The Volunteers had a solid 2025 season. They went 8-4, and their only losses came to College Football Playoff participants — Georgia, Alabama, and Oklahoma — and Vanderbilt, which slotted No. 14 in the final CFP rankings. Unfortunately, Tennessee had bigger aspirations for the year after reaching the CFP in 2024. Their players’ actions regarding the Music City Bowl are demonstrating it.
On Friday morning, VolQuest’s Austin Price reported that edge rusher Josh Josephs has opted out of the Music City Bowl. Josephs, a senior, is reportedly focusing on the NFL Draft.
Josephs’ decision makes him the fifth Volunteer to opt out of the Music City Bowl. Cornerback Jermod McCoy, wide receiver Chris Brazzell II, linebacker Arion Carter, and cornerback Colton Hood have also decided not to play in the game.
Tennessee had opportunities to earn a CFP bid this season, but fell short in its biggest moments. The Volunteers led Georgia 21-7 in the first quarter of their Sept. 13 matchup, and claimed a 38-30 edge over the Bulldogs with 6:40 remaining in regulation, but lost 44-41 in overtime. Roughly 1 month later, they nearly found themselves down just 2 points at halftime against Alabama in Tuscaloosa, but tossed a backbreaking pick-6 that all but sealed their fate in a 37-20 defeat. A home loss to Oklahoma, 2 weeks after that, practically eliminated them from CFP consideration.
With any luck, Tennessee will find its way back to the CFP in 2026. Before that, though, they’ll battle Illinois in the Music City Bowl — minus Josephs and others — on Dec. 30 at 5:30 p.m. ET (ESPN). Tennessee is still a 2.5-point favorite, per the latest odds from BetMGM.
RELATED: Want to bet on the Vols this postseason? Use one of our bonus codes from any of the top Tennessee betting apps to score a promo when you sign up.
Key Tennessee defender opts out of Music City Bowl, per report Saturday Down South.
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