Opt-Outs Reshape Tennessee–Illinois Music City Bowl as Vols Set Depth Chart

Coaches say preparations already reflected the departures.

Overview

Tennessee edge rusher Joshua Josephs will skip the Dec. 30 game to prepare for the 2026 NFL Draft, joining Chris Brazzell II, Jermod McCoy, Colton Hood and Arion Carter on the Vols’ opt-out list.
Illinois will be without offensive tackle J.C. Davis and pass rusher Gabe Jacas as they focus on draft prep, while safety Matthew Bailey is sidelined by injury.
Josh Heupel said Tennessee opened on-site practices in Nashville with the same core group it has used for weeks in anticipation of opt-out decisions.
Tennessee plans to cover Josephs’ LEO snaps with Jordan Ross and Caleb Herring, with freshman Christian Gass a possibility, and will look to freshmen Radarious Jackson and Travis Smith at receiver in Brazzell’s absence.
A reworked secondary points to freshman Ty Redmond and either Tre Poteat or veteran William Wright at corner with Timothy Merritt in the mix, as kickoff is set for 5:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.