Tennessee football’s matchup against Illinois in the Music City Bowl is one week away. The Vols are looking to end a disappointing 2025 season with what would be their best win of the season. But who will Tennessee have available in the Music City Bowl?
Meeting with the media last week, Josh Heupel set that he believes Tennessee’s roster is basically set for the bowl game. There’s been one more opt out since that press conference. So where does Tennessee’s roster stand a week out of the Music City Bowl? Taking a look here.
More From RTI: Tennessee Football Offensive Assistant Coach Hired by Billy Napier at James Madison
Opt Outs For NFL Draft
CB Jermod McCoy
McCoy didn’t play in a single game in the regular season while he worked back from a torn ACL injury. It is unsurprising that he will not play in the Music City Bowl.
WR Chris Brazzell
Brazzell declared for the NFL Draft after a breakout 2025 season. He earned All-SEC honors by catching 62 passes for 1,017 yards and nine touchdowns. Freshmen Travis Smith Jr and Radarious Jackson will both see increased playing time against Illinois with Brazzell opting out.
LB Arion Carter
Carter led Tennessee with 76 tackles last season while also recording 1.5 sacks and a forced fumble. The inside linebacker missed time due to turf toe during the regular season so Tennessee is used to playing without him. Jeremiah Telander and Edwin Spillman will start while Jadon Perlotte, Ben Bolton and Jaedon Harmon will also see playing time.
More From RTI: Former Four-Star, Brother Of Tennessee Football Signee Entering Transfer Portal
Opt Outs Due To Transfer Portal
RB Peyton Lewis
Lewis is one of Tennessee’s top three running backs this season, rushing for 290 yards and seven touchdowns on 70 carries. With Lewis sidelined, DeSean Bishop, Star Thomas and Daune Morris could see increased roles.
QB Jake Merklinger
Merklinger was Tennessee’s backup quarterback during the regular season, completing 13-of-24 passes for 173 yards and two touchdowns. George MacIntyre will backup Joey Aguilar in the bowl game.
LB Brenden Anes
The freshman played just 34 snaps in 2025, totaling five tackles.
DB Marcus Goree Jr
Goree played just 12 snaps in his redshirt freshman season, totaling one tackle.
DL Kellen Lindstrom
Lindstrom played just 37 snaps in his redshirt freshman season, totaling two tackles.
DL Jamal Wallace
Wallace earned some snaps early in the season while both Daevin Hobbs and Jaxson Moi battled injuries. But Wallace’s role decreased as the season went on and Tennessee got healthy. He totaled 78 snaps over the course of the season.
One Big Question
CB Colton Hood
CBS Sports Matt Zenitz reported late last week that Hood intends to declare for the NFL Draft. But Hood has made no announcement yet. For the time being, Hood will play in the Music City Bowl, but that could potentially change.
