Illini Star Davis Enters NFL Draft, Skips Music City Bowl Appearance

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CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — J.C. Davis, a standout left tackle and All-Big Ten honoree, has become the second Illinois player to forgo the upcoming bowl game as he shifts his focus towards the NFL Draft.

In a Saturday afternoon press conference, head coach Bret Bielema announced Davis’s decision to conclude his tenure with the Illini prior to their Music City Bowl face-off against Tennessee later this month. This news follows closely on the heels of OLB Gabe Jacas’s similar choice to prepare for the 2026 NFL Draft. Meanwhile, QB Luke Altmyer has confirmed that he will participate in the game in Nashville.

Bielema also shared that safety Matthew Bailey will miss the bowl game due to a recent surgery, and he is currently contemplating whether to enter the NFL Draft as well.

Davis, a senior, recently earned a First Team All-Big Ten nod from the conference’s coaches. Additionally, he was selected for the first team by the Associated Press and the second team by media representatives.

Ahead of the Music City Bowl, Davis had started 49 consecutive collegiate games. During the 2025 regular season, he was the No. 3 graded left tackle in the country according to PFF.