Particularly since the advent of the College Football Playoffs, it’s become a trend for NFL-bound players to opt out of bowl games. In the case of the 2025 Music City Bowl, there are already notable players on both sides who have decided it’s best for their career to sit out of what is ultimately a glorified exhibition.
For Tennessee, star wide receiver Chris Brazzell II announced he will enter the NFL draft and not play in the game. For Illinois, linebacker Gabe Jacas is doing the same.
Jacas is the Illini’s leader in sacks, and it’s not very close. He has racked up 11 sacks on the season, with the next highest mark at just two. He also has managed 43 tackles and forced three fumbles in his senior campaign.
Currently, CBS and ESPN do not project Jacas to be a first-round selection. However, he has popped up on some first-round mocks throughout the season and could creep into the round.
Thank you Illinois🙏🏿☝🏿 pic.twitter.com/wN0aGu7QSa
— Gabriel Jacas (@Gabeosama) December 12, 2025
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Jacas not playing could make a big impact in the bowl game, scheduled for Dec. 30 in Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn. The Vols have had a productive offensive line, but not having to worry about Jacas as a pass rusher should be a major relief.
Currently, the expectation is for all five of Tennessee’s typical starters up front to play. However, the one who could potentially opt out would be Lance Heard. The former five-star put together a strong junior season and is now eligible for the NFL draft. He has not indicated either way what his intention is for the bowl game or next season, though.
Outside of Heard, transfer Sam Pendleton and Wendell Moe Jr. put together strong years, but aren’t projected as draft picks yet. Jesse Perry and David Sanders Jr. both impressed, but are not draft eligible.
