KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Midway through 2025 bowl prep, Tennessee football head coach Josh Heupel met with local media on Thursday to provide updates as the Vols gear up for a Dec. 30 matchup with Illinois in the Liberty Mutual Music City Bowl. The contest marks Tennessee's first appearance in the Music City Bowl since 2021 and gives the Vols an opportunity to secure nine-plus wins for the fourth consecutive season.