Updated Dec. 30, 2025, 11:44 p.m. CT
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Illinois Fighting Illini football team defeated the Tennessee Volunteers 30-28 with a field goal in the final seconds of the Music City Bowl on Tuesday at Nissan Stadium.
David Olano nailed a 29-yard field with no time remaining to keep Illinois (9-4) on a historic run under coach Bret Bielema. The Illini won nine-plus games in back-to-back seasons for the first time and won bowls in consecutive seasons for the first time since 2010 and 2011.
No. 23 Tennessee (8-5) took a 28-27 lead with 4:58 left in the fourth quarter on a 94-yard kickoff return by true freshman Joakim Dodson. The Illini held the ball for the remainder of the game before kicking the game-winner.
Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer, named the game’s MVP, completed 20 of 33 passes for 196 yards with a touchdown in his final collegiate game, also rushing for 54 yards and a score. Ca’Lil Valentine had 93 scrimmage yards on 11 touches, while Aidan Laughery added 77 rushing yards. Illinois finished with 221 rushing yards.
Joey Aguilar was held to 121 passing yards, as Tennessee was led by its rushing attack. DeSean Bishop rushed for 93 yards and two scores.
The Journal Star brought you live updates, scores and highlights from the game.
Illinois vs Tennessee final score
| TEAMS | 1Q | 2Q | 3Q | 4Q | — | F |
| Tennessee | 7 | 0 | 7 | 14 | — | 28 |
| Illinois | 7 | 3 | 14 | 6 | — | 30 |
Everything Bret Bielema said after the Music City Bowl
Tap here for a full transcript of what Illinois coach Bret Bielema said after the Music City Bowl.
Illinois vs. Tennessee: Music City Bowl highlights
Music City Bowl MVP: Luke Altmyer, Illinois
Illinois QB Luke Altmyer was named the Music City Bowl MVP, leading the Illini on the game-winning drive in the final minutes.
David Olano game-winning field goal: Illinois final score
Illinois PK David Olano nails a 29-yard field goal to give Illinois a 30-28 victory in the final seconds of the Music City Bowl.
Illinois covered 64 yards on 13 plays over the final 4:58 to set up the game-winning field goal. It was QB Luke Altmyer’s seventh game-winning drive in the final minute or overtime during his Illinois career.
Illinois 30, Tennessee 27 | FINAL
Penalty sets up Illinois first down
Illinois gets a break when Tennessee goes offside to take a third-and-6 to third-and-1. Illini convert on the next play and can milk the clock down for a potential game-winning field goal.
Aiden Laughery picks up first down
Illinois RB Aiden Laughery picks up the first down with a fourth-down run. The Illini are on the Tennessee 18 with 2 minutes remaining. This game might come down to the right leg of David Olano.
Hank Beatty third-down reception comes up short, under review
WR Hank Beatty was ruled short of the first down marker, setting up a fourth down for the Illini. The play went to review and was upheld.
Joakim Dodson kickoff return: Tennessee scoring update
Huge play deflates Illinois’ momentum. Joakim Dodson returns the ensuing kickoff 95 yards to give Tennessee its first lead since early in the game. Dodson fumbled the initial kick, but picked it up, hit the edge and streaked down the sideline for the big score.
Tennessee 28, Illinois 27 | 4:58 4Q
Illinois held to field goal: Illinois scoring update
Illinois PK David Olano nails a 28-yard field goal to cap the 12-play, 65-yard drive that took 6:26 off the clock. The drive included a big fourth-down run from Luke Altmyer and a big pass defense from Tennessee DB Jalen McMurray in the endzone.
Illinois 27, Tennessee 21 | 5:14 4Q
DeSean Bishop touchdown: Tennessee score update
RB DeSean Bishop scores his second touchdown of the game, this one pulling the Vols within a touchdown in the fourth quarter. Tennessee is leaning on its run game, with 157 yards so far.
Illinois 24, Tennessee 21 | 11:40 4Q
DeSean Bishop converts fourth down in fourth quarter
Tennessee passes up a 39-yard field goal try on fourth down — and converts with a 5-yard run from DeSean Bishop with about 11 minutes remaining.
Luke Altmyer rushing touchdown: Illinois score update
QB Luke Altmyer was on a mission this drive, running for 26 yards on three carries — including two long runs and the 2-yard TD to cap the eight-play, 68-yard drive. Key block from Kaden Feagin set up the score.
Illinois 24, Tennessee 17 | 2:41 3Q
Luke Altmyer runs over official during scramble
Illinois QB Luke Altmyer trucked umpire Sean Geraghty during a scramble, knocking him to the ground during the 15-yard gain. The referee popped up and appeared OK after the hit.
DeSean Bishop touchdown on fourth down: Tennessee scoring update
RB DeSean Bishop was stopped initially on a fourth-and-goal run from the 1, but was able to make a second effort, extend his right arm and break the plane of the endzone to pull the Vols within a field goal.
Tennessee leaned on Star Thomas and the run game for the nine-play, 75-yard drive, with all the yardage coming via run or the short passing game.
Illinois 17, Tennessee 14 | 7:31 3Q
Illinois defensive touchdown: Illinois score update
Illinois got a huge swing in momentum. End Joe Barna forceda fumble of QB Joey Aguilar, the ball squirting backward before defensive tackle James Thompson jumped toward it. Leon Lowery eventually recovered it in the endzone for a big touchdown.
Barna was freed when the Vols left tackle stepped on his guard and stumbled.
Illinois 17, Tennessee 7 | 11:48 3Q
What is Tennessee’s lowest point total in 2025?
Illinois has held the Vols to seven points through one half — and then forced a punt in the Vols’ first drive of the second. Tennessee’s lowest point total this season is 20, in a 37-20 loss to Alabama.
HALFTIME: Illinois 10, Tennessee 7
Illinois leads the Music City Bowl 10-7 at halftime. Here is a look at the statistical leaders:
- Passing — Illinois: Luke Altmyer 13-20, 133 yards, TD. Tennessee: Luke Aguilar, 6-9, 53 yards, rushing TD
- Rushing — Illinois: Aiden Laughery 6-28; Ca’Lil Valentine 3-23. Tennessee: DeSean Bishop, 8-38; Star Thomas 5-32.
- Receiving — Illinois: Justin Bowick 3-31, TD; Hank Beatty 3-20. Tennessee: Braylon Staley 3-23.
David Olano field goal: Illinois scoring update
Illinois grabs its first lead with a 30-yard field goal from David Olano with 21 seconds remaining before halftime. The score was set up by a Tennessee facemask penalty that gave the Illini first down from the 12.
Missed field goal for Tennessee
Tennessee kicker Max Gilbert misses a 39-yard field goal, leaving the Vols with an empty possession just before halftime. It was only his second miss from inside 40 yards this season.
Illinois vs. Tennessee: Low scoring game so far
Most people who picked this game had the Illini and Vols scoring well over 70 points combined. Yet through almost one half, we have a 7-7 score.
Justin Bowick touchdown: Illinois scoring update
QB Luke Altmyer and Illinois answers back quickly with an 18-yard touchdown pass to Justin Bowick. The nine-play drive covered 75 yards in 5:40.
Illinois 7, Tennessee 7 | 0:36 1Q
Joey Aguilar touchdown: Tennessee scoring update
QB Joey Aguilar gets the Vols on the board with a 7-yard scramble for a score. Tennessee went 67 yards on 11 plays to kick off the scoring, easily driving down the field on the Illini. Aguilar was 4-for-4 on the drive for 36 yards.
Tennessee 7, Illinois 0 | 6:16 1Q
Illinois comes up short on fourth down
Illinois’ first drive of the game ends with a turnover on downs after Luke Altmyer’s throw is off target from the 33. Illini pass up a 50-yard field goal try on a windy day in Nashville.
Nathan Knapnik starts at left tackle
Illinois freshman Nathan Knapnik is starting at left tackle in place of J.C. Davis, who opted out to prepare for the NFL draft.
Luke Altmyer stats
Illinois third-year starting QB Luke Altmyer will get the ball first and the Illini start the game on offense. He is playing in his final collegiate game. Here are the former Mississippi transfer’s college stats:
- 2021 (Ole Miss): 20-of-37 passing for 192 yards with a touchdown to two interceptions
- 2022 (Ole Miss): 8-of-17 passing for 125 yards with two touchdowns to an interception; four carries for 3 yards and a touchdown
- 2023 (Illinois): 175-of-270 passing (64.8%) for 1,883 yards with 13 touchdowns to 10 interceptions; 94 carries for 282 yards with three touchdowns
- 2024 (Illinois): 211-of-347 passing (60.8%) for 2,717 yards with 22 touchdowns to six interceptions; 99 carries for 217 yards with four touchdowns
- 2025 (Illinois): 226-of-332 passing (68.1%) for 2,811 yards with 21 touchdowns to five interceptions; 90 carries for 188 yards with four touchdowns
Illinois uniforms vs. Tennessee in Music City Bowl
Illinois will wear all navy blue for the game, including a new blue helmet with orange-and-white stripes along with an orange script “Illinois.”
The Music City Bowl confirmed that Tennessee will wear white jerseys for the game.
These Illinois, Tennessee players opted out
These players are not available to play in the Music City Bowl because they opted out to prepare for NFL draft workouts or plan to enter the transfer portal, which opens Jan. 2.
- Illinois: EDGE Gabe Jacas (NFL draft); LT J.C. Davis (NFL draft); WR Mario Sanders (portal); DL Jeremiah Warren (portal); LB Easton Baker (portal); QB Trey Petty (portal); DB Donovan Turner (portal); and DB Vernon Woodward III (portal).
- Tennessee: EDGE Joshua Josephs (NFL draft); CB Colton Hood (NFL draft); CB Jermod McCoy (NFL draft); LB Arion Carter (NFL draft); WR Chris Brazzell (NFL draft); RB Peyton Lewis (portal); QB Jake Merklinger (portal); DB Marcus Goree (portal); LB Brenden Anes (portal); DL Jamal Wallace (portal); DL Kellen Lindstrom (portal).
Illinois vs. Tennessee injury updates
- Illinois: S Matthew Bailey (shoulder/hand, out).
- Tennessee: TE Miles Kitselman (leg, questionable); OL Wendell Moe (lower leg, out); DL Jaxson Moi (arm, out); CB Rickey Gibson (out, upper body).
- Time: 4:30 p.m. CT
- Location: Nissan Stadium (Nashville, Tennessee)
What TV channel is Illinois vs. Tennessee is on today?
Illinois will take on Tennessee on ESPN with Tom Hart, Jordan Rodgers and Cole Cubelic on the call. Streaming options for the game include ESPN+ and Fubo, which carries the ESPN and offers a free trial to new subscribers.
Illinois vs. Tennessee predictions in Music City Bowl
- Wes Huett, Journal Star: Illinois 38, Tennessee 34
- Adam Duvall: Illinois 35, Tennessee 27
- Dave Eminian: Tennessee 42, Illinois 38
Illinois vs. Tennessee spread, odds, line
Odds courtesy of BetMGM as of Wednesday, Dec. 24:
Is Gabe Jacas playing today?
On Dec. 12, edge rusher Gabe Jacas announced that he will enter the NFL draft and opt out of the Music City Bowl. The first-team All-Big Ten pick led the conference in sacks with 11 and leaves Illinois second all-time in the category behind only Simeon Rice. Jacas is a top-100 player and is a likely draft pick.
The Music City Bowl is one of three scheduled today along with the Independence Bowl and the Alamo Bowl. Click here for this season’s full bowl schedule.
Illinois schedule 2025
- Game 1: Illinois 52, Western Illinois 3 | RECAP
- Game 2: Illinois 45, Duke 19 | RECAP
- Game 3: Illinois 38, Western Michigan 0 | RECAP
- Game 4: Indiana 63, Illinois 10 | RECAP
- Game 5: Illinois 34, USC 32 | RECAP
- Game 6: Illinois 42, Purdue 27 | RECAP
- Game 7: Ohio State 34, Illinois 16 | RECAP
- Game 8: Washington 45, Illinois 25 | RECAP
- Game 9: Illinois 35, Rutgers 13 | RECAP
- Game 10: Illinois 24, Maryland 6 | RECAP
- Game 11: Wisconsin 24, Illinois 10 | RECAP
- Game 12: Illinois 20, Northwestern 13 | RECAP