Photos: Illinois 30, Tennessee 28 in the Music City Bowl

December 30, 2025 by Chicago Tribune

The Illinois Fighting Illini defeated the Tennessee Volunteers 30-28 in the Music City Bowl in Nashville on Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025.

Illinois defensive back Miles Scott (10) hoists the trophy with teammates after winning the Music City Bowl NCAA college football game against Tennessee, Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Illinois place-kicker David Olano (24) celebrates with punter Keelan Crimmins (40) after making a game winning field goal past Tennessee defensive back William Wright (0) at the end of regulation in the Music City Bowl NCAA college football game Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer (9) celebrates after winning the Music City Bowl NCAA college football game against Tennessee, Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Illinois offensive lineman Josh Gesky (73) celebrates with head coach Bret Bielema, right after winning the Music City Bowl NCAA college football game against Tennessee, Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel walks off the field after losing to Illinois in the Music City Bowl NCAA college football game Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Tennessee running back Justin Baker (20) walks off the field after losing to Illinois in the Music City Bowl NCAA college football game Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Illinois tight end Jordan Anderson (23) celebrates a first down run during the second half of the Music City Bowl NCAA college football game against Tennessee, Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Illinois head coach Bret Bielema yells at an official during the second half of the Music City Bowl NCAA college football game against Tennessee, Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Tennessee running back Desean Bishop (18) runs for a touchdown past Illinois defensive back Torrie Cox Jr., left, during the second half of the Music City Bowl NCAA college football game Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Tennessee running back Desean Bishop (18) celebrates his touchdown with offensive lineman Jesse Perry (72) during the second half of the Music City Bowl NCAA college football game against Illinois, Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Tennessee wide receiver Radarious Jackson (5) makes a catch past Illinois defensive lineman James Thompson Jr. (90) during the second half of the Music City Bowl NCAA college football game Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Tennessee quarterback Joey Aguilar (6) looks to throw a pass during the second half of the Music City Bowl NCAA college football game against Illinois, Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel talks to his players during the second half of the Music City Bowl NCAA college football game against Illinois, Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Tennessee tight end Miles Kitselman (87) leaps over Illinois defensive back Torrie Cox Jr., left, during the second half of the Music City Bowl NCAA college football game Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Tennessee quarterback Joey Aguilar (6) runs the ball during the second half of the Music City Bowl NCAA college football game against Illinois, Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer (9) looks to throw a pass during the second half of the Music City Bowl NCAA college football game against Tennessee, Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Tennessee quarterback Joey Aguilar (6) fumbles the ball as he is sacked by Illinois linebacker Joe Barna (43) during the second half of the Music City Bowl NCAA college football game Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Illinois wide receiver Collin Dixon (17) is slammed to the turf after a catch by Tennessee defensive back William Wright, right, during the first half of the Music City Bowl NCAA college football game Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer (9) runs the ball during the first half of the Music City Bowl NCAA college football game against Tennessee, Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Tennessee quarterback Joey Aguilar (6) gains a first down against the Illinois defense during the first half of the Music City Bowl NCAA college football game Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Illinois wide receiver Justin Bowick (0) catches a touchdown pass in the end zone in front of Tennessee defensive back Kaleb Beasley, left, during the first half of the Music City Bowl NCAA college football game Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Tennessee running back Star Thomas (9) is tackled by Illinois linebacker Joe Barna (43) and defensive back Mac Resetich (0) during the first half of the Music City Bowl NCAA college football game Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Illinois wide receiver Hank Beatty, center is tackled by Tennessee defensive lineman Jordan Ross (29) and linebacker Ben Bolton, right, during the first half of the Music City Bowl NCAA college football game Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Illinois wide receiver Justin Bowick (0) celebrates his touchdown with Hudson Clement (13) and running back Kaden Feagin, center, during the first half of the Music City Bowl NCAA college football game against Tennessee, Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Illinois head coach Bret Bielema yells at an official during the first half of the Music City Bowl NCAA college football game against Tennessee, Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Tennessee running back Desean Bishop (18) gains a first down past Illinois defensive back Miles Scott (10) during the first half of the Music City Bowl NCAA college football game Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Illinois wide receiver Hank Beatty (80) makes a catch against a Tennessee defender during the first half of the Music City Bowl NCAA college football game Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer (9) throws a pass tduring the first half of the Music City Bowl NCAA college football game against Tennessee, Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer (9) looks to throw a pass during the first half of the Music City Bowl NCAA college football game against Tennessee, Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel talks to an official during the first half of the Music City Bowl NCAA college football game against Illinois, Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Tennessee quarterback Joey Aguilar warms up before the Music City Bowl NCAA college football game against Illinois, Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)