Illinois football recruits and fans react to winning the Music City Bowl

Illinois football kept everyone on the edge of their seats as they kicked a walk-off field goal to win the 2025 Music City Bowl 30-28. Illinois went back and forth with Tennessee and was able to clinch victory. The Illini clinched their ninth win of the season, and as always, Illini social media was in a buzz.

The Recruits

Per 247sports, Illinois football has the 23rd overall recruiting class with their incoming class of 2026. Two of their headliners are four-star linemen, Micah “Champ” Smith and Florida wide receiver Kenyon Alston. Both Smith and Alston are talented enough to see the field as true freshmen. It is always cool for incoming recruits to see their future school succeed on the national level.

Back to Back
I-L-L pic.twitter.com/dfM97oYg1r

— Kenyon Alston (@KenyonAlston) December 31, 2025

ILL #FamILLY https://t.co/mYyqLDH6s2

— Micah Champion Smith (@ChampSmith55) December 31, 2025

The masses (and a former player)

Fred Wakefield is a former Illinois football player from Tuscola, Illinois. Wakefield was a defensive lineman who went undrafted in the 2001 NFL draft after a few years with the Illini. However, he signed on and played 6 seasons in the NFL with the Raiders and Arizona Cardinals.

@IlliniFootball that was fun. Thank you!

— Fred Wakefield (@fwakefield1) December 31, 2025

The Fellow Coaches

It all started with the Illinois basketball team on December 6th. The basketball team also came to Nashville and beat the Tennessee Volunteers 75-62. It was one of the best wins so far for the Illini basketball season and was celebrated as such. Just ask Tomislav Ivisic. Hopefully, Bret Bielema and his crew do not break any memorabilia after celebrating this monumental way.

In all, you have to love the way that both Bret Bielema and Brad Underwood have elevated their respective programs.

FAMILLY!!!!

— Orlando Antigua (@CoachOantigua) December 31, 2025

@BretBielema https://t.co/CUob4J3dKe

— Brad Underwood (@CoachUnderwood) December 31, 2025

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