The latest on who will be suiting up for the Illini.
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — The stage has been set for the Illini’s matchup against the Tennessee Volunteers in this year’s Liberty Mutual Music City Bowl, but up until this weekend, uncertainties remained.
Questions had been hovering across message boards and social media alike over who would be suiting up and who would be sitting out for Illinois.
Recently, it was announced that two of the Illini’s star players in linebacker Gabe Jacas and offensive lineman J.C. Davis would not be playing in the postseason.
For head coach Bret Bielema, the news didn’t come as a total shock, and he wishes nothing but the best for his guys as they get ready for the next level.
“Kind of knew that in the postseason if we weren’t in the playoffs, there would be a couple of guys with those decisions,” Bielema said. “Those guys moved on to their NFL opportunities, wish them the best of luck, obviously two very talented players and great guys in our program.”
Jacas, a projected top-100 pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, led the Big Ten in sacks this season and has been an anchor in the Illini’s pass rush over the past few seasons.
On the other side of the ball, Davis has been a force to be reckoned with as Illinois’ starting left tackle and is regarded as one of the best at his position in all of college football by PFF.
Another key contributor who will not be in action in Nashville is redshirt junior defensive back Matthew Bailey, who got surgery on a lingering shoulder issue after the Illini’s final regular-season game.
Bailey has been huge for the secondary this season, finishing with an impressive stat line of 76 total tackles, four tackles for loss, two pass breakups and two forced fumbles.
Not only were those numbers enough to garner attention from Big Ten coaches and members of the media, as Bailey was named an All-Big Ten honorable mention for both groups, but they also might be enough to get looks from the pros.
“The NFL allows us to put five players on an advanced list that allows them to get evaluated at a different level, so Matt was obviously one of those five guys,” Bielema said.
This is the same process that guys like Jacas, quarterback Luke Altmyer, defensive back Xavier Scott and offensive lineman Melvin Priestly were on one season ago.
While results from the NFL loom in the future, as does Bailey’s potential decision, Bielema had only the highest praises for his standout safety.
“I thought this year, especially, he was a guy that took a huge step in leading not only his room, but the defense, especially in moments of adversity,” Bielema said. “Super excited about his future.”
Who’s In?
Some good news came for Illini fans, however, as quarterback Luke Altmyer announced that he’d be back for one last game in the Orange and Blue.
“Bottom line is I love to play, I love to compete, I love these guys,” Altmyer said. “I respect them, I respect the university and I’d regret it if I didn’t go out there and play ball.”
Joining Altmyer in action for the bowl game will be fellow leaders in defensive back Miles Scott, offensive lineman Josh Kreutz and tight end Tanner Arkin.
The status of all those senior players was previously in question, but it appears that all of them want to end their careers on a high note in the Music City.
“I love playing in the Blue and Orange, and I’m just ready to go out there and compete, I mean, never pass up a chance to hit somebody,” Kreutz said.
“I’m just excited to have one more opportunity to go out there and show what we can do against a different type of opponent,” Scott said. “At the end of the day, it’s still football, so I’m just excited to play one more game.”
“Being that Illinois is my home now, I can’t wait to go out there and give it my best shot just one last time,” Arkin said. “Do it for Illinois, do it for Coach B, do it for these boys right here most importantly and get it done.”
With Dec. 30 right around two weeks away, the final test of the 2025 season awaits.
While it will be the last chapter for many veteran players, and some have already played their last game, the impact all of them have made will not be soon forgotten for the Illini faithful.
Stay tuned for more TCR coverage leading up to the Liberty Mutual Music City Bowl, right here on thechampaignroom.com and on X.
Category: General Sports
