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

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Illinois football will play Tennessee in the Music City Bowl, but will be without some of its top players.

Players in virtually every program opt out of non-playoff bowls for various reasons. Some are injured, others start their preparation for NFL draft workouts, while others announce their intention to enter the transfer portal, which opens Jan. 2.

Illinois (8-4) plays No. 23 Tennessee (8-4) in the Music City Bowl at 4:30 p.m. CT on Dec. 30 in Nashville.

Quarterback Luke Altmyer said he plans to play in Illinois’ bowl game, but the Illini will be without some other players. Here are the updates on Illinois opt-out decisions for the Music City Bowl.

Illinois football players out of Music City Bowl

J.C. Davis

Offensive tackle J.C. Davis will opt out of the bowl game and enter the NFL draft, coach Bret Bielema said on Saturday, Dec. 13. The New Mexico transfer started 49 games in a row overall and 25 in a row over the last two seasons with the Illini. The All-Big Ten first-teamer was the No. 3-graded offensive lineman in college football by Pro Football Focus.

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.

Gabe Jacas

On Dec. 12, edge rusher Gabe Jacas announced that he will enter the NFL draft and opt out of the Music City Bowl. The first-team All-Big Ten pick led the conference in sacks with 11 and leaves Illinois second all-time in the category behind only Simeon Rice. Jacas is a top-100 player and is a likely draft pick.

Illinois football players in the transfer portal

The NCAA football transfer portal opens Jan. 2. Here is a running list of Illinois players who have announced their intention to enter the portal.

This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Illinois football opt outs for Music City Bowl vs. Tennessee

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