The Iowa Hawkeyes are set to clash with the Missouri Tigers in the Music City Bowl on Monday, December 30th, at Nissan Stadium in Nashville. This highly anticipated match will be televised by ESPN starting at 1:30 p.m. Central Time. As bowl season approaches, several players have decided to sit out this game for various reasons. Among those opting out are standout running back Kaleb Johnson and cornerback Jermari Harris.

Details of the Music City Bowl and Player Decisions

In the heart of the festive season, the city of Nashville prepares to host an exciting football showdown between the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Missouri Tigers. The event will take place on a crisp afternoon at Nissan Stadium, providing fans with a thrilling end to the college football regular season. ESPN will broadcast the game live, ensuring that viewers across the nation can enjoy the action.

Kaleb Johnson, who had an exceptional year as a running back, has chosen not to participate in the bowl game. After careful consideration, Johnson announced his decision to enter the 2025 NFL Draft. His social media post expressed gratitude for his time at Iowa and excitement for the next chapter of his career. Johnson's impressive statistics this season—1,725 scrimmage yards and a school-record 23 touchdowns—make him a promising prospect for professional scouts.

Cornerback Jermari Harris also opted out due to ongoing medical concerns. Harris missed the last two games of the regular season because of injuries. Coach Kirk Ferentz provided insight into Harris's situation, noting the complexity of medical clearances and the player's well-being. Despite being cleared by the medical team, Harris chose to focus on recovery and preparing for the NFL Draft. His dedication to health and future prospects underscores the importance of making informed decisions about one's career.

Tickets for the Music City Bowl are available through official and resale platforms, starting from $29 on SeatGeek, $23 on StubHub, and $21 on VividSeats, offering fans multiple options to secure their seats for this significant matchup.

From a journalist's perspective, the decisions made by Johnson and Harris highlight the challenging balance between collegiate commitments and professional aspirations. Their choices reflect the growing trend of players prioritizing their long-term careers over additional college games. This scenario serves as a reminder of the personal sacrifices and strategic planning required in the world of competitive sports. It also emphasizes the support systems—coaches, medical staff, and teammates—that play crucial roles in guiding athletes through these pivotal moments.