Tennessee Likely Showcasing Youth in Secondary in Music City Bowl

Tennessee may likely showcasing two freshman starters in its secondary for the 2025 Music City Bowl matchup against Illinois.

By Matt Stevens - IlliniGuys Football Writer/Analyst

December 27. 2025

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The biggest Tennessee mystery for this Music City Bowl game will likely be solved when the Volunteers first line up on defense.

Tennessee will be without starting cornerback Colton Hood after the 20-year-old declared for the 2026 National Football League Draft and opted out participating in this bowl game after earning All-Southeastern Conference second team honors from The Associated Press and a All-SEC third team . . .

 

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