Major shakeups are happening in the college football world as key players declare for the NFL Draft, impacting upcoming bowl games. Let's dive into the details!
Illinois Fighting Illini linebacker Gabe Jacas has announced his decision to enter the NFL Draft, and as a result, he will not be playing in the Music City Bowl against the Tennessee Volunteers. This is a significant blow for Illinois, as Jacas was a dominant force this season.
Jacas led the Big Ten with an impressive 11.0 sacks this season, showcasing his ability to disrupt opposing offenses. He also recorded 13.5 tackles for loss and a total of 43 tackles across 12 games. His impact on the Illinois defense is undeniable, and his departure leaves a void. To put his career in perspective, Jacas finishes second in Illinois program history for career sacks, with 27.0, trailing only Simeon Rice.
The Music City Bowl, scheduled for December 30th at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, will pit Tennessee (8-4) against Illinois (8-4) in an exciting matchup. The game is set to kick off at 5:30 p.m. Eastern Time and will be broadcast on ESPN.
Last season, Jacas showcased his versatility with 74 tackles, 8.0 sacks, and 13.0 tackles for loss. Before that, he combined for 8.0 sacks and 9.0 tackles for loss in his first two seasons at Illinois. Coming out of Fort Pierce, Fla., Jacas was a three-star prospect in the 2022 recruiting class.
Tennessee's Draft Declarations
Tennessee has also seen some key players declare for the draft, including cornerback Jermod McCoy, wide receiver Chris Brazzell II, and linebacker Arion Carter. Both Brazzell and Carter will also be sitting out the bowl game. McCoy, unfortunately, didn't get a chance to play this season due to a torn ACL sustained during offseason training in January.
Brazzell had a stellar senior season in his second year with the Vols, catching 62 passes for 1,017 yards and nine touchdowns. Before transferring from Tulane, he had 19 catches for 333 yards and two touchdowns in 2024. In his time at Tulane, he recorded 45 catches for 722 yards and five touchdowns across 15 games.
Draft Rankings and Projections
Chris Brazzell is currently ranked as the No. 7 wide receiver on Mel Kiper Jr.'s NFL Draft Big Board and is No. 34 overall on ESPN's list of the best available prospects. This indicates a high level of potential and recognition for his skills.
Jermod McCoy, despite missing the 2025 season due to injury, is still highly regarded. Mel Kiper ranks him as the No. 1 cornerback, and he is No. 13 overall on the Big Board. Before the injury, McCoy was projected as a top-10 pick. ESPN's Field Yates projects McCoy to be the No. 21 pick in the NFL Draft to the Philadelphia Eagles.
But here's where it gets controversial... Jacas wasn't ranked in the top 11 outside linebackers on Kiper’s Big Board, though he was among the players listed in the “just missed” category. This highlights the subjective nature of draft rankings and how a player's perceived value can vary.
And this is the part most people miss... the impact of these early declarations on the bowl games. Teams are now forced to adjust their strategies and game plans, potentially altering the outcomes. This adds an extra layer of unpredictability and excitement to the postseason.
What do you think? Are you surprised by any of these declarations? Do you think these players made the right decision? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
