The Volunteer State
The Volunteer State is a Tennessee Vols sports podcast covering sports topics from the University of Tennessee featuring The Knoxville News Sentinel's John Adams, Mike Wilson and Blake Toppmeyer. The Tennessean, Nashville Tennessee.
Episodes
We can talk about QBs and five-star freshmen on another day. Instead, Adam Sparks and John Adams discuss five under-the-radar players that could impact Tennessee’s 2026 season as the Vols kick off preseason practice.
Ohio State copes with Tennessee getting 5-star David Gabriel Georges. SEC media quietly expect Faizon Brandon to win the Vols’ QB competition. And has Josh Heupel hedged on process of picking QB? Adam Sparks and John Adams discuss.
Is it reasonable for Peyton Manning to root for his nephew, Texas QB Arch Manning, against Tennessee? Adam Sparks and John Adams discuss. Plus, George MacIntyre goes to Manning Passing Academy and Chaz Coleman leaves Vols.
Did Tennessee baseball go into a minor slump in 2026? Or is this the reality in the post-Tony Vitello era? Adam Sparks and John Adams break down Josh Elander’s first season and where the program goes from here.
Why has Faizon Brandon supposedly pulled ahead in Tennessee QB competition? Adam Sparks and John Adams separate fact from fiction. Plus, is it time to believe that Josh Elander can get Vols baseball back to Omaha, eventually?
Should Tennessee fans prefer a 24-team playoff? Adam Sparks breaks down the pros and cons of expanding the CFP. Plus, the latest on the Neyland Entertainment District.
Is the seat hot or comfortably cold for Tennessee coaches? From Kim Caldwell to Rick Barnes and more, it’s a wide range. Adam Sparks and John Adams break down their situations in an offseason vibe check.
We made our picks for Tennessee’s starting quarterback. Now it’s time to amend them with new information from spring practice. Adam Sparks and John Adams discuss QB developments, plus how many games the Vols will win.
Joey Aguilar will move on, and so will the Vols. Will George MacIntyre, Faizon Brandon or Ryan Staub be Tennessee’s starting quarterback? Adam Sparks and John Adams make their early picks of the QB depth chart.
Joey Aguilar sued the NCAA to play for Tennessee in 2026. Some fans are celebrating, but others want to move on. Adam Sparks and John Adams discuss the impact of Aguilar potentially returning, including the future of George MacIntyre and Faizon Brandon.
Tennessee football has five new coaches, 18 new players and plenty of new reasons to praise and complain about its work in the transfer portal. Adam Sparks and John Adams assess the Vols’ new QB plan and their portal pickups.
Tim Banks is fired. Tennessee is retooling its roster, first with recruits and eventually transfers. And there’s still a Music City Bowl to be played. Adam Sparks and John Adams break down a busy December for the Vols.
Boo Carter is no longer a Vol. Joey Aguilar looks a little shaky. And the curse of The Swamp is lingering around Tennessee. Adam Sparks and John Adams react to Carter’s exit and tell UT fans whether they should be worried about the Florida game.
With Tennessee out of the playoff race, are fans still focused on the 2025 season or the future? Adam and John discuss UT’s next QB and the potential of staff changes, as well as the bowl outlook.
What’s wrong with Tennessee’s defense? Can it be fixed this deep into the season? And who’s to blame for its downturn? Plus, Adam and John break down the Oklahoma game.
After the loss to Alabama, Tennessee fans want Josh Heupel to finally make staff changes or risk never getting over the hump. Adam Sparks and John Adams discuss “fire everybody” reactions. Plus, a Kentucky preview and playoff odds.
The Third Saturday in October is upon us. So Adam Sparks and John Adams take the Vols’ temperature before the Alabama game. Is Josh Heupel too conservative? Are the refs out to get the Vols? What’s up with UT’s defense? Plus, midseason predictions.
Tennessee knows some of its opponents in the new nine-game SEC schedule, which begins in 2026. And speaking of next season, who will be the Vols’ QB?Adam Sparks and John Adams discuss that and more as UT prepares for the Mississippi State game.
Did Tennessee’s best shot at a playoff bid sail wide right? Or will the loss to Georgia ultimately help the Vols’ CFP resume? Adam Sparks and John Adams discuss Josh Heupel’s decisions in UT’s gut-wrenching OT loss, critical injuries and how expectations are still high.
If Josh Heupel reversed curses in the Florida and Alabama games, why can’t his Vols do the same against Georgia? Adam Sparks and John Adams break down this week’s biggest game in college football and look ahead to how a win or loss to the Bulldogs would impact Joey Aguilar and UT’s 2025 season.
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