The Tennessee Vols officially receive some opt out news that fans have been waiting on
The Tennessee Vols will take on the lllinois Fighting Illini on Dec. 30 in the Music City Bowl in Nashville.
The Tennessee Vols officially received some opt-out news on Friday that fans have been waiting for.
According to a report from VolQuest, Tennessee senior defensive lineman Joshua Josephs is opting out of the Music City Bowl as he prepares for the 2026 NFL Draft.
Tennessee and Illinois are set to meet in the Music City Bowl on Dec. 30.
Josephs totaled 33 tackles, six tackles for loss, and four sacks in 2025. He finishes his Tennessee career with 22 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks.
Who will Tennessee be without in the Music City Bowl?
The Vols are expected to have the bulk of their roster available in the Music City Bowl against Illinois, but Tennessee will be without a couple of key players.
Starting cornerback Colton Hood and starting linebacker Arion Carter have both opted out of the bowl game as they prepare for the 2026 NFL Draft.
Wide receiver Chris Brazzell has also opted out of the game as he begins his draft prep.
Additionally, defensive lineman Jaxson Moi and offensive linemen Wendell Moe aren’t expected to play due to injury.
Everyone else who played significant snaps for Tennessee in 2025 should be available against the Fighting Illini.
Tennessee and Illinois will kick off at 5:30 p.m. ET on Dec. 30.
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