Tennessee is preparing for what is now its final game of the season, entering the Music City Bowl with hopes of securing its ninth win of the year. The Volunteers finished the regular season with an 8–4 record, and they will look to close the campaign on a positive note as they face the Illinois Fighting Illini, who have an 8-4 record too this season.
The matchup against Illinois will take place at Nissan Stadium with several key players unavailable on both teams. However, a lot of eyes will be on the Volunteers’ star quarterback Joey Aguilar and his playing status in this bowl game.
Is Joey Aguilar Playing In The Bowl Game Today?
Joey Aguilar is expected to play in the Music City Bowl game against Illinois, with the star quarterback being named no. 1 on the Volunteers’ depth chart.
He also enters the bowl game chasing Tennessee’s single-season passing yards record, currently held by Peyton Manning, who threw for 3,819 yards in his best collegiate season. Aguilar sits at 3,444 passing yards, putting him less than 400 yards away with one game remaining.
Who Will Be Tennessee Volunteers’ Starting QB for Music City Bowl Today?
Joey Aguilar is expected to start at quarterback for Tennessee in the bowl game. During the 2025 season, Aguilar started a total of 12 games whilst also completing 229 of 342 passes, throwing 24 touchdowns against 10 interceptions.
Listed behind him on the depth chart is freshman George MacIntyre, who has seen limited action during the 2025 season.
List Of Tennessee Volunteers Players Not Playing The Music City Bowl Game
- TE Miles Kitselman : Injured, questionable
- OL Wendell Moe: Injured, confirmed out
- DL Jaxson Moi: Injured, confirmed out
- CB Rickey Gibson: Injured, confirmed out
- WR Chris Brazzell: Opted out
- EDGE Joshua Josephs: Opted out
- LB Arion Carter: Opted out
- CB Colton Hood: Opted out
- CB Jermod McCoy: Opted out, expected to join NFL draft
- RB Peyton Lewis : Opted out, transfer portal
- QB Jake Merklinger: Opted out, transfer portal
- DB Marcus Goree: Opted out, transfer portal
- LB Brenden Anes: Opted out, transfer portal
- DL Jamal Wallace: Opted out, transfer portal
- DL Kellen Lindstrom: Opted out, transfer portal
The Tennessee Volunteers enter the Music City Bowl Game with 15 players slated to miss the action. While most of them opted out after joining the transfer portal, the likes of OL Wendell Moe, DL Jaxson Moi, & CB Rickey Gibson are confirmed to be out of this encounter after sustaining injuries. However, TE Miles Kitselman, who is listed as a questionable player following a leg injury earlier this season, could potentially feature in this bowl game.
Also Read:
- Alamo Bowl Opt-Outs And Injury Report: Top Players Not Participating In USC vs. TCU
- Independence Bowl Opt-Outs And Injury Report: Top Players Not Participating In Coastal Carolina vs. LA Tech
- Music City Bowl Opt-Outs And Injury Report: Top Players Not Participating In Tennessee vs. Illinois
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