ILLINOIS DEFEATS TENNESSEE IN THE 2025 LIBERTY MUTUAL MUSIC CITY BOWL

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Dec. 30, 2025) – The University of Illinois Fighting Illini defeated the University of Tennessee Volunteers, 30-28, in today’s Liberty Mutual Music City Bowl matchup at Nashville’s Nissan Stadium. In a never-before-seen team encounter, the Fighting Illini secured their victory against the Volunteers with a fourth-quarter, 29-yard field goal. The game attracted 52,815 fans from across the country to Nissan Stadium for one of college football’s premier postseason events and a Nashville holiday tradition, broadcast on ESPN.

“First, I want to say thank you to the [Liberty Mutual] Music City Bowl. From the time we got the invitation to where we are today, [they] took care of us, all our families and all our players… These games are always great, but they are also very sad. I had a very tough time in our meeting last night because I knew this was going to be the last time I was with a variety of guys. To give them this moment that they will carry with them… I’m really excited about that,” said University of Illinois head coach Bret Bielema in the post-game press conference.

Tennessee opened strong, making their way down the field on their initial possession with a touchdown scramble from quarterback Joey Aguilar. Illinois tied the game 7-7 with a touchdown catch from wide receiver Justin Bowick. In the second quarter, the Volunteers missed a 39-yard field goal attempt, and the Fighting Illini drove down the field to secure a field goal and take the lead, 10-7, before halftime.

After trailing for most of the second half, Tennessee’s freshman wide receiver, Joakim Dodson, returned the kickoff 94 yards for a touchdown, putting the Volunteers in the lead with less than five minutes left in the fourth quarter. Seconds before the game clock expired, Illinois denied Tennessee a comeback with a field goal by David Olano, securing their 30-28 win. This victory marks back-to-back bowl wins for the Fighting Illini, following their 2024 Cheez-It Citrus Bowl win against South Carolina.

Fighting Illini quarterback Luke Altmyer was named the 2025 Liberty Mutual Music City Bowl MVP. He went 20 for 33 with 196 yards passing and one touchdown, along with 54 yards rushing and one rushing touchdown in his final game with the Fighting Illini.

“I challenged our guys: obviously, everyone is disappointed, but there’s got to be something they can take with them through the off-season, use it as motivation and give us a chance to get better and get stronger. We’ll be back, ready to roll in ‘26. I can promise you that,” said University of Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel in the post-game press conference.

The event featured key Liberty Mutual fan activations, including a LiMu Emu coin toss, a Doug-Look-Alike crowd cam and mascot appearances from Liberty Mutual’s Doug and LiMu Emu. Additional bowl week festivities included Battle of the Bands on Lower Broadway in downtown Nashville, adding to the city’s lively celebration.

“Today’s game once again showcased the powerful connection between college football and the Nashville community,” said Scott Ramsey, president and CEO of the Nashville Sports Council. “We congratulate the University of Illinois on their victory and extend our thanks to both teams and our sponsors for helping deliver a truly memorable 2025 Liberty Mutual Music City Bowl.”

This year’s game was the 27th Music City Bowl. The bowl is a holiday tourism staple for Music City and one of the highest-profile non-playoff bowl games, welcoming guests and locals alike.

Please see postgame notes and stats linked here.

For more information on the Liberty Mutual Music City Bowl and updates on future games, visit www.MusicCityBowl.com.

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Contact

Tiffany Buchen, REED Public Relations Account Supervisor, 201-336-4479, tiffany@reedpublicrelations.com

About the Music City Bowl

The Music City Bowl (501(c)(3) non-profit organization) is an annual post-season collegiate bowl featuring the Big Ten and Southeastern Conferences. Since its inception, the bowl has produced over $400 million in direct economic impact. Distributed nationally to millions of viewers and listeners on ESPN and ESPN Radio, the bowl is Nashville’s holiday tradition. For more information, call the Bowl office at 615-743-3130 or visit the Bowl online at www.MusicCityBowl.com.