quarterback who can make plays when the pocket holds up. Tennessee counters with home-field energy, an experienced QB, and a program eager to rebound from a slightly disappointing season.
Kickoff Details
The Music City Bowl kicks off at 5:30 p.m. ET on December 30, and while it may not be a New Year’s Six showdown, it’s got all the ingredients for a highly competitive, entertaining game. Two Power Five programs, two veteran quarterbacks, and plenty of young players looking to make a name for themselves.
Nashville’s ready. So are the Vols and the Illini.