Dec. 30, 2025, 3:11 a.m. CT
Illinois football meets Tennessee in the Music City Bowl today in Nashville, Tennessee.
Each team will be without some top playmakers via opt-out, injury or transfer portal. We will update when the official availability reports are released for the game.
Illinois injuries for Music City Bowl
The Fighting Illini will be without defensive back Matthew Bailey for the Music City Bowl, who is out with a shoulder injury. The Illini have been without defensive back Xavier Scott for most of the season.
Tennessee injuries for Music City Bowl
The Vols will be missing three players to injury with another questionable, according to the Knoxville News Sentinel. TE Miles Kitselman (leg, questionable); OL Wendell Moe (lower leg, out); DL Jaxson Moi (arm, out) and CB Rickey Gibson (out, upper body).
Illinois opt-outs for the Music City Bowl
Illinois had two key players opt out of the Music City Bowl in edge rusher Gabe Jacas and offensive tackle J.C. Davis, both expected to be NFL draft picks.
Tennessee opt-outs for the Music City Bowl
Tennessee has 11 players who will not play in the bowl game because of opt-out or entering the transfer portal. Key players missing include wide receiver Chris Brazzell (SEC receiving yards leader), edge rusher Joshua Josephs (team’s top pass rusher), linebacker Arion Carter (team’s leading tackler) and cornerback Colton Hood (All-SEC).
Other Vols who will not play include: CB Jermod McCoy (NFL draft); RB Peyton Lewis (portal); QB Jake Merklinger (portal); DB Marcus Goree (portal); LB Brenden Anes (portal); DL Jamal Wallace (portal) and DL Kellen Lindstrom (portal).
Adam Sparks of the Knoxville News Sentinel contributed to this report.