Illinois Opt Outs?

[Chasvol]

I’ve seen some chatter that their “star” left tackle and linebacker have opted out of the bowl game. Any others?
Brazzell and A. Carter are our only significant ones so far, correct?

 

[Sarms58]

I’ve seen some chatter that their “star” left tackle and linebacker have opted out of the bowl game. Any others?
Brazzell and A. Carter are our only significant ones so far, correct?

Probably like us - just a few who are entering the draft. Both teams finished 8-4 but both were hoping for better. I doubt there will be to many opt outs

 

[utvolpj]

https://247sports.com/college/illinois/article/gabe-jacas-illinois-fighting-illini-opt-out-2026-nfl-draft-tennessee-music-city-bowl-266077000/

Key Opt-Outs for the Music City Bowl (Dec 2025):

• Gabe Jacas: Star outside linebacker, Big Ten sack leader, declared for the 2026 NFL Draft.
• J.C. Davis: All-Big Ten left tackle, also opted out to focus on the NFL Draft.

 

[VolBricks]

I'm opting not to play in the bowl game, I intend to watch it instead.

 

[The Tall Gguy]

I'm opting not to play in the bowl game, I intend to watch it instead.

I am still weighing my options. I have decided not to play in the game, but still deciding whether to opt out from watching it.

 

[Gandalf]

I'm opting not to play in the bowl game, I intend to watch it instead.

I am opting in to watching the bowl game but I am still deciding on whether to smoke something special or just one of my go to cigars. Sure there are reasons both for and against and it is a difficult decision but I feel like I will be able to come to a firm choice just before game time.

 

[valoisvol]

Yeah I’m opting out from this game. It has no meaning to me unless mostly backups get to play most of the game

 

[TrueOrange]

I'm opting not to play in the bowl game, I intend to watch it instead.

How dare you.

 

[the_great_pumpkin]

I'm opting not to play in the bowl game, I intend to watch it instead.

Thank you

 

[lukeneyland]

https://247sports.com/college/illinois/article/gabe-jacas-illinois-fighting-illini-opt-out-2026-nfl-draft-tennessee-music-city-bowl-266077000/

Thanks for answering the question

 

[temptn]

.
I do have four years of eligibility left, but waiting to see what my NIL deal will be.
.

 

[swampfoxfan]

Yeah I’m opting out from this game. It has no meaning to me unless mostly backups get to play most of the game

How can a vol football fan choose not to watch?

 

[stevol]

I am opting in to watching the bowl game but I am still deciding on whether to smoke something special or just one of my go to cigars. Sure there are reasons both for and against and it is a difficult decision but I feel like I will be able to come to a firm choice just before game time.

I'd start with the cigar, and if things go south make an in-game adjustment to the special stuff lol

 

[vols 30]

How can a vol football fan choose not to watch?

They will if they are true fans.

I guess it sounds cool to say I'm not watching since it's not a playoff game

 

[UTFanForLife]

.
I do have four years of eligibility left, but waiting to see what my NIL deal will be.
.

I can toss in a half stick of big red, and a button.

 

[Smokymtnbullet]

Coming off wrist surgery,I couldn’t play if I wanted to.I actually may hit the portal and see what’s out there.

 

[HuntlandVolinColo]

Brazzell hurts but A Carter was a big disappointment this season. I think Perlotte and Spillman are better.

 

[titansvolsfaninga]

Brazzell hurts but A Carter was a big disappointment this season. I think Perlotte and Spillman are better.

Looks like you and A Carter have something in common I suppose. A Carter did what he was asked to do. Your significant other said you won't even put the toilet seat down.

 

[zeppelin128]

I'm pleased to announce that I will not be opting out of the bowl game. Might even wander over to Nashville if the weather isn't awful.

 

[utvolpj]

Matthew Bailey
Defensive back Matthew Bailey will miss the Music City Bowl with a shoulder injury, coach Bret Bielema said on Saturday, Dec. 13. Bailey was a full-time starter, leading the Illini with 76 tackles. He added four tackles for loss, two forced fumbles and two pass breakups. He could go to the NFL or return for his senior season in Champaign

Bret Bielema, Illinois opt outs, who's in, who's out vs Tennessee

Some Illinois players face NFL decisions or they're headed to the portal. Here's the latest on opt outs vs. Tennessee in the Music City Bowl.

www.pjstar.com

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[miket4god]

.
I do have four years of eligibility left, but waiting to see what my NIL deal will be.
.

I'm pretty sure I know what your NIL deal will be.

 

[Hairy Vols]

I'm opting not to play in the bowl game, I intend to watch it instead.

nobody ever discusses the bravery you have and the challenges you've had to overcome since announcing this. That you for being a hero... Thank you for being my hero.

 

[Hairy Vols]

.
I do have four years of eligibility left, but waiting to see what my NIL deal will be.
.

See if you can get a deal with Big Kahuna Wings. They slap.

 

[Ratvol]

Well if you ain't in the playoffs, these bowl games seem more like a scrimmage...

GO VOLS!!!

 

[UTFanForLife]

Well if you ain't in the playoffs, these bowl games seem more like a scrimmage...

GO VOLS!!!

Then they have always been that way. If you were not in the Title game, then what was the purpose of the bowl game? Point of bowl games have not changed.