University of Tennessee Athletics
Prep for Music City Bowl in Full Swing as #23 Vols Prepare for Battle vs. Illini
December 16, 2025 | Football
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – After a couple light weeks of practice and workouts following the conclusion of the regular season, a reenergized Tennessee football team has officially begun prep for its Liberty Mutual Music City Bowl matchup against Illinois on Dec. 30 in Nashville.
A handful of players for the No. 23-ranked Vols spoke with the media following Tuesday's practice at Haslam Field to reflect on the regular season and preview the upcoming matchup against the Illini at Nissan Stadium, which could very well be the final college game for a handful of current players, including senior quarterback Joey Aguilar.
"Super excited," Aguilar said about the opportunity to play in the Music City Bowl. "We didn't play how we were supposed to play in the second half (against Vanderbilt), but we're grateful to go out there and play in one more game together."
Aguilar's unconventional path led him to a once in a lifetime opportunity to be the starter at Tennessee in 2025, and the California native took full advantage with a record-setting season that saw him lead the SEC in passing yards and throw 24 touchdown passes.
Aguilar has mentioned on numerous occasions his appreciation for the chance to represent the Power T and is eager to finish this season with a win in what could potentially be his final collegiate game.
"It's a blessing to be out here playing for this team, and our main goal right now is Illinois – go out there and execute what we have planned," Aguilar said. "We have one more game on our schedule, and that's a blessing. Everybody is super excited to go out there."
Finishing the season on a high note was a consistent theme coming out of Tuesday's media availabilities. A win against Illinois would give UT four straight seasons with nine or more wins, marking the longest streak of nine-plus win seasons for the program since posting five straight from 1995-1999.
"Like I said, (the mentality) is to finish the season strong, but it's also the start to a new season, right?" junior linebacker Jeremiah Telander said. "We still have some veterans that are going to play their last game for us, so finish this strong and send them out the right way but also build with our young guys and start the season the right way as well. That's the mindset."
Kickoff for the 2025 Music City Bowl is slated for 5:30 p.m. ET on ESPN. Fans can purchase tickets by visiting the official website of the Music City Bowl or by clicking HERE.
Videos of Tuesday's player media availabilities can be seen below.
Senior QB Joey Aguilar
Freshman OL David Sanders Jr.
RS-Freshman WR Braylon Staley
Junior LB Jeremiah Telander
