Well, it has been a long season, and the Fearless Prediction is ready for an 8 month break. But before we head to Cancun, there’s one more game to pick as the Tennessee Volunteers face Illinois in the Music City Bowl.
The Vols’ recent success as a football program has come with a price. Four years ago, Tennessee’s appearance in this bowl game was an event that UT fans were excited to witness, even if the ending was one they’d like to forget (forward progress, anyone?). This year, the Vols finished the regular season 8-4, without a quality win to speak of, and were relegated to Nashville.
In 2024, Tennessee made the College Football Playoff. In 2025, it feels like the Vols have taken a couple of steps backwards. But this game can potentially serve as a springboard to the 2026 season.
Bowl games are an odd deal these days, because a roster can look significantly different between the end of the regular season and the bowl game. In Tennessee’s case, some of its best players declared for the NFL Draft and will not play in the Music City Bowl.
WR Chris Brazzell led the Vols in receiving yards with 1,017 and TD receptions with 9, and was second in catches with 62. Linebacker Arion Carter led the team in tackles with 76, despite missing 2 games due to injury. Defensive back Colton Hood had 50 tackles and 8 pass breakups. Edge rusher Joshua Josephs led the Vols with 7 QB hits. Each has played his last game for UT.
As expected, the transfer portal is also having an effect, with RB Peyton Lewis the biggest name to be looking elsewhere and skipping the bowl game. Lewis was third on the Vols with 290 rushing yards and tied for second on the team in rushing TDs with 7. QB Jake Merklinger, who appeared in 4 games this season, also entered the portal.
Decades ago, bowl games were seen as exhibitions rather than having an actual impact on national rankings. For example, the 1951 Vols, led by Hank Lauricella and Doug Atkins, lost to Maryland in the Sugar Bowl. But they went 10-0 in the regular season and were named national champions by the Associated Press before the Sugar Bowl was played. Of course, everyone wants to win, but the importance of bowl games appears to be back to olden times in that regard.
With Merklinger now in the portal, Tennessee is down to 2 QBs. Joey Aguilar is fighting the NCAA for an 8th-year of college football (stay in school, kids), but this likely will be his last game as a Vol. He outperformed any expectations this season, completing 67% of his passes for 3,444 yards and 24 TDs. George MacIntyre has only thrown 9 collegiate passes, but may see more of the field in this game.
RELATED: Check out our list of the best TN sports betting apps ahead of the big game between the Vols and the Illini.
Like the Vols, Illinois is 8-4 and will be missing some key players. Edge rusher Gabe Jacas led the Big Ten in sacks with 11, but will skip the bowl game to prepare for the NFL Draft, as will OT J.C. Davis, who started the last 49 games for the Fighting Illini. DB Matthew Bailey led Illinois with 76 tackles this season, but is out with a shoulder injury.
The good news for Illinois is that QB Luke Altmyer is expected to play in this game. He’s a third-year starter, throwing for 2,811 yards and 21 scores this season. Senior Hank Beatty caught 64 passes for 826 yards in 2025, and is also likely to see action at Nissan Stadium.
There are some folks out there who say there are too many bowl games, especially in the Playoff era. But come May, we will be jonesing for even the slightest whiff of college football. So enjoy it while you can. The Music City Bowl has often given us an entertaining evening of football, and here’s hoping that happens again on Tuesday.
Fearless Prediction: Tennessee 31, Illinois 30
Fearless Prediction: Tennessee vs. Illinois Saturday Down South.
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