Tennessee edge rusher Joshua Josephs has opted out of the Music City Bowl to prepare for the 2026 NFL Draft, Knox News confirmed.
UT coach Josh Heupel is expected to address Josephs’ decision when the Vols begin on-site bowl practice on Dec. 26.
No. 23 Tennessee (8-4) plays Illinois (8-4) in the Music City Bowl on Dec. 30 (5:30 p.m. ET, ESPN) in Nashville.
Josephs is the fifth Tennessee player to opt out of the Music City Bowl for purposes of preparing for the NFL Draft. He joins cornerback Jermod McCoy, cornerback Colton Hood, linebacker Arion Carter and wide receiver Chris Brazzell.
Josephs is projected as an early round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft after a well-rounded senior season. He had 33 tackles, six tackles-for-loss, four sacks, six quarterback hurries, three pass breakups, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries, including one returned for a touchdown.
Adam Sparks is the Tennessee football beat reporter. Emailadam.sparks@knoxnews.com. X, formerly known as Twitter@AdamSparks. Support strong local journalism by subscribing at knoxnews.com/subscribe.
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Tennessee's Joshua Josephs opts out of Music City Bowl for NFL draft prep – Knoxville News Sentinel
