University of Tennessee Athletics
Midstate Vols Ready to Play in Nashville
December 27, 2025 | Football
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee will enjoy a familiar setting and a home-state crowd when the Volunteers face Illinois in the 2025 Music City Bowl on Dec. 30 at Nissan Stadium.
Kickoff is set for 5:30 p.m. ET, and for several Vols, the bowl game in Nashville presents a chance to play close to home in front of family and friends. Redshirt sophomore defensive lineman Nathan Robinson said playing in the Midstate adds to the excitement.
"I'm sure there will be a big group out there ready to support us," Robinson said. "It's going to be a lot of fun playing in Nashville, being able to have a lot of people that I'm familiar with and close to be able to come out pretty easily."
For redshirt senior defensive back William Wright, the game carries added significance as he closes out his college career in his hometown.
"It's awesome," Wright said. "Of course, we get to play in Nissan Stadium, so that's a dream come true. Coming as a little kid, going to the games and things like that. Always a good opportunity to play there, and then of course, being home for the holidays."
Redshirt freshman offensive lineman Jesse Perry echoed the sentiment, noting the camaraderie among players from Tennessee's Midstate during bowl week and being able to share this experience not only with them, but teammates from out of state as well.
"I've had a lot of fun," Perry said. "It's just cool being back home. I was able to drive back from my house on Christmas up here. Being able to talk to players from out of state, just being able to tell them about Tennessee football is really cool."
Videos of Saturday's player media availabilities can be seen below.Redshirt Freshman OL Jesse Perry
Redshirt Sophomore DL Nathan Robinson
Redshirt Senior DB William Wright
Kickoff is set for 5:30 p.m. ET, and for several Vols, the bowl game in Nashville presents a chance to play close to home in front of family and friends. Redshirt sophomore defensive lineman Nathan Robinson said playing in the Midstate adds to the excitement.
"I'm sure there will be a big group out there ready to support us," Robinson said. "It's going to be a lot of fun playing in Nashville, being able to have a lot of people that I'm familiar with and close to be able to come out pretty easily."
For redshirt senior defensive back William Wright, the game carries added significance as he closes out his college career in his hometown.
"It's awesome," Wright said. "Of course, we get to play in Nissan Stadium, so that's a dream come true. Coming as a little kid, going to the games and things like that. Always a good opportunity to play there, and then of course, being home for the holidays."
Redshirt freshman offensive lineman Jesse Perry echoed the sentiment, noting the camaraderie among players from Tennessee's Midstate during bowl week and being able to share this experience not only with them, but teammates from out of state as well.
"I've had a lot of fun," Perry said. "It's just cool being back home. I was able to drive back from my house on Christmas up here. Being able to talk to players from out of state, just being able to tell them about Tennessee football is really cool."
Videos of Saturday's player media availabilities can be seen below.
Redshirt Sophomore RB DeSean Bishop
Redshirt Freshman OL Jesse Perry
Redshirt Sophomore DL Nathan Robinson
Redshirt Senior DB William Wright
Players Mentioned
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DB
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