Iowa defensive lineman Ethan Hurkett, left, and linebacker Kyler Fisher (37) celebrate after their win over Kentucky in the Music City Bowl NCAA college football game Saturday, Dec. 31, 2022, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)

ORLANDO, Fla. — For Kyler Fisher and Aaron Graves the Bowl season is here.

The Southeast Valley graduates will be a part of the Iowa defense as the Hawkeyes face Tennessee in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl on Jan. 1.

The 20th-ranked Hawkeyes (10-3) will face 25th-ranked Tennessee (8-4) for the third time in the series.

Action will begin at noon and will be televised on ESPN.

In his final season as a Hawkeye, Fisher will take part in his fourth bowl and Graves, a true sophomore, will be competing in his second.

Fisher has been in the Holiday Bowl (2019), Citrus Bowl (2021) and Music City Bowl (2022).

The Iowa linebacker has been a key part to the Hawkeyes. He has 26 tackles (18 solo and eight assists).

“What’s special about our defense is the chemistry within it,” Fisher said. “There’s a lot of trust built between the players and within the defense that helps us play at a different level. And it’s not just one guy who elevates the group, everyone on the field is hungry to do extra but at the same time everyone has enough discipline to trust each other to get the job done.

“I think that mindset that we share is what creates a well organized unit that plays together.”

Graves, who has 36 tackles this season, will also be on the Iowa side.

“I’m excited to be playing in Florida,” Graves said. “Some of the guys have been here and said it’s a great time, plus we have one more football game.”

The last time the Hawkeyes have been on the field was the Big Ten Championship game where they lost to Michigan, 26-0.

Tennessee, who has won eight games this season, will put together a new look for the Hawkeyes.

True freshman quarterback Nico Iamaleava will start at quarterback for the Vols.

Two of Tennessee’s top running backs will opt out of the Citrus Bowl as well. Jaylen Wright, the team’s leading rusher, announced earlier this month that he’s forgoing his final season of eligibility to enter the NFL Draft.

Jabari Small, who has one season of eligibility remaining also opted out.

Sophomore Dylan Sampson and true freshman Cam Seldon will be the top two running backs for Tennessee.