Three Illinois Football Starters Out For Music City Bowl

As the Illinois Football program looks to go back-to-back against an SEC opponent and make its third bowl appearance in four seasons, the Illini’s roster for the Music City Bowl is beginning to take shape.

In today’s era of college football, bowl season opt-outs due to NFL Draft preparation have undoubtedly become a major factor in the postseason. With Illinois set to square off against the Tennessee Volunteers in Nashville, one of the biggest questions surrounding the matchup is: which version of each team will actually take the field?

Unfortunately for Tennessee, early opt-outs and transfer portal entries have begun to stack up a bit. The Volunteers are now up to 8 opt-outs, including WR Christ Brazzell II, DB Marcus Goree Jr., LB Arion Carter, DB Jermod McCoy, LB Brenden Anes, DL Jamal Wallace, and DE Kellen Lindstrom. That’s a notable chunk of production—particularly on the defensive side of the ball—that will be unavailable against the Illini come December 30th.

By comparison, Bret Bielema’s squad will be closer to full strength, with just three starters opting out for the Music City Bowl, according to the Illinois head coach.

Illinois Football. Bret Bielema. Illini walk. Credit: Illinois Football on Instagram. (@IlliniFootball)

Which Three Starters Will Be Out for Illinois?

EDGE Rusher Gabe Jacas — Opt-Out

With significant NFL Draft buzz surrounding him, Gabe Jacas’ decision didn’t come as a surprise.

Jacas finished the season with a Big Ten-leading 11 sacks, along with 23 solo tackles and three forced fumbles. He closes his Illinois career as the program’s second all-time leader in sacks, trailing only Illini legend Simeon Rice. While his absence will be felt, Jacas leaves Champaign having firmly cemented his legacy—and his NFL future.

Illinois Football. Gabe Jacas. Photo Credit: Gabe Jacas on Instagram. (@gxbe2x).

Left Tackle JC Davis — Opt-Out

JC Davis has been a steady, reliable presence for Illinois over the past two seasons, starting at left tackle and anchoring Bart Miller’s offensive line.

Projected as a Day 2–3 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, Davis simply doesn’t have much left to prove at the collegiate level. Throughout his time in Champaign, he was arguably the most consistent lineman on the roster and a clear leader up front. NFL teams love Bret Bielema-coached offensive linemen, and after protecting Luke Altmyer’s blind side for two years, Davis has positioned himself well for a strong payday come April.

Illinois Football. JC Davis. Photo Credit. JC Davis on Instagram. (@duckedoffjc).

Defensive Back Matthew Bailey — Injury Opt-Out

Despite leading the Illini defense with 76 tackles, along with four tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, and two pass breakups, junior DB Matthew Bailey will not compete in the Music City Bowl.

Bailey has been battling a lingering shoulder injury that ultimately required a procedure. During last week’s press conference, Bielema confirmed that Bailey would sit out the bowl to focus on recovery. With a major decision looming whether to enter the NFL Draft or return to Illinois for his senior season, getting healthy was the right move. Feedback from NFL scouts will be critical in shaping Bailey’s future, making this an interesting developing storyline to monitor closely as the offseason unfolds.

Illinois Football. Matt Bailey. Photo Credit: Matt Bailey on Instagram (matthew_bailey7)

The Good News

Let’s start with the positives.

The most important decision of all came from senior quarterback Luke Altmyer. Luckily, despite NFL Draft buzz, Altmyer has elected to play for Illinois in the Music City Bowl. That alone is massive news for Barry Lunney Jr. and the Illinois offense.

Altmyer will lead the Illini against Joey Aguilar and a high-caliber Tennessee offense that averaged 40.8 points and 482 yards per game this season. However, with several Volunteers defenders opting out, and defensive coordinator Tim Banks now out as DC in Knoxville, the matchup certainly presents a great opportunity for Luke to show his abilities, in what could end up an old-fashioned offensive shootout. The former Ole Miss transfer now has a chance to earn yet another bowl victory against his former conference, while also boosting his stock ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. He wrapped up the 2025 regular season with 2,811 total yards, 21 touchdowns, and just five interceptions—a remarkably efficient campaign.

There’s also potential reinforcements coming on defense.

Illinois could see the return of star defensive back Xavier Scott, who hasn’t played since Week 3 of the regular season. Scott exited the Illini’s 38–0 victory over Western Michigan with a right ankle injury that required a procedure and sidelined him for the remainder of the regular season.

His absence was certainly felt. Aaron Henry’s defense clearly missed its leader and most dynamic playmaker and NFL prospect in the secondary. However, Bielema has emphasized that Scott is now up and running and is very close to full go. If Scott is full-go in Nashville, it would be a massive boost for Henry and the Illini defense.

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