Tennessee Football will be without at least five players for the Music City Bowl against Illinois on Tuesday, with corners Jermod McCoy and Colton Hood, edge rusher Joshua Josephs, linebacker Arion Carter and wide receiver Chris Brazzell II all opting out while turning pro and declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft.

McCoy missed the season while rehabbing from a torn ACL suffered in January and Hood starred at corner after transferring from Colorado. Carter led the Vols in tackles, Brazzell led the team in touchdown catches and Josephs was third in both tackles for loss and sacks.

But Illinois (8-4) will have its own impact opt-outs against Tennessee (8-4) in Tuesday’s 5:30 p.m. Eastern Time start (TV: ESPN) at Nissan Stadium in Nashville.

Here’s a closer look at the Illinois opt-outs, from the Orange & Blue News’ Doug Buschon:

Gabe Jacas: The Illini will be without its top defender in edge rusher Jacas, who previously announced he’s opting out to enter the 2026 NFL Draft. A team captain and First Team All-Big Ten selection who led the conference with 11 sacks this season, Jacas was the tone-setter for Illinois’ defense and finished his career with 27 sacks — second-most in program history. His absence removes the Illini’s most disruptive pass rusher and leaves a major void on the edge. 

JC Davis: Illinois will be without standout left tackle JC Davis, as the first-team All-Big Ten selection has opted out to prepare for the NFL Draft after a season in which he started every game and was graded as one of the nation’s top tackles. Davis, who logged 49 consecutive collegiate starts across New Mexico and Illinois, anchored the Illini offensive line with elite consistency in both the run game and pass protection. His absence forces a reshuffle up front against Tennessee, with redshirt freshman Nathan Knapik — a transfer from Idaho — set to start at left tackle in Davis’ place.

Matthew Bailey: The Illinois safety will miss the bowl game after recently undergoing shoulder surgery and is also weighing an early jump to the NFL, ending a gritty season in which he again led the Illini in tackles. His absence removes one of Illinois’ most reliable defenders against a high-scoring Tennessee offense. It shifts more responsibility to juniors Saboor Karriem and Mac Resetich, who are expected to take on expanded snaps in the secondary. Bailey, a two-time All-Big Ten honorable mention, now begins rehab while evaluating whether to return to college or enter the draft.