The Volunteer State: Recent Episodes
USA TODAY NETWORK - Tennessee
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.
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.
Tennessee finally made its first impression of the 2025 season, and it was a good one. Plus, Alabama looked awful. Adam Sparks and John Adams break down Joey Aguilar’s debut in the Vols’ Week 1 win over Syracuse, compare him to Nico Iamaleava and project what all this means for the rest of the season.
Joey Aguilar has been named Tennessee’s starting quarterback. Here’s why he won the job and how it impacts the Vols’ 2025 outlook.Adam Sparks and John Adams react to the decision and break down the long-term effects on Jake Merklinger, George MacIntyre and the 2026 starting job.
Boo Carter isn’t back yet. The QB competition is tight. And does Tennessee already have a wide receiver problem? Adam Sparks and John Adams react (and overreact) to their favorite storylines from preseason practice. Plus, they break down Tennessee’s spot in the Preseason Coaches Poll.
Pick your QB and pick him now! Joey Aguilar, Jake Merklinger or George MacIntyre. Some Tennessee fans have already chosen their preferred QB before the competition begins, and they’re defending him. But why?
Adam Sparks and John Adams break down the intriguing phenomenon of fans showing stern allegiance to quarterbacks they’ve barely seen play. Plus, some preseason camp players to watch.
Tennessee’s 2025 football roster appears to be complete. That means we can judge the depth chart, and we’ve got plenty of judgments about it. On today’s episode, hosts Adam Sparks and John Adams break down the depth chart to determine if each position is better, worse or the same as 2024, beginning with QB Joey Aguilar.
We are now in the Joey Aguilar era of Tennessee quarterbacks, maybe. But is he good enough? Is he too reckless? Can he learn UT’s offense quick enough?On today's episode, host Adam Sparks breaks down the good and bad of Aguilar’s game and how it fits into the Vols. Plus, what is Tennessee’s transfer portal strategy? Let’s try to figure it out.
Nico Iamaleava is gone. Tennessee is searching for a new quarterback. And the college football world is reacting to this potential tipping point of the NIL/transfer portal era.On today's episode, hosts Adam Sparks and John Adams react to Iamaleava’s abrupt exit and discuss how the situation got to the point of no return.Plus, where do the Vols go from here? There are a few quarterback possibilities in the transfer portal.
Tennessee football has a “new scheme” on offense. But what does that mean? Or more importantly, what do we think it should mean?On today's episode, hosts Adam Sparks and John Adams react (and overreact) to rumblings about new offensive plans the Vols are working on in spring practice.Plus, Adam recaps his first Aussie rules football game and eating grilled kangaroo during a spring break trip to Australia.
Tennessee carries concerns into spring football practice. But which position could keep Josh Heupel up at night? (Hint: There’s more than one.)On today's episode, hosts Adam Sparks and John Adams rank the Vols’ biggest worries. Thankfully, quarterback isn’t one of them. But there are reasons for anxiety at wide receiver, offensive line, defensive secondary and more.
The College Football Playoff is headed for expansion and retooling. But which plan should Tennessee fans be rooting for? And is that the same as what’s best for college football?On today's episode, hosts Adam Sparks and Blake Toppmeyer break down the different playoff formats being discussed for 2026, and tell you which is best for the Vols. (Hint: It’s not automatic bids for SEC).So let’s fill out the 12-team, 14-team and 16-team future brackets with UT in mind.
Josh Heupel is betting on recruits he handpicked to lead Tennessee to the next level just as Jeremy Pruitt’s former players finally leave the program.Is this a welcomed development, cause for concern or a tired narrative that needs to go away?On today's episode, hosts Adam Sparks and Blake Toppmeyer break down the transition from “Pruitt’s players” to “Heupel’s players,” and how it could impact the Vols’ trajectory. It’s a timely discussion because the 2025 team will almost exclusively come from the recruiting classes and transfers under Heupel.Plus, they touch on UT’s newest portal additions, Star Thomas and Sam Pendleton.
Tennessee kept Nico Iamaleava, Mike Matthews and Boo Carter out of the transfer portal. But it’s lost more than it’s gained so far this offseason. And the veteran core of the 2024 playoff team is headed to the NFL as an apparent youth movement begins for the Vols.On today's episode, hosts Adam Sparks and John Adams break down UT’s roster moves and how they could impact the direction of the 2025 season.Plus, they weigh in on Boo Carter as an offensive player, Tim Banks as an essential defensive coordinator and Josh Heupel’s ability to reload the roster.
It’s game week at Tennessee, playoff edition. UT fans are attempting a ticket takeover of Ohio State’s stadium. The Vols are preparing to face an uber-talented Buckeyes team. And in the background, coaches are managing the transfer portal.On today's episode, hosts Adam Sparks and John Adams break down the Vols’ first-ever CFP game against Ohio State and guess how many UT fans will be there.Plus, we talk through why a few Vols are already in the portal rather than CFP practice, and why fans shouldn’t be so hard on them.
Tennessee got good news in the College Football Playoff picture and on national signing day. But it’s hoping for much better news on both fronts in the coming days. Penn State and David Sanders could help with that. We’ll explain.On today's episode, hosts Adam Sparks and John Adams break down the Vols final scenarios in the playoff, including who they’ll play and where. And they look back on the win over Vandy that earned UT’s way into the 12-team bracket.Plus, a signing day review raises questions about Sanders, UT’s No. 1 recruit, and the future of George MacIntyre as Vols QB.
What went wrong at Georgia? How can Tennessee still make the College Football Playoff? And why did Josh Heupel try to hand me the microphone to complain about the officials during his postgame press conference?On today's episode, hosts Adam Sparks and John Adams tell you what needs to happen for the Vols to get into the playoff and give you the odds of each of those things happening. It involves UT fans rooting for Hugh Freeze and against Lane Kiffin.Plus, our Georgia game recap asks if Nico Iamaleava is getting enough help and if Heupel should rant publicly against the refs.
Is Georgia reeling, or is Tennessee walking into an ambush in Athens? And how will Nico Iamaleava’s injury status impact the biggest game of the Vols’ season?On today's episode, hosts Adam Sparks and John Adams break down the Tennessee-Georgia game and all the extra storylines that go with it.Will Nico play? Is Georgia in disarray? Are the Bulldogs good enough to play great once more for Kirby Smart? And what’s the fallout in the playoff picture if the Vols lose?
The College Football Playoff selection committee told us what it thinks of Tennessee’s resume – both good and bad. Will the good get better or the bad get worse down the stretch as the Vols try to make the bracket?On today's episode, hosts Adam Sparks and John Adams break down the first CFP poll, where Tennessee ranks and most importantly what the committee said about the Vols’ resume.Plus, is it time to accept this UT offense for what it is – flawed? Or could freshman receiver Mike Matthews be a solution?
Tennessee is in a logjam with several teams for College Football Playoff spots just as the first CFP ranking is set for release.On today's episode, hosts Adam Sparks and John Adams lay out which teams UT fans should root against in key games this weekend in order to clear a playoff path for the Vols.It starts in the SEC. But Tennessee needs to keep an eye on Big Ten, Big 12 and ACC teams that are jockeying for position.Plus, will we remember Nico’s November? The last month of the season sets up well for Nico Iamaleava and the UT offense to kick into a higher gear. There’s certainly no time like the present as a struggling Kentucky team comes to Neyland Stadium.
Tennessee beat Alabama with a lockdown defense, a late-arriving offense and … fake crowd noise? It sounds too far-fetched to discuss, but let’s give it a try.On today's episode, hosts Adam Sparks and John Adams talk about that strange allegation of piped-in crowd noise at Neyland Stadium and the game that produced it.Plus, Tennessee is sitting pretty in the College Football Playoff picture. But there are still teams that could leapfrog the Vols down the stretch.Vol fans, don’t panic. This is for educational purposes only during the open week. But we’re going to break down the 5 SEC teams that could jump past UT in the race toward the playoff. And, yes, that includes … Alabama.
With half the SEC battling for College Football Playoff spots, Tennessee and Alabama face a potential elimination game on the Third Saturday in October.On today's episode, hosts Adam Sparks and John Adams set the stakes for Saturday’s rivalry between the Vols and Crimson Tide.Tennessee’s defense is hot, but its offense is ice cold. That combination usually wouldn’t be enough to knock off the mighty Crimson Tide. But this Alabama team is flawed – perhaps just as flawed as Tennessee.On Saturday, the rivals will search for their identity and a path to the playoff. But only one will find it in Neyland Stadium. So let’s talk about it.Other topics: How can play-calling help Nico Iamaleava? Does Alabama have more problems than Tennessee?
Does Tennessee’s offense have a seasonal cold or an incurable disease? Either way, the Big Orange looked very pale in a dreadful 19-14 loss at Arkansas.Nico Iamaleava looked bad. His offensive line looked worse. And coaches didn’t seem to have a solution for their struggles.On today's episode, hosts Adam Sparks and John Adams are going to try to diagnose the Vols’ illness and determine whether there’s a cure before the Florida game.
After three years of Tennessee fans wanting to run Tim Banks out of town, he’s got the No. 1 defense in college football.
Tennessee football played like a complete team against Oklahoma.
Was it Josh Heupel's most impressive victory as Tennessee's coach? No. But, more so than any other game, it showed that the Vols can win with defense. And wins like that will be needed as Tennessee aims to advance from being a good program to becoming a national championship contender.
On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer, Adam Sparks and John Adams weigh in on Tennessee's national championship potential.
They also push back on the argument that Heupel coached too conservatively against Oklahoma.
And, they engage with a doomsday scenario that could keep Tennessee out of the playoff if the Vols finish 10-2.
Tennessee football roars, and its ticket prices soar. First up, the roaring.
Tennessee will play a pivotal game at Oklahoma on Saturday in the Sooners’ first SEC game, while Josh Heupel returns to Norman after a celebrated Sooners career.
On today’s episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer, Adam Sparks and John Adams examine the Vols’ clash with Oklahoma before debating Tennessee’s decision to hike ticket prices in 2025 to combat new expenses.
Is this a make-or-break game for the Vols’ playoff hopes? Well, it’s more make than break. Considering the opponents that remain on Tennessee’s schedule, the Vols would be well-positioned for a playoff resume if they beat the Sooners.
If they lose in Norman, that doesn’t wreck Tennessee’s playoff chances, but it would need to at least split with Alabama and Georgia.
Later in the episode, an examination of why Tennessee will raise ticket prices next year, as a way to offset expected revenue-sharing costs that are around the bend.
Where's the love for Tennessee after the Vols smashed North Carolina State 51-10? Weren't the Wolfpack supposed to be a quality opponent? The Vols made them look like mincemeat.
So, explain how Tennessee lags behind at No. 9 in the US LBM coaches poll and No. 7 in the AP poll.
On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer, Adam Sparks and John Adams unpack what might be contributing to Tennessee's ranking and whether it matters.
Adams says he'd rank Tennessee within the top five – but he doesn't have an AP vote this year.
The crew also revises their record projections for Tennessee. Forget 9-3. How about 10-2 or 11-1?
Season-opening performances don't get much better than that. It's Nico's time, and Tennessee Vols fans are rejoicing. Iamaleava checked all the boxes in Tennessee's win against Chattanooga. He's the real deal.
Call him 'Heismanaleava?'
Maybe we're jumping the gun on that one. Just by a smidge.
On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer, John Adams and Adam Sparks revisit Iamaleava's splendid showing in Week 1 and what it means for the Vols' playoff aspirations. Tennessee didn't answer all the questions against Chattanooga. We'll get a better feel for its defense, the secondary in particular, when the Vols face North Carolina State on Saturday.
As for the Nico hype train? It's rumbling down the tracks. All gas, no brakes.
Preseason projections of Tennessee's 2024 record tend to come down to two options: 10-2 or 9-3.
That might not sound like much difference, but in the 12-team College Football Playoff era, it's probably the difference between making the playoff or not. Vols fans have their sights set on making the playoff in Josh Heupel's fourth season. Tennessee drew an accommodating schedule, and anticipation for Nico Iamaleava's first season as starting quarterback is off the charts.
Still, boobytrap games like those against Oklahoma and Florida could ensnare Tennessee's playoff hopes.
On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer, Adam Sparks and John Adams debate whether this season is playoff or bust for Tennessee.
Would 9-3 be an acceptable result in Big Orange Country? Probably not.
Not with a 5-star quarterback. Not with a schedule that includes just four preseason ranked teams. Heupel enjoys job security. He's entrenched, playoff or not. But, he should know expectations will increase after he delivered three straight winning seasons.
Here's the thing about the playoff tripling in size: It's easier to make the playoff, but fan frustrations for missing the playoff might triple.
Preseason practice offers a glimpse at depth chart strengths and weaknesses. We're left with some questions.
One player we're not questioning: Nico Iamaleava. The buzz around Tennessee's redshirt freshman quarterback is reminiscent of the hype surrounding Peyton Manning, Heath Shuler and Condredge Holloway. Iamaleava is worthy of that hype.
Some other positions are on squishier footing.
On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer, Adam Sparks and John Adams discuss three burning questions that remain unanswered as preseason practice winds down and the Week 1 game against Chattanooga nears.
Among the topics are Tennessee's health at running back and wide receiver, and what the heck is going on with that defensive back rotation?
Tennessee football and Pilot Corporation are in business together, and but their deal won't alter the name of Neyland Stadium.
UT and the Knoxville-headquartered fuel supplier announced a landmark deal this week that will put the Pilot name on Shields-Watkins Field and Pilot branding throughout the stadium. But, importantly, UT and Pilot agree that the name of the stadium isn't going corporate. The Neyland Stadium name will remain.
On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer, Adam Sparks and John Adams detail the news, explain what it means and project what might be next for Tennessee in its string of moneymaking branding deals for stadiums.
What does Tennessee get out of this deal with Pilot?
Financial details were not disclosed, but one estimate indicates the branding deal will generate tens of millions in new revenue for Vols athletics at a time when college athletics costs are increasing and administrators explore previously untapped areas for cash.
So, what's next? Keep an eye on Lindsey Nelson Stadium.
Can we put to bed the narrative that Josh Heupel is an average recruiter?
That was one of the knocks on Heupel when Tennessee hired him in 2021. Since then, though, he’s been a steady recruiter – NIL helps – and he’s assembling his best class ever.
The Vols are on a recruiting hot streak. Their 2025 recruiting class is positioned for a top-10 national finish. Also, Heupel continues to be a dynamite recruiter of quarterbacks. Tennessee beat out Alabama and LSU to earn a commitment from five-star quarterback Faizon Brandon, the nation’s top-ranked prospect in the 2026 recruiting class.
On today’s episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer, Adam Sparks and John Adams examine the Vols’ recruiting heater and what it means for Heupel’s reputation on the trail.
Also, what will Tennessee’s quarterback depth charts look like in 2025 and ’26? The Vols will be stacked at the position in 2025, when Nico Iamaleava should remain the headliner, but will a transfer or two affect the depth chart in ’26?
If Iamaleava and Brandon are as good as advertised, Tennessee is well-positioned for the future.
Todd Helton earned induction to the National Baseball Hall of Fame, and Knox News literally traveled by plane, train and automobile to cover the ceremony.
The IT outages stranded reporter Mike Wilson in New York, so he kicked it old school and traveled by Amtrak to Upstate New York. There, in the idyllic town of Cooperstown, Helton earned his enshrinement.
A Knoxville native. A standout Vol. Now, a Hall of Famer.
Helton was a force of consistency throughout his 17-year career spent entirely with the Colorado Rockies. A sweet-swinging, slick-fielding first baseman, he posted a career .316 batting average.
On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer and Mike Wilson unpack Helton’s journey from Knoxville to Cooperstown -- and Wilson’s hectic, circuitous journey there, as well.
They examine Tennessee’s impact on Helton’s career and why some Vols fans still remember him best as a quarterback.
Paul Finebaum's optimism grows for Tennessee football.
The SEC Network's opinion king emerged from SEC media days feeling more bullish about the Vols' playoff chances and their place within the conference pecking order.
Is that sunny outlook warranted?
On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer and Adam Sparks re-evaluate Tennessee's playoff prospects and assess whether their estimation of Tennessee has improved, regressed or stayed about the same throughout the offseason.
Their verdict: A 9-3 record is more likely than a playoff berth, but an accommodating schedule nonetheless helps make Tennessee a playoff contender.
Also in this episode, an update on the latest developments in the Neyland Entertainment District project that would bring a hotel, restaurant and bar to liven the area around the stadium near the riverfront, at the expense of the G10 parking garage.
Tennessee didn’t select Nico Iamaleava to be among its contingent at SEC media days, but that did little to contain the hype for the Vols’ ballyhooed redshirt freshman quarterback.
The Nico train is out of the station, and ESPN’s Greg McElroy jumped into the conductor’s seat this week when he predicted Iamaleava will be a Heisman Trophy finalist. That’s lofty praise for a guy with one career start, but Iamaleava oozes talent.
On today’s episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer, Adam Sparks and John Adams outline Iamaleava’s path to becoming a Heisman finalist and predict whether he’ll be among those in New York City.
While no one expects Iamaleava to wilt, part of his Heisman candidacy will be hitched to Tennessee’s playoff status.
So, which side of the Heisman finalist cut does Iamaleava fall on? The hosts issue a split verdict.
Should Tennessee expect a dose of disrespect when the media who cover the SEC vote next week to predict the conference's standings?
Probably a hint of it, at least.
Like the Vols, programs like Alabama and LSU offer a mixture of strengths and lingering questions, but Tennessee might struggle to keep up with those programs in the vote. History sways the vote, and Tennessee spent years swimming in mediocrity before Josh Heupel's arrival, while Alabama and LSU thrived.
On today's episode, Blake Toppmeyer, John Adams and Adam Sparks predict where Tennessee will be picked in the media's projected order of finish.
Their verdict: Tennessee will be picked No. 6. But, two of the hosts think the Vols should be picked higher than that.
Also in this episode, an explanation for why quarterback Nico Iamaleava did not make the cut to represent the Vols at media days in Dallas.
With one beard – and a lot of victories – Tony Vitello won the hearts of Vols fans.
Now, Tennessee baseball rules the sport, for the first time ever. Tennessee's championship drought is over.
When the Vols beat Texas A&M 6-5 in Game 3 of the College World Series finals on June 24, it marked Tennessee's first national championship in any sport since its women's indoor track and field team won the crown in 2009. That's a 15-year span without a title. How long will Tennessee go before winning its next title? Not that long.
On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer and John Adams revisit the baseball team's triumph in Omaha and debate which Tennessee team will be the next to win a national championship.
For this debate, the hosts consider four programs: football, men's and women's basketball and softball.
And the hosts agree that one program stands above the rest as being next in line.
Tennessee baseball enjoys prime positioning to reach the College World Series finals. The Vols' epic rally against Florida State in their first game in Omaha will go down as the one of the top moments in program history. Will it also be the moment that unlocked the path to win the program's first-ever national championship?
On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer and Mike Wilson rewind Tennessee's first two victories and assess what's ahead for the Vols.
Wilson says Tennessee remains the team to beat in Omaha. He identifies two others from the SEC on the opposite side of the bracket as top threats: Kentucky and Texas A&M.
Tennessee fans are making their presence felt in Omaha. Pat Summitt's Lady Vols won their last national championship in 2008. Tennessee's women's indoor track and field team won a national title in '09. Since then, Vols fans have been ravenous for something big to celebrate.
How to define success? And what are some good vacation destinations in Mexico?
Tony Vitello has answers to these questions. He also has another College World Series team on his hands. Tennessee’s baseball coach uncorked a lengthy rant after his Vols advanced to the CWS, during which he literally quoted the definition of success from the dictionary.
What had Vitello so worked up?
On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer and Mike Wilson unpack Vitello’s meandering monologue, in which he defended his team's success, among many other topics, including travel hot spots.
What did Vitello have caught in his craw? Well, after Game 2, a reporter implied that past Tennessee seasons were unsuccessful because they failed to produce a national championship. Vitello disagreed.
The Vols have been one of the nation's best programs these past several years. Now, can they capture an elusive national championship? Vitello dialed down the pressure on that expectation and explained why the Vols will go to Omaha playing with “house money.”
Later in the episode, a discussion of the nation’s best baseball coaches. Is Vitello No. 1, or is it a different SEC coach?
Tennessee baseball has been here before. Tony Vitello’s success is not new. He’s made winning the expectation. In previous seasons, though, talented Vols teams fizzled before the championship. That doesn’t mean this team will.
In fact, these Vols are a deserving frontrunner to win the national championship. Their path will continue with an NCAA super regional against Evansville. The underdog Purple Aces advanced as a 4-seed out of their regional. There’s nothing underdog about these Vols.
On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer, Mike Wilson and John Adams detail Tennessee’s path to a championship and why this team doesn’t feel like a repeat of the 2022 Vols.
Two years ago, Tennessee was an NCAA Tournament frontrunner after becoming a smashing regular-season success before getting bounced in the super regional.
This team is about its business, though, and these Vols don’t have much weakness. Plus, they enjoy a forgiving path to Omaha.
Also in this episode, the hosts explain why Tony Vitello reminds them of some past Vols coaches in other sports.
Transfers are a reality of college football in 2024, but Tennessee loses fewer players than most. Even better, the Vols very rarely lose top performers.
Tennessee bid farewell to 15 transfers this offseason, three of whom were walk-ons. That's the fewest number of transfer departures for any SEC team. By comparison, Alabama lost 39 players to the portal.
How does Josh Heupel pull off this impressive roster retention?
On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer and Adam Sparks unpack Tennessee's effectiveness at limiting its number of transfers.
While there's no magic bullet to prevent transfers, the Vols attack this on multiple fronts, from NIL to coaching stability to Tennessee's approach toward adding transfers.
Stay connected on Twitter with Blake (@btoppmeyer) Adam (@AdamSparks) Mike (@ByMikeWilson) and John (@JohnAdamsKNS) and stay up to date on Vols sports news by following @GoVolsXtra.
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Part of coaching the Lady Vols means testing yourself against the nation's best opponents. Kim Caldwell will experience that in her first season at Tennessee.
The Lady Vols will host UConn next season, a restoration of a rivalry that went on a one-year hiatus last season. There was a time when this rivalry of blue bloods and clash of Pat Summitt and Geno Auriemma defined the sport. The rivalry isn't what it once was, and neither is either program. Still, UConn is coming off a Final Four appearance, while Tennessee is a program searching for its footing.
Can the Lady Vols possibly be prepared to handle UConn in Caldwell's first season?
On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer, Cora Hall and John Adams weigh in on the rivalry restoration.
They also assess Caldwell's first month on the job and her efforts to boost the roster through transfer additions. And they evaluate Tennessee's chance of keeping its NCAA Tournament appearance streak alive in Caldwell's debut.
Stay connected on Twitter with Blake (@btoppmeyer) Adam (@AdamSparks) Cora (@corahalll) and John (@JohnAdamsKNS) and stay up to date on Vols sports news by following @GoVolsXtra.
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Three Tennessee football players were selected in the NFL Draft last week.
Cause for celebration, or concern?
The four qualifying teams for last season’s College Football Playoff combined for 44 draft picks.
That suggests that if Tennessee wants to go from competitive program to national championship program under Josh Heupel, he needs to start producing more NFL talent.
And yet, consider that Tennessee finished 9-4 despite not having a single player selected within the draft’s first three rounds. That speaks to Heupel’s coaching ability.
On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer, Adam Sparks and John Adams unpack Tennessee’s production in the draft and why they think Jaylen Wright will become UT's most productive NFL player from this draft class.
They also preview next year’s draft class, highlighted by edge rusher James Pierce, who profiles as a potential No. 1 overall pick.
And, they consider this question: Is Tennessee’s draft performance cause for concern?
Stay connected on Twitter with Blake (@btoppmeyer) and John (@JohnAdamsKNS) and stay up to date on SEC football news by subscribing to KnoxNews: knoxnews.com/subscribe.
Tennessee football can rest easy about its starting quarterback situation. Not only is Nico Iamaleava the starter, he's a star in the making. Iamaleava's tidy performance in Saturday's spring game reiterated that all is well with Tennessee's QB1.
Elsewhere on the roster, it's more of a mixed situation. The Vols face areas they could solidify entering this spring transfer portal window.
On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer and Adam Sparks review the spring game and address some lingering burning questions.
Which areas of the roster look like strengths? Where does Tennessee require reinforcements? Who's the backup quarterback, and should Tennessee trust him?
Let's dive in.
Stay connected on Twitter with Blake (@btoppmeyer) Adam (@AdamSparks) Mike (@ByMikeWilson) and John (@JohnAdamsKNS) and stay up to date on Vols sports news by following @GoVolsXtra.
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The Lady Vols are all in on Kim Caldwell's upside.
Tennessee athletic director Danny White didn't want to miss the boat on Caldwell or delay hiring a coach whose career is on an upward trajectory. Two years ago, Caldwell led Division II Glenville State to its first national championship. This season, her first as a Division I coach, she took Marshall to the NCAA Tournament.
Now, she coaches a blueblood. Caldwell's fast track matches her teams' high-octane style of play.
On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer, Cora Hall and John Adams review Caldwell's introductory presser, outline what success looks like in Year 1 and grade the hire.
The verdict: Not an 'A' hire, but a passing grade.
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Danny White faces a big decision – his biggest decision, in fact, since he hired Josh Heupel in 2021.
White is conducting a Lady Vols coaching search that will reshape the direction of the program. Kellie Harper maintained the program as an NCAA Tournament regular, but she repeatedly peaked in the Sweet 16, and the Lady Vols were eliminated in the second round this year. Recruiting momentum had stalled.
White acted boldly by firing a coach who played for Summitt and who won 20 games this season.
Now, he must be bold in his quest to hire just the fourth coach in program history. The last two Lady Vols coaches came from the Pat Summitt tree. Will White look outside the Lady Vols family for this hire? That seems likely.
On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer, Cora Hall and John Adams weigh in on the Lady Vols search.
First, they address the candidacy of Duke's Kara Lawson. Verdict: Lawson should not be viewed as the frontrunner.
Then, each offers two swing-for-the-fences candidates, plus a fallback option.
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Rick Barnes and the Sweet 16 go hand and hand.
The Vols are back among the NCAA Tournament’s final 16 teams standing in March Madness for the second straight year and the third time during Barnes’ tenure.
But, this round of March Madness remains a familiar pitfall for Tennessee, which has never made a Final Four.
Barnes’ lone Final Four appearance came in 2003 at Texas. He’s in the Sweet 16 for the ninth time.
On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer, Mike Wilson and John Adams handicap the hurdles remaining in Tennessee’s path to the Final Four.
One host says Purdue is the biggest obstacle, while the other two hosts make the case for Creighton. They also debate whether they're more or less confident in Tennessee after two rounds of March Madness.
Tap the link in bio for more details.
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Tennessee’s early SEC Tournament exit cost the Vols a likely No. 1 NCAA seed.
The silver lining: Tennessee won’t have to meet No. 1 overall seed UConn in the NCAA Tournament until the national championship. Also good news: Rick Barnes possesses his best team in a handful of years.
But, Tennessee’s NCAA Tournament history remains an elephant in the room. The Vols never have reached a Final Four, and the program’s lone Elite Eight came in 2010, with Bruce Pearl as coach.
On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer, Mike Wilson and John Adams assess Tennessee’s NCAA Tournament draw and handicap the Vols’ chances of making a deep run.
Tennessee is the No. 2 seed in the Midwest Region, where Purdue is the No. 1.
But, it's not Purdue that comes to mind first when predicting stumbling blocks for the Vols. Beware of Creighton.
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More than a trophy is at stake when the Tennessee basketball team takes the floor at the SEC Tournament in Nashville this week. A No. 1 seed could be on the line for the Vols (24-7).
Some bracket experts are projecting Tennessee as a No. 1 seed for the NCAA Tournament, but such outlooks are subject to fluctuation. If the Vols bow out early in the conference tournament, they could surrender the inside track to a top seed. If they cut down the nets Sunday in Nashville, that likely would cement a No. 1 seed for Tennessee.
But, to what extent does that even matter?
On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer and Mike Wilson discuss the importance (or lack thereof) of the SEC Tournament for Tennessee.
Win the SEC Tournament, and the Vols almost certainly are on the 1-line come Selection Sunday. But, is an SEC Tournament title a kiss of doom for March Madness? History warns of that.
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We're talking about practice. Spring practice.
Tennessee will begin spring workouts on March 18. Let the Nico Iamaleava era take hold. Iamaleava's performance in his first career start, a bowl victory against Iowa, has Vols fans feeling optimistic about the 2024 season.
The quarterback position being in capable hands could put Tennessee on a path toward College Football Playoff contention – but only if the Vols address a few important areas this spring.
On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer and the Adam Sparks highlight four storylines to monitor throughout the Vols' spring, which will culminate with the spring game on April 13.
They break down potential starters in the overhauled secondary and highlight transfers to watch.
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Perhaps it goes without saying. We’ll say it anyway.
The Third Saturday in October will be the most important game on Tennessee’s 2024 schedule.
Oh, sure, we realize the importance of a few other games. When the Vols face Georgia in mid-November, Kirby Smart’s Bulldogs may well be ranked No. 1. Tennessee’s September date at Oklahoma, Josh Heupel’s alma mater, will be another biggie. And be careful about overlooking an October game against Florida.
Still, it feels as if Tennessee’s path to the College Football Playoff could go through Kalen DeBoer and his Crimson Tide.
On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer and Adam Sparks assess Tennessee’s schedule and its path to the playoff.
The 12-team playoff is big enough for a handful of SEC teams. The outcome of Alabama-Tennessee may decide one of the playoff’s final at-large bids.
Also in this episode, Sparks ofers an update on the latest in the state of Tennessee’s lawsuit against the NCAA and the status of the NCAA’s investigation into the Vols.
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Is this finally the year Tennessee basketball makes a Final Four? We've wondered that about previous Rick Barnes teams, but Barnes has never advanced past the Sweet 16 with the Vols.
That history suggests that Tennessee, despite its No. 5 national ranking and 20-6 record, is just teasing a hungry fan base before another postseason disappointment. But, there's something different about this team. Namely, this team has Dalton Knecht.
On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer, Mike Wilson and John Adams assess whether these Vols are built for March (and April). They also identify sleeper teams that could make the Final Four.
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Maybe this is the NCAA’s way of doing Tennessee a favor.
UT officials have decried the NCAA’s latest investigation into the Tennessee Vols, but if you think about it, the Vols can use this to their advantage.
Tennessee’s response to this investigation can be loosely summarized as: Rules? What rules? Let’s make some deals.
Sounds like a start to a recruiting pitch: Come to Tennessee, where the NCAA’s flimsy rules don’t matter, and the state government and university officials have your back.
On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer, Adam Sparks and John Adams offer the latest on Tennessee vs. NCAA after Tuesday’s court hearing that occurred as part of a state lawsuit against the NCAA.
The upshot: Tennessee enjoys the high ground and shouldn't be worried.
Also in this episode, an explanation of why UT is limiting attendance of its spring game to just 10,000 fans. Are college sports becoming a luxury for the rich?
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Round 1 went to the NCAA.
A more important Round 2 is set to be decided next week.
Tennessee's legal clash with the NCAA is continuing to play out in the courtroom, and the state's attorney general doesn't seem too demoralized that a judge did not grant a temporary restraining order this week that would have halted the NCAA's NIL guidelines.
That's because a bigger, longer-lasting ruling awaits next week.
On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer, Adam Sparks and John Adams offer an update on the latest on the court case and the NCAA's investigation of the Vols.
An injunction hearing looms, and the judge in this case may have tipped his hand at which way he'll rule. Plus, Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti tells Knox News that he thinks UT was unfairly targeted in the NCAA's ongoing investigation of UT.
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Tennessee is under NCAA investigation. Again.
This time, the investigation involves potential violations to the NCAA’s flimsy NIL guidelines. And, this time, Tennessee is fighting back.
UT Chancellor Donde Plowman has her elbows sharpened for this fight, and so does Vols AD Danny White. Perhaps more importantly, the Tennessee attorney general, Jonathan Skrmetti, is suing the NCAA. The lawsuit alleges that the NCAA's NIL guidelines violate the Sherman Antitrust Act and unlawfully restrict athletes' ability to monetize their name, image and likeness.
On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer, Adam Sparks and John Adams unpack the investigation and the lawsuit and what they could mean – for the Vols and the NCAA.
This investigation comes on the heels of a separate investigation in which the NCAA determined 18 Level I violations occurred during Jeremy Pruitt's coaching tenure.
If the NCAA finds that Tennessee committed NIL violations, it may intend to impose harsh penalties, because the Vols would be a repeat offender. However, the NCAA routinely loses in court, and if it loses the judgement in this lawsuit, that could further hamstring the NCAA's ability to enforce its NIL guidelines.
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Tennessee football has its quarterback of its present and of its future. His name is Nico Iamaleava. And now, Tennessee appears to have its next quarterback of the future. His name is George MacIntyre.
MacIntyre, a five-star prospect from Brentwood Academy, committed to Tennessee this week. He’s one of the nation’s best quarterback prospects and a top-15 recruit overall. He headlines Josh Heupel’s 2025 recruiting class.
“This isn't a decision: It's a calling,” MacIntyre said of his commitment.
On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer and John Adams assess what MacIntyre’s commitment means for the Vols.
Their four key takeaways range from thoughts about Josh Heupel's recruiting chops to how this will affect Tennessee's future quarterback plans. Plus, they weigh in on Heupel's performance working the transfer portal this offseason.
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From Knoxville to Auburn and SEC football locales throughout the South, fans can rejoice in Nick Saban's retirement. Saban was especially hard on Tennessee. He went 16-1 against the Vols as Alabama's coach. Josh Heupel, in 2022, became the first UT coach to beat Saban's Tide.
Alabama hired an accomplished coach in Kalen DeBoer, but it nonetheless may need a minute to adjust to life without Saban. Several talented Tide players are transferring.
On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer and Adam Sparks discuss which programs benefit the most from Saban's retirement.
Tennessee will host Alabama during the 2024 season. Suddenly, that game looks more winnable than ever. That puts more pressure on Heupel to produce a victory, but, pressure aside, this is good news for Tennessee. Saban's retirement increases the Vols' chance of qualifying for next season's College Football Playoff.
But, Tennessee doesn't top the list of beneficiaries of Saban's retirement.
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Expectations are climbing for Tennessee’s 2024 season after Nico Iamaleava’s smashing success in his first career start in a bowl victory against Iowa.
The freshman smoothly operated Tennessee’s offense while showing his athleticism as a runner during the Vols’ 35-0 victory.
With Iamaleava’s performance still on the brain, there’s now chatter of Tennessee being a playoff contender next season.
On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer, Adam Sparks and John Adams reflect on Iamaleava’s performance against the Hawkeyes, debate whether he should have replaced Joe Milton as starter during the season, and project what the Vols might be poised to achieve next season, with the reins in Iamaleava’s hands.
The hosts disagree on whether Iamaleava should have become Tennessee's starter this season.
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Look up to see that the sky is not falling. It's still up there.
Several Tennessee players are beelining for the transfer portal. That might seem unnerving. Look around, though, and you'll see this is happening at programs across the country.
This exodus is not a UT problem. It's simply a reflection of the state of college football, where immediate eligibility for transfers and portal windows results in a flurry of outbound players each December.
While Tennessee is losing some quantity, it is retaining most of its quality. Even so, there are a few outbound Vols whose absence could be felt in 2024.
On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer and Adam Sparks assess Tennessee's defections and preview what's needed from inbound transfers. They rank the top three Vols in the portal who will be missed most in 2024.
They also assess Josh Heupel's strategy as it pertains to juggling transfers with recruiting high school talent, and they weigh in on Tennessee's 2024 recruiting class that ranks 14th nationally in the 247Sports Composite. The December signing period begins next week.
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The transfer portal is open, and Tennessee needs to do a little holiday shopping. The Vols have legitimate needs to address for 2024.
Defensive backs? Wide receivers? A tight end? Some offensive linemen? A backup quarterback?
If the Vols are feeling gluttonous, they could do some big spending in the transfer market.
On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer, Adam Sparks and John Adams offer their top needs for Tennessee to address via transfers.
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If the Gator Bowl is to be Tennessee football's postseason path, then let the opponent be North Carolina.
The Vols (8-4) will learn their bowl destination on Sunday. Most of the prominent projections have identified Tennessee as being earmarked for the Gator Bowl in Jacksonville, against either UNC (8-4) or North Carolina State (9-3).
Tennessee last played in the Gator Bowl to culminate the 2019 season, rallying to beat Indiana to culminate Jeremy Pruitt's second year on the job.
On today's episode, Blake Toppmeyer, Adam Sparks and John Adams examine the Vols' postseason path and why UNC would be a more desirable opponent for Tennessee.
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Tennessee football requires a recalibration of its offense in the offseason. A unit that led the nation in scoring in 2022 is pretty pedestrian this season. And Josh Heupel's teams aren't built to succeed with pedestrian offenses. Offense must fuel the Vols' success.
In Nico Iamaleava, we trust?
Well, sort of.
Better quarterback play is needed in 2024, and Iamaleava will be a redshirt freshman ready for the reins. In brief appearances as Joe Milton's backup, he's teased the potential that made him a five-star recruit. But, restoring the offense to full speed calls for more than a quarterback change.
On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer, Adam Sparks and John Adams put Tennessee's offense under the microscope.
Sparks lays out a six-step plan to fixing the offense in the offseason, while Toppmeyer and Adams offer their rebuttals to the plan.
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Tennessee football's crowning achievement 10 games into the season is a win at Kentucky. What's that say? Well, it's not a success story.
But, can this season fairly be labeled a bust?
The Vols (7-3, 3-3 SEC) entered the season with a preseason No. 12 ranking and the momentum of an 11-win campaign that included an Orange Bowl triumph. It didn't take long, though, for Tennessee to show its colors and prove this would be no repeat of 2022. The Swamp landed the first punch on the Vols, and Missouri ripped off any remaining veneer in a 36-7 beatdown in Columbia.
On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer, Adam Sparks and John Adams debate whether Heupel's third season at Tennessee is to be considered a bust.
The Vols will host undefeated Georgia before wrapping up at home against pitiful Vanderbilt. That strongly points to an 8-4 finish to the regular season.
Bust, or not a bust?
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Tennessee football is likely headed to a Florida bowl game, but which one? And, does it matter?
If we told you the Vols are bound for either the Citrus, Gator or ReliaQuest (formerly Outback) bowl, would you know which the SEC considers the most prestigious?
(Answer: Citrus Bowl.)
No. 12 Tennessee's best path to the Citrus Bowl involves beating No. 15 Missouri on Saturday in Columbia.
On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer, Adam Sparks and John Adams review Nico Iamaleava's performance against UConn before examining the Vols' game against Missouri and what it means to each team's bowl prospects.
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Wednesday’s reveal of the first College Football Playoff rankings served as a reminder of just how interesting – and deep – the playoff race will become next season.
The Vols aren’t in the hunt for this year’s playoff, but the format will expand to 12 teams in 2024. If the 12-team playoff were here today, Tennessee would remain in contention for a spot.
And, if last week’s 33-27 win over Kentucky offered any indication, the Vols should be a contender next year.
On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer, Adam Sparks and John Adams examine the long-term outlook for Tennessee and the CFP.
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Tennessee's road woes are looking more like reality than myth.
Alabama rarely has been more beatable during Nick Saban's tenure than it was Saturday at Bryant-Denny Stadium. The Vols owned the first half. They were up by two scores at halftime, and their domination was more lopsided than that.
And then Tennessee experienced an all-systems failure in the second half and watched No. 8 Alabama run away with a 34-20 victory.
The Vols have not won in Tuscaloosa since 2003. Not coincidentally, they have not won in The Swamp since 2003, either.
In real time, here's what's most concerning about the Vols' road struggles: They'll play at Kentucky on Saturday and must play at No. 16 Missouri on Nov. 11.
On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer, Adam Sparks and John Adams examine what went wrong in the second half in Tuscaloosa and just how vulnerable Tennessee is against Kentucky. The Wildcats are no Alabama, but they beat Florida in Lexington.
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Josh Heupel's teams usually win because of their offense. These Tennessee Vols win in spite of their offense – at least, that was the case against Texas A&M.
The Vols' defense fueled that victory.
But, can Tennessee expect its defense to carry the day against Alabama? Usually, dynamite quarterback performances and a high-scoring opponent are required to beat Nick Saban's Crimson Tide. And Joe Milton isn't supplying this offense with what it needs.
On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer, John Adams and Adam Sparks examine the dilemma of Tennessee's quarterback situation.
Milton is the sixth-year veteran, but he's making rookie mistakes. So, why not pivot to ballyhooed freshman Nico Iamaleava? That comes with risks – risks coaches don't usually like to take.
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Tennessee and Texas A&M are two programs that enjoy a lot of advantages and frequently boast lofty expectations, while struggling to meet the bar of what is capable.
In some ways, the programs are similar, and that's evident in the win-loss column. Throughout the past 20 seasons, the Vols averaged seven wins. The Aggies averaged 7.4.
The teams will meet Saturday, in a pivotal game for the direction of each team's season.
On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer, Adam Sparks and John Adams assess the matchup and compare these programs.
Tennessee is the state's flagship school, while the Aggies live in Texas' shadow. But, Texas A&M's revenue, resources and facilities are impressive, and they're located in fertile recruiting terrain.
The truth is, each of these programs should win more than seven games in a typical season.
Good news for Tennessee: The Vols thrashed South Carolina, avenging their 2022 loss to the Gamecocks.
Unsettling news for Tennessee: Kentucky dismantled Florida. How did the Vols look so bad against the Gators, and how will UT handle the Wildcats later this month?
Good news for Tennessee: The Vols’ run game took off against South Carolina behind a recalibrated offensive line, now that Cooper Mays is back after a preseason medical procedure shelved him for four games.
Unsettling news for Tennessee: Wide receiver Bru McCoy is out for the season with an ankle injury.
Saturday had to be a bit of a roller coaster of emotions for Vols fans. The biggest development, though, was Tennessee beating South Carolina.
No. 18 Tennessee is 4-1 (1-1 SEC) in this open week, before hosting Texas A&M next week.
On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer, Adam Sparks and John Adams reflect on last Saturday's developments and what they mean for Tennessee.
Add it up, and do we feel better, worse or about the same about the Vols? That depends who you ask.
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These next four games stand out as a defining swing stretch in Tennessee's season.
South Carolina, then Texas A&M, Alabama and Kentucky await the Vols. Each of those games feels like something of a toss-up. Never mind that the Vols are a significant favorite against the Gamecocks according to sportsbooks. Spencer Rattler alone makes South Carolina dangerous. Vols fans should need no reminder of that.
Interestingly, South Carolina and Tennessee suffer from some of the same deficiencies in the offensive line and defensive secondary.
On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer, Adam Sparks and John Adams highlight what to watch for against the Gamecocks and offer their predictions for this four-game stretch.
None of the hosts expects Tennessee to cruise through this quartet without suffering a loss. They also don't expect the Vols to go winless, either. Beyond that, the predictions vary.
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We admit, we thought this time would be different.
We're well aware of Tennessee's history in The Swamp, but much of that history came before Josh Heupel was coach. And much of that history came against Florida teams better than this one.
So, yeah, we thought Tennessee would snap its losing streak in Gainesville that stretches to 2003. And stretches on after the Gators' convincing 29-16 victory on Saturday – so convincing, in fact, that we're re-evaluating our expectations for this Tennessee season.
On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer, Adam Sparks and John Adams revisit their preseason projections for Tennessee, and each lowers his projected win total for the Vols, although the amount of the decrease varies by host.
Ranging from 7-5 (yuck) to the ReliaQuest Bowl, here's what we're thinking now.
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Dial back the clock to the 1990s, and Tennessee-Florida ranked among college football's best rivalries.
Phillip Fulmer vs. Steve Spurrier.
Peyton Manning vs. Danny Wuerffel.
The SEC East on the line.
Pandemonium reigns.
The rivalry isn't what it used to be, and the series never had the history of Alabama-Tennessee or Florida-Georgia.
Still, No. 9 Tennessee vs. Florida on Saturday has the feel of a big game – albeit not to the extent of some of those '90s clashes when both teams were ranked.
This series is unlikely to remain an annual rivalry after the SEC expands to 16 teams next year. The game is on the docket for 2024. After that, its future is uncertain. If the game is not among the rivalries the SEC opts to preserve annually, it will continue to be played twice every four years.
On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer, Adam Sparks and John Adams rank, from 1 through 10, how much they'll miss this series if it does, indeed, get interrupted.
They also discuss whether Josh Heupel ought to re-evaluate Joe Milton's status as starting quarterback.
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If you're majorly elevating your expectations for Tennessee football after its romp over Virginia, that suggests one of two things: Either you didn't expect much from the Vols initially, for some strange reason, or you're not understanding how bad Virginia is.
That said, we certainly saw nothing from Tennessee in its 49-13 joyride Saturday in Nashville to make us cool our expectations. We already had a lofty bar set for the Vols. That's unchanged.
The Joe Show looked smooth. So did the run game. The Vols pressured the quarterback, and the pass coverage played to a level to suggest improvement. All good signs. Yes, there's a caveat. It's Virginia.
On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer, Adam Sparks and John Adams re-examine their preseason projections for Tennessee and don't waver in their outlook. All signs still point to 9-3 or 10-2.
Later, they debate whether Tennessee should aim to limit Nico Iamaleava to just four games so that he can use this as a redshirt season.
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Virginia won three games last season, it was picked to finish last in the ACC this year, and the Cavaliers will start an FCS transfer at quarterback in its season opener against No. 10 Tennessee on Saturday in Nashville.
No wonder the Vols are a 28½-point favorite.
Josh Heupel’s teams are adept at steamrolling mediocre or meek opponents – anyone remember last season’s 56-point win over Vanderbilt? – and this matchup has the makings of a rout.
Not only is this a chance for Tennessee to start 1-0, it’s an opportunity to calm a few lingering concerns.
On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer, Adam Sparks and John Adams discuss what they need to see from Tennessee in this opener.
Joe Milton will grab the reins of Tennessee’s offense, but Milton’s performance isn’t an expected area of concern entering the season.
Some areas for UT to address against Virginia: Offensive line stability, pass coverage and pass rush.
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Tennessee football will have a new leading receiver this season and a new sacks leader. That much is guaranteed. But, what about rushing yards? Tackles? Will incumbents retain their place on the leaderboard, or will a new stat-stuffer emerge?
Tennessee's season opener against Virginia is less than two weeks away, so we're winding down our final preseason predictions.
On today's episode, Blake Toppmeyer, John Adams and Adam Sparks offer their picks for UT's 2023 leader in receiving yards, rushing yards, sacks and tackles. They also make a prediction specific to Joe Milton's passing total.
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Tennessee football has found its starting left tackle, while the Vols search for stability on the interior of the offensive line.
Hype is reaching a crescendo for quarterback Joe Milton, and Dont'e Thornton doesn’t lag far behind as the recipient of preseason hyperbole. And Tennessee’s cogs on defense are apparent.
Those are a few things we’ve learned from Vols preseason practice, with a little more than two weeks remaining until the season opener against Virginia on Sept. 2 in Nashville
On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer, Adam Sparks and John Adams review top storylines that have emerged throughout August.
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Tennessee football will open the season as a preseason top-10 team for the first time since 2016.
The Vols are ranked No. 10 in the USA TODAY AFCA coaches’ poll. This nod from the coaches speaks to the momentum building within a Tennessee program coming off of its first 11-win season since 2001.
On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer and John Adams discuss why Tennessee earned this ranking and what it means.
For one, it's a sign of the respect Josh Heupel commands from his coaching peers. More, the Top 25 hints at where the Vols might finish the season.
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The Vols are back – on the practice field.
Tennessee's encore to an 11-2 season begins to take shape this week, when preseason workouts begin.
Does Tennessee have the pieces to repeat 11 wins? That's a tall order, but a third straight bowl appearance should be in store, and the Vols are well-positioned to stay No. 2 in the SEC East pecking order, behind Georgia.
On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer, Adam Sparks and John Adams highlight five burning questions to monitor this preseason.
From offensive line to linebackers, they dissect some position battles that will unfold throughout August.
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Joe Milton has a band of believers. Despite starting just two games last season, Milton earned third-team preseason All-SEC quarterback recognition.
Milton's honor roll spot is a credit to his performance in an Orange Bowl victory against Clemson, along with his steady hand as Tennessee's backup quarterback until Hendon Hooker injured his knee in November.
Milton's always had the arm strength, and he showed a complementing poise and touch in the Orange Bowl. Accuracy inconsistencies cost Milton previous starting opportunities at Michigan, then at Tennessee, but that apparently didn't dissuade voters.
On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer, John Adams and Adam Sparks weigh in on Milton's preseason recognition and debate whether Milton play his way onto the postseason All-SEC team.
While preseason recognition is nice, it's worth about as much as a Schrute buck. But, if Milton follows in Hooker's path of being an All-SEC performer, that could unlock another New Year's Six appearance for Tennessee.
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Two and a half years after Tennessee fired Jeremy Pruitt for cause, the NCAA released its verdict Friday after an investigation into a sloppy recruiting scandal.
For Tennessee, it's good news. The Vols were hit with a few penalties, including an $8 million fine, but spared the dreaded postseason ban. For Pruitt, the sanctions included a six-year show-cause penalty that will further cripple his career.
On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer, Adam Sparks and John Adams unpack the NCAA's findings and discuss what the sanctions mean for Tennessee and Pruitt.
This is about the best outcome Tennessee could have hoped for in January 2021, when it fired Pruitt after uncovering what UT Chancellor Donde Plowman described as a "stunning" amount of malfeasance.
While Pruitt got hammered, his former boss, Phillip Fulmer, is not mentioned in the NCAA report. Fulmer's cluelessness became apparent in the investigation, but he was not found to be involved in the scheme.
Pruitt turned the Vols into a mockery, but Tennessee got the last laugh, and the Vols are free to pursue a third straight bowl appearance behind Josh Heupel.
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An 11-win season sure did a lot to change the perception – not to mention the compensation – of Tennessee coach Josh Heupel.
This time a year ago, some offseason lists had Heupel pegged in the bottom half of their ranking of SEC coaches. There was an explanation for that. Heupel had just one season of Power Five coaching experience – the Vols finished 7-6 in 2021 – and it remained unclear at that time how he stacked up with some of the conference's top dogs.
No more.
Heupel and his Vols earned victories last season over Alabama's Nick Saban, Clemson's Dabo Swinney and LSU's Brian Kelly. That's a who's who list of college football coaches.
On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer, Adam Sparks and John Adams debate where they'd slot Heupel in a ranking of SEC coaches.
They quibble over where they'd rank Heupel, but they are in consensus that he's a top-five SEC coach.
When was the last time Vols fans could rationally make the claim that Tennessee employed a top-five coach in the nation's best conference? Not anytime recently.
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Hendon Hooker's 2022 season ranks among the best single-year performances ever by a Tennessee quarterback. Hooker threw for 3,135 yards and finished fifth in Heisman Trophy voting.
Josh Heupel's track record says it can happen again.
UCF's Dillon Gabriel and Missouri's Drew Lock also had big seasons in Heupel's offense.
Next into the 3,000 club ... Joe Milton?
On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer and Adam Sparks debate several fact-or-fiction prompts for Tennessee's 2023 season. First up, converging answers on whether Milton will exceed Hooker's 2022 passing output.
Later in the episode, they discuss Tennessee's most important game this season. Sparks sets his sights on an SEC East rival, while Toppmeyer eyes a home game against an embattled coach.
The final prompt: Will the Vols will conclude the season by playing in another New Year's Six bowl?
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Tennessee baseball's triumph in three games over Southern Miss in an NCAA super regional showed the blueprint for how the Vols can stick around at the College World Series.
The Vols' leaned on their pitching depth to carry them past USM. Drew Beam came up aces as the Game 3 starter, and Chase Burns slammed the door.
Tennessee will need that all-around staff effort if it can't get past LSU on Saturday in their CWS opener. Beating the Tigers will be a tall task, because LSU is armed with flame-throwing ace Paul Skenes.
On today's episode, Blake Toppmeyer and Mike Wilson preview Tennessee's CWS outlook, recap how UT reached this point and provide some predictions about the path ahead.
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Football schedules within the SEC will feature eight conference games in 2024. Divisions will be a thing of the past, replaced by a unified 16-team conference. The SEC will keep rivalries in mind when devising schedules.
Beyond that, specifics are unclear. The 2024 schedules for all SEC teams, including Tennessee, will be unveiled June 14.
In the meantime, we can form educated guesses as to what Tennessee's schedule might look like in the first season with Oklahoma and Texas in the SEC.
On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer and John Adams each take a stab at mapping out UT's 2024 schedule.
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University of Tennessee plans to build a hotel, restaurants, retail stores and more in what it calls the Neyland Entertainment District.
Entertainment districts have become popular for pro sports teams like the Atlanta Braves, Los Angeles Lakers, Chicago Cubs and Green Bay Packers. But, UT will be among the first to build one on a college campus.
The development will connect Neyland Stadium and Thompson-Boling Arena in an innovative way that UT hopes will enhance fans' experience on game days. But there's more to it than that.
On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer, Adam Sparks and John Adams assess Tennessee's plans for the entertainment district and what the timeline might look like. They dub the project a savvy, forward-thinking idea that embraces modern sports as more than a game – more than ever, it's about the fan experience.
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Where is the Tennessee baseball starting pitching staff that was promised?
The Vols opened 2023 with hopes of reaching the College World Series. That was tied to the prospect of a starting rotation mowing down opponents. Three months into the season, that's not materializing.
Still, the Vols are a dangerous team with the talent to reach Omaha.
On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer, Mike Wilson and John Adams address Tennessee baseball's positioning with less than a month remaining until the start of the NCAA Tournament.
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The Tennessee Titans had a chance to keep Hendon Hooker within a state that fell in love with him but passed in favor of Will Levis. Still, the Titans' biggest mistake was their aversion to selecting wide receivers.
Meanwhile, Hooker went to the Detroit Lions in Round 3, highlighting a strong NFL Draft class for the Tennessee Vols.
On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer, Adam Sparks and John Adams react to five Vols getting selected within the draft's first three rounds. Only Alabama had more players go within the first 100 picks.
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The NCAA has nearly arrived at a decision point after its yearslong probe into the Tennessee football program, and the Vols eagerly await the outcome.
Tennessee officials and former Vols coach Jeremy Pruitt each faced the NCAA’s Committee on Infractions last week in Cincinnati, and each party awaits possible sanctions from an NCAA investigation into rule-breaking conduct that occurred during Pruitt’s tenure.
On today's episode, Blake Toppmeyer, Adam Sparks and John Adams unpack the Cincinnati hearings and discuss what’s next in a case that appears headed for a ruling before the start of the 2023 season.
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Tennessee football is coming off its best season in more than two decades, but ESPN's analytics don't predict a repeat of that in 2023. Instead, ESPN's Football Power Index has Tennessee listed at No. 12 in the preseason, with a projected 8-4 record.
Vols fans may say this is just the latest example of ESPN bias, although the FPI is built on a formulaic approach, rather than subjective debate.
On today's episode, Blake Toppmeyer of the USA TODAY Network and the News Sentinel's Mike Wilson react to Tennessee's spot in the FPI and size up which SEC teams might be overrated in ESPN's analysis.
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Tennessee and Jeremy Pruitt each will make their case in front of the NCAA Committee on Infractions next week throughout a high-stakes, three-day hearing that will determine the sanctions for each party after a years-long NCAA investigation into rules violations by Pruitt and his coaching staff.
The case involves allegations of 18 NCAA Level I violations. Pruitt, the former Vols coach fired for cause in January 2021, faces the possibility of a show-cause penalty. The NCAA has not publicly tipped its hand as to what penalties Tennessee might face.
The Vols are accused of a failure to monitor. They cooperated with the NCAA investigation – the association has credited Tennessee for this – and UT believes it took proper actions in firing Pruitt and several of his staff members once the university administration became aware of the malfeasance, pertaining to recruiting violations and improper benefits.
On today's episode, Blake Toppmeyer of the USA TODAY Network and the News Sentinel's Adam Sparks and John Adams set the stage for the April 19-21 infractions committee hearing.
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When Tennessee football secured a commitment from four-star quarterback Jake Merklinger last week, it supplied evidence that Nico Iamaleava is no one-off quarterback recruiting prize.
While Merklinger doesn’t come with the recruiting star profile of Iamaleava, he’s a top-100 prospect, and his commitment helps solidify Tennessee’s quarterback depth chart for the 2024 season. He’s the sixth commitment to Tennessee’s 2024 recruiting class.
On today's episode Blake Toppmeyer of the USA TODAY Network and the News Sentinel’s Adam Sparks and John Adams assess what Merklinger’s commitment means for the Vols.
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Tennessee's transfers are capable contributors, and Nico Iamaleava has taken to being Joe Milton's understudy as he learns Josh Heupel's offense.
Those are among the observations that stand out after the Vols' first week of spring practice.
Practice will continue throughout the next few weeks, leading up to the April 15 spring game.
On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer, Adam Sparks and John Adams identify some key narratives emerging from Vols practice.
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Tennessee men's basketball supplied a masterpiece of brutality in its NCAA Tournament second-round victory against Duke. That positions the Vols just one win away from their second Elite Eight in program history.
Losses by 1-seed Purdue and 2-seed Marquette open this region, but that doesn't mean the Vols will breeze to the Final Four.
On today's episode, Blake Toppmeyer of the USA TODAY Network and the News Sentinel's Mike Wilson and John Adams assess the remaining hurdles in Tennessee's path.
Are you thinking about picking 13th-seeded Louisiana to upset No. 4 Tennessee basketball in the first round of the NCAA Tournament? CBS analysts Seth Davis and Clark Kellogg positioned the Vols as being vulnerable to an upset during Sunday's selection show.
Resist that urge. The Vols ought to be good for at least one win. What about two?
On today's "The Volunteer State," hosts Blake Toppmeyer, Mike Wilson and John Adams handicap Tennessee's chances for a prolonged stay in March Madness.
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The Joe Milton vs. Nico Iamaleava quarterback battle is the easy narrative entering Tennessee's spring practice, but there are other pressing questions. Milton proved to be a viable heir to run the offense during the Orange Bowl. What about the Vols' defense? Any improvement on that front?
On today's episode, Blake Toppmeyer, Adam Sparks and John Adams consider some burning questions as the Vols approach spring practice, which will culminate in the spring game on April 15.
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A little thing like a three-game suspension can't stop Tony Vitello or his Tennessee baseball team.
The Vols' lightning rod of a coach wasn't in the dugout for its sweep of Dayton, but while that slap on the wrist might point to Vitello being a marked man, it won't slow down his team's potential to reach the College World Series.
In a boost, highly touted transfer Maui Ahuna gained clearance to play this week. No. 3 Tennessee will host Gonzaga this weekend.
On today's episode, Blake Toppmeyer of the USA TODAY Network and the News Sentinel's John Adams discuss whether Vitello's program is a fun distraction or a legitimate candidate to produce Tennessee's next national championship.
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How many times must Josh Heupel coach against his alma mater before that narrative grows stale? We're thinking one or two reunions ought to exhaust that storyline.
Tennessee and Oklahoma likely will meet once every two years after OU joins the SEC in 2024. Heupel once quarterbacked the Sooners to a national championship, but he was later fired from Bob Stoops' coaching staff.
On this edition of "The Volunteer State," Blake Toppmeyer of the USA TODAY Network and the News Sentinel's Adam Sparks unpack what Oklahoma and Texas entering the SEC in 2024 means for the Vols.
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Nico Iamaleava is the nation’s top freshman prospect, and he may be the most-anticipated Tennessee Vols signee in many years. He's enrolled and will participate in spring practice. But should Tennessee fans expect Iamaleava to start as a freshman? Should they prefer he doesn’t?
On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer and Adam Sparks reassess the Milton-Iamaleava debate and explain why Milton retaining the reins may be most beneficial to the Vols and Iamaleava.
Peyton Manning, Casey Clausen and Erik Ainge each started as freshmen, but they endured growing pains. Giving Iamaleava the keys may result in this season becoming a rebuilding-year bridge into 2024.
An opening stretch of Virginia, Austin Peay, Florida and Texas-San Antonio provides Milton a runway for a blistering start. And Milton delivering a strong September wouldn’t be bad for Iamaleava, either. Milton playing well means keeping the pressure off of the freshman and allowing Iamaleava to grasp Heupel’s offense throughout the year while entering as a reserve in lopsided victories.
Milton playing well while Iamaleava earns seasoning as a backup sounds like the ideal win-win-win.
Also in this episode, we take a look at UT's 2023 recruiting class and Josh Heupel's new contract.
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The transfer portal is closed to new entries until April 15, meaning Tennessee's spring football roster is mostly set.
So, how did the Vols do in accumulating transfers?
Tennessee lost 11 outbound transfers and added eight. Importantly, though, the Vols didn't lose many potential starters, while they may have gained a few. Tennessee's transfer class is ranked No. 30 nationally by 247Sports.
On this edition of "The Volunteer State," Blake Toppmeyer of the USA TODAY Network and the News Sentinel's Adam Sparks assess the Vols' transfer haul, and Sparks explains why he awards Tennessee a 'B' letter grade for its portal plundering.
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Teams with the deepest quarterback competitions often are the weakest atop the depth chart. That's the reality in college football's landscape in which players may freely transfer without having to sit out a season. Transfers gravitate to schools without an obvious starter.
The rate of players transferring makes it challenging for teams to amass even three scholarship QBs. That's especially true in programs where clear talent tops the competition.
Viewed through that lens, it's an endorsement for Tennessee's 2023 season that quarterback Tayven Jackson transferred this month to Indiana rather than face the chance of being third on a depth chart that includes senior Joe Milton and five-star freshman Nico Iamaleava.
On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer, Adam Sparks and John Adams unpack Jackson's transfer and what it means for the Vols.
While Tennessee may encounter difficulty assembling a three-deep of quarterbacks, Jackson's exit says a lot about Milton and Iamaleava and the strength at the top of the depth chart – as long as both stay healthy, Tennessee should be in good hands.
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If you were looking for a reason to be optimistic about Tennessee's 2023 football season, the Orange Bowl provided it. Joe Milton was no clone of Hendon Hooker, but he was plenty good. So were the wide receivers. And the defense successfully played bend but don't break.
The win against Clemson offered reason to believe Tennessee does not have to regress next season, even with the departure of Hendon Hooker and other stars from this 11-2 team.
On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer, Adam Sparks and John Adams discuss the Vols' staying power under Josh Heupel.
Clearly, the floor has been raised under Heupel. The Vols missed bowl qualification in 2017, '18 and '20. Don't expect such backsliding on Heupel's watch. In fact, keep the ceiling lofty.
Peek at Tennessee's schedule and consider the landscape of the SEC, and a case could be made for the Vols to make a New Year's Six bowl again in 2023.
Heisman Trophy voters who enjoyed the closest view of Hendon Hooker's performance throughout this Tennessee football season valued him more greatly than voters on the whole.
On this episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer and Mike Wilson discuss their Heisman ballots. Hooker garnered votes from each.
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The Vols got a choice draw by landing an Orange Bowl bid opposite Clemson, the ACC champions. Alabama, courtesy of its No. 5 ranking, will play K-State in the Sugar Bowl.
Clemson trails only Alabama as college football's persistent top dog throughout the past decade. A win against Dabo Swinney's Tigers would ring loudly and clearly: Josh Heupel's Vols are here, and they intend to stay.
On this episode, Blake Toppmeyer, Adam Sparks and John Adams examine Tennessee's draw in what should be one of the marquee matchups of bowl season.
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Joe Milton's audition to become Tennessee's starting quarterback began in winning fashion when the Vols trounced Vanderbilt 56-0, but Milton's performance was a mixed bag. He completed a 61-yard pass to Jalin Hyatt on UT's third play from scrimmage, but he also showed a flare-up of inaccuracy and overthrows that hampered his performance last year.
The NCAA's transfer portal will open next week. With Hendon Hooker departing, should the Vols plan to portal plunder?
On this edition of "The Volunteer State," Blake Toppmeyer of the USA TODAY Network and the News Sentinel's Adam Sparks and John Adams discuss Milton's start against Vanderbilt, debate the root cause of his inaccuracy and make the case for the Vols to add a transfer.
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There's not a soul who wouldn't have liked to have seen Hendon Hooker finish his Vols career in style, but his final season was cruelly cut short when he tore his ACL in the fourth quarter of last week's loss to South Carolina.
Now, it's time for Milton Mania.
On this edition of "The Volunteer State," Blake Toppmeyer of the USA TODAY Network and the News Sentinel's Adam Sparks and John Adams discuss the Vols' transition to the Joe Milton era, and they reflect on the horrors of the loss to the Gamecocks that knocked Tennessee out of the College Football Playoff picture.
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Josh Heupel sent sports fans and pundits into debate mode after Tennessee's reserves scored a garbage-time touchdown in a blowout win against Missouri.
Was Heupel's decision to go for points rather than a taking a knee a sign of bad sportsmanship or a strategic move to increase UT's playoff credentials? Or, perhaps neither.
On this episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer, Adam Sparks and John Adams debate and defend Heupel's decision.
Will the playoff committee view the Vols differently because of that touchdown? Doubtful. But, the reserves earned the opportunity to score that late touchdown.
Also, they handicap Hendon Hooker's Heisman Trophy chances and map out his route to college football's top award. And they review Tennessee's path to the playoff.
Stay connected on Twitter with Blake (@btoppmeyer) Adam (@AdamSparks) Mike (@ByMikeWilson) and John (@JohnAdamsKNS) and stay up to date on Vols sports news by following @GoVolsXtra.
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Tennessee can still make the College Football Playoff after losing to Georgia. That's the good news for the Vols. The bad news: The Vols will need at least a little help elsewhere.
Tennessee (8-1) is ranked No. 5 this week and has a good chance to win its remaining games, starting Saturday against Missouri. But the Vols are unlikely to reach the SEC Championship, which will hamstring their resume a bit.
On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer, Adam Sparks and John Adams review what went wrong for Tennessee against Georgia and break down the best avenues to the playoff for Tennessee.
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The 2019 LSU Tigers won the national championship behind an offense that no opponent could stop. Quarterback Joe Burrow won the Heisman Trophy. Offensive whiz Joe Brady was hailed a wunderkind for his scheme.
The Tigers went undefeated. They averaged more than 48 points per game.
Tennessee's 2022 squad is saying: We see you, and we'll raise you.
Dazzling transfer quarterback Hendon Hooker has teamed with offensive mastermind Josh Heupel to lead the Vols in a stunning sprint up the polls and to an 8-0 record entering Saturday's clash with Georgia.
On this episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer, John Adams and Adam Sparks debate how Tennessee does (and doesn't) remind them of 2019 LSU.
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The Kentucky-Tennessee rivalry was a trophy game for more than seven decades, with a beer barrel painted orange, blue and white awarded to the winning side, usually UT.
That tradition remained in effect until before the 1998 season, when the beer barrel was shelved after two college students, including a UK player, were killed in an alcohol-related accident. A Kentucky player with a reported blood-alcohol content of 0.15 was driving. The beer barrel hasn't returned to this game since then, although it apparently remains in Tennessee's possession. Brian Niedermeyer, then a Vols assistant, posted a photo of the beer barrel in his office in 2019.
On this edition of "The Volunteer State," Blake Toppmeyer of the USA TODAY Network and the News Sentinel's Adam Sparks and John Adams discuss whether the Beer Barrel should make a return.
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This Tennessee team, fresh off of beating Alabama for the first time since 2006, profiles as the Vols' best team since '98. Will this one end in a national championship?
It's starting to feel possible. Work left to do, of course, with two regular-season games remaining against ranked opponents. That includes a clash with No. 1 Georgia on Nov. 5 in Athens.
On this edition of "The Volunteer State," Blake Toppmeyer of the USA TODAY Network and the News Sentinel's Adam Sparks and John Adams reflect on UT's toppling of the Tide, which kicked off a jubilant scene inside and outside Neyland Stadium, and discuss what it means for the program.
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Tennessee on the rise. Alabama has looked vulnerable.
But we know how the Third Saturday in October goes. Nick Saban spanks the Vols, no questions asked.
Not so fast, though. Tennessee has a new sheriff in town, and Josh Heupel's offense is giving everyone fits.
Further, Bryce Young's injury situation levels the scales and should help Tennessee mask a weakness: its pass coverage. Alabama's vaunted pass rush kept Texas A&M quarterback Haynes King in a state of continual duress, but Vols quarterback Hendon Hooker is skilled at unloading the ball quickly.
On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer, Adam Sparks and John Adams discuss the signs that point to Tennessee ending its streak of futility against Alabama.
Vols fans wouldn't be crazy to prepare a cigar.
Sometimes, the best way for a football team to improve its stock is by not taking the field.
That proved true for Tennessee last weekend. As other SEC teams showed weakness, the Vols (4-0, 1-0 SEC) enjoyed an off weekend, then climbed one spot to No. 8 in the USA TODAY Sports AFCA coaches poll.
On this edition of "The Volunteer State," Blake Toppmeyer of the USA TODAY Network and the News Sentinel's Adam Sparks and John Adams discuss Tennessee's road game against LSU on Saturday (noon ET, ESPN), the Vols' brightening outlook and what a pair of injuries mean for the team.
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Tennessee is 4-0 for the first time since the 2016 season, and the Vols have a realistic path to a New Year's Six bowl after a 38-33 win against Florida.
From a macro level, it all looks good – really good – especially considering where this program was just a year and a half ago. On a micro level, there are some nits to pick.
On this episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer, Adam Sparks and John Adams reassess Tennessee's victory against Florida and what it means for the path ahead.
Hendon Hooker played like a quarterback worth of Heisman Trophy conversation. He masks deficiencies elsewhere.
Stay connected on Twitter with Blake (@btoppmeyer) Adam (@AdamSparks) Mike (@ByMikeWilson) and John (@JohnAdamsKNS) and stay up to date on Vols sports news by following @GoVolsXtra.
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Tennessee is 4-0 for the first time since the 2016 season, and the Vols have a realistic path to a New Year's Six bowl after a 38-33 win against Florida.
From a macro level, it all looks good – really good – especially considering where this program was just a year and a half ago. On a micro level, there are some nits to pick.
On this episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer, Adam Sparks and John Adams reassess Tennessee's victory against Florida and what it means for the path ahead.
Hendon Hooker played like a quarterback worth of Heisman Trophy conversation. He masks deficiencies elsewhere.
Stay connected on Twitter with Blake (@btoppmeyer) Adam (@AdamSparks) Mike (@ByMikeWilson) and John (@JohnAdamsKNS) and stay up to date on Vols sports news by following @GoVolsXtra.
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The Gators opened the season in impressive fashion, beating Utah, but they headed in reverse after that.
W've heard from UT fans feeling mighty confident about this game. Yet, others are feeling nauseous, unable to forget the series history. Florida has won 16 of the past 17 in this series. Oh, and ESPN's "College GameDay" is in town and the Vols will checker Neyland. Neither of those happenings has been a good omen for UT, historically.
On this edition of "The Volunteer State," Blake Toppmeyer of the USA TODAY Network and the News Sentinel's Adam Sparks and John Adams explain why no amount of history or jinxes should get in Tennessee's way.
Stay connected on Twitter with Blake (@btoppmeyer) Adam (@AdamSparks) Mike (@ByMikeWilson) and John (@JohnAdamsKNS) and stay up to date on Vols sports news by following @GoVolsXtra.
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The Gators opened the season in impressive fashion, beating Utah, but they headed in reverse after that.
W've heard from UT fans feeling mighty confident about this game. Yet, others are feeling nauseous, unable to forget the series history. Florida has won 16 of the past 17 in this series. Oh, and ESPN's "College GameDay" is in town and the Vols will checker Neyland. Neither of those happenings has been a good omen for UT, historically.
On this edition of "The Volunteer State," Blake Toppmeyer of the USA TODAY Network and the News Sentinel's Adam Sparks and John Adams explain why no amount of history or jinxes should get in Tennessee's way.
Stay connected on Twitter with Blake (@btoppmeyer) Adam (@AdamSparks) Mike (@ByMikeWilson) and John (@JohnAdamsKNS) and stay up to date on Vols sports news by following @GoVolsXtra.
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Tennessee football is Sugar Bowl bound -- at least according to one early projection.
OK, take a deep breath. It's Week 3, after all. But in the latest bowl projections from Jerry Palm of CBS Sports, he's pegged the No. 16 Vols (2-0) into the Sugar Bowl against Baylor.
That still feels like a longshot, but it's conceivable after a hard-fought road victory against Pittsburgh.
On this episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer, Adam Sparks and John Adams explain what the win against Pitt means, both in the present and for Tennessee's bowl future.
Also, is playing lowly Akron on Saturday an opportunity for UT to address its stalled run game?
Stay connected on Twitter with Blake (@btoppmeyer) Adam (@AdamSparks) Mike (@ByMikeWilson) and John (@JohnAdamsKNS) and stay up to date on Vols sports news by following @GoVolsXtra.
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Tennessee football is Sugar Bowl bound -- at least according to one early projection.
OK, take a deep breath. It's Week 3, after all. But in the latest bowl projections from Jerry Palm of CBS Sports, he's pegged the No. 16 Vols (2-0) into the Sugar Bowl against Baylor.
That still feels like a longshot, but it's conceivable after a hard-fought road victory against Pittsburgh.
On this episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer, Adam Sparks and John Adams explain what the win against Pitt means, both in the present and for Tennessee's bowl future.
Also, is playing lowly Akron on Saturday an opportunity for UT to address its stalled run game?
Stay connected on Twitter with Blake (@btoppmeyer) Adam (@AdamSparks) Mike (@ByMikeWilson) and John (@JohnAdamsKNS) and stay up to date on Vols sports news by following @GoVolsXtra.
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Ball State offered little resistance in the Vols' opener ahead of an important game Saturday against Pittsburgh, but that doesn't mean we didn't learn anything.
We learned the Vols' offense remains the strength while the defense is a work in program. We also got a chance to rework our outlooks on the rest of the SEC.
Florida impressed. LSU and South Carolina didn't. Kentucky ranked somewhere in between.
On this episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer, Adam Sparks and John Adams rewire their Tennessee expectations based on what they saw throughout the SEC in Week 1.
Their verdict: They believe early developments bode well for Tennessee.
Stay connected on Twitter with Blake (@btoppmeyer) Adam (@AdamSparks) Mike (@ByMikeWilson) and John (@JohnAdamsKNS) and stay up to date on Vols sports news by following @GoVolsXtra.
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Ball State offered little resistance in the Vols' opener ahead of an important game Saturday against Pittsburgh, but that doesn't mean we didn't learn anything.
We learned the Vols' offense remains the strength while the defense is a work in program. We also got a chance to rework our outlooks on the rest of the SEC.
Florida impressed. LSU and South Carolina didn't. Kentucky ranked somewhere in between.
On this episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer, Adam Sparks and John Adams rewire their Tennessee expectations based on what they saw throughout the SEC in Week 1.
Their verdict: They believe early developments bode well for Tennessee.
Stay connected on Twitter with Blake (@btoppmeyer) Adam (@AdamSparks) Mike (@ByMikeWilson) and John (@JohnAdamsKNS) and stay up to date on Vols sports news by following @GoVolsXtra.
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While Tennessee is a lopsided favorite against Ball State in Thursday's opener, the Vols' schedule will heat up next week.
On this episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer, John Adams and Adam Sparks assess what would define success in Josh Heupel's second season, compared to what would be labeled a disappointment.
Hint: It doesn't all come down to record.
Plus, a preview of what we'll be monitoring closest in the season opener.
Stay connected on Twitter with Blake (@btoppmeyer) Adam (@AdamSparks) Mike (@ByMikeWilson) and John (@JohnAdamsKNS) and stay up to date on Vols sports news by following @GoVolsXtra.
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When Oklahoma and Texas join the SEC, the conference will stiffen overall, but Tennessee's schedule might ease up.
The SEC is considering expanding its conference schedule to nine games when those Big 12 teams join, but that doesn't spell doom for the Vols.
On this episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer, John Adams and Adam Sparks debate the impact that an expanded SEC schedule might have on Tennessee.
Annual rivalry games against Georgia and Florida likely would drop off the schedule, reduced to once every two years, while Tennessee could enjoy a cushy draw of Kentucky and Vanderbilt (but also Alabama) as annual rivals. Handed a nine-game SEC slate, the Vols also may opt for an easier non-conference schedule.
Stay connected on Twitter with Blake (@btoppmeyer) Adam (@AdamSparks) Mike (@ByMikeWilson) and John (@JohnAdamsKNS) and stay up to date on Vols sports news by following @GoVolsXtra.
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SEC Network analyst Roman Harper, who played for the Crimson Tide and later in the NFL, recently predicted the Vols would go 10-2 during the regular season, with losses to Alabama and LSU.
Yes, that means Harper picked Tennessee upsetting Georgia, ranked No. 3 nationally in the preseason polls.
We're not willing to go that far, but Harper's bold picks got us thinking about some potential game outcomes.
On this edition of "The Volunteer State," Blake Toppmeyer of the USA TODAY Network and the News Sentinel's Adam Sparks and John Adams consider some this-or-that scenarios on Tennessee's schedule.
Stay connected on Twitter with Blake (@btoppmeyer) Adam (@AdamSparks) Mike (@ByMikeWilson) and John (@JohnAdamsKNS) and stay up to date on Vols sports news by following @GoVolsXtra.
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Tennessee received the thirst-most voting points of teams not in the top 25, meaning the Vols would be ranked No. 28 if the rankings extended that far.
Why did Tennessee not receive more love?
That's the headline topic on this edition of "The Volunteer State," featuring Blake Toppmeyer of the USA TODAY Network and the News Sentinel's Adam Sparks and John Adams.
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The Vols are a proven offensive force and return much of the firepower from last season's seven-win team in Josh Heupel's debut season.
Peel back the layers, though, and the Vols have areas of concern that must be addressed if they're to catapult past the bar they set last season.
On this edition of "The Volunteer State," Blake Toppmeyer of the USA TODAY Network and the News Sentinel's Adam Sparks and John Adams discuss the top concerns facing Tennessee as they navigate preseason practice.
Stay connected on Twitter with Blake (@btoppmeyer) Adam (@AdamSparks) Mike (@ByMikeWilson) and John (@JohnAdamsKNS) and stay up to date on Vols sports news by following @GoVolsXtra.
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A finish line finally is in sight for the NCAA's investigation into Tennessee football for recruiting malfeasance that occurred under former coach Jeremy Pruitt, and despite the NCAA levying allegations of 18 Level I violations, the Vols actually got some good news.
The Vols do not face a lack of institutional control allegation but instead are charged with a failure to monitor, which is a lesser violation in the NCAA's terms. Josh Heupel can use the language within the NCAA's report to promote the narrative that the Vols should avoid crippling penalties and are charging full steam away from the Pruitt era.
What Tennessee football and former coach Jeremy Pruitt could get in NCAA penalties
Jeremy Pruitt’s coaching career may be over, and Tennessee could face scholarship cuts and vacated wins. Here's a breakdown of possible NCAA penalties.
Tennessee's 2023 class has 18 commitments following the pledge of five-star defensive end Chandavian Bradley on Sunday. Bradley joins quarterback Nico Iamaleava as national top-50 prospects in UT's class.
The Vols' class is ranked No. 5 overall in the 247Sports Composite, behind Ohio State, Notre Dame, Clemson and Texas.
On this edition of "The Volunteer State," Blake Toppmeyer of the USA TODAY Network and the News Sentinel's Adam Sparks and John Adams debate Tennessee's chances of remaining in the top five.
Stay connected on Twitter with Blake (@btoppmeyer) Adam (@AdamSparks) Mike (@ByMikeWilson) and John (@JohnAdamsKNS) and stay up to date on Vols sports news by following @GoVolsXtra.
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Tennessee thrived after the SEC grew from 10 to 12 teams, but since then, it's been slipping down the totem pole.
The Big Ten's seizure of Southern Cal and UCLA threatens to kick off another round of realignment and expansion, and while the SEC likely will be choosy about how it proceeds, history tells us that the conference will be open to smart expansion opportunities.
On this edition of "The Volunteer State," Blake Toppmeyer of the USA TODAY Network and the News Sentinel's John Adams and Adams Sparks debate how continued SEC expansion may affect the Vols.
Stay connected on Twitter with Blake (@btoppmeyer) Adam (@AdamSparks) Mike (@ByMikeWilson) and John (@JohnAdamsKNS) and stay up to date on Vols sports news by following @GoVolsXtra.
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Tennessee football is well-positioned for the future under coach Josh Heupel – at least according to the coach Heupel replaced.
Jeremy Pruitt believes in Heupel's Vols, so much so that he labeled Tennessee and Kentucky as his two breakout teams in the SEC for the 2022 season during a recent appearance on the "Crain & Company" podcast.
On this edition of "The Volunteer State," Blake Toppmeyer of the USA TODAY Network and the News Sentinel's John Adams review Pruitt's comments and debate whether Pruitt might be a better analyst than he was a coach.
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What's the next stop in Tennessee's ascent under Josh Heupel? A top-20 season, according to one prognostication.
Athlon, in its recent projections, projects the Vols to finish the 2022 season ranked No. 18 nationally.
On this edition of "The Volunteer State," Blake Toppmeyer of the USA TODAY Network and the News Sentinel's John Adams debate whether Athlon's projection for Tennessee is too high, too low or spot on.
Stay connected on Twitter with Blake (@btoppmeyer) Adam (@AdamSparks) Mike (@ByMikeWilson) and John (@JohnAdamsKNS) and stay up to date on Vols sports news by following @GoVolsXtra.
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Gone is Tennessee football's scheduled road game against BYU in 2023. In its place is a game against Virginia in Nashville.
Why? Athletics director Danny White offered two reasons: The switch is better for Tennessee financially, and it offers an opportunity to play a game in Nashville.
Here's a reason left unsaid: It helps UT avoid a potential loss.
On this edition of "The Volunteer State," hosts Blake Toppmeyer, Adam Sparks and John Adams debate whether this schedule switch makes sense for the Vols.
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Jay Graham has coached at 10 colleges over the past 16 years, most notably Tennessee (2005, 2012, 2020), South Carolina (2009-11), Florida State (2013-17), Texas A&M (2018-19) and Alabama (2021).
Now he's building the Concord Christian School football program — first at middle school and eventually high school.
On this edition of “The Volunteer State,” Blake Toppmeyer of the USA TODAY Network and Adam Sparks of Knox News discuss Graham's 2021 exit from Alabama, the exhausting pace of SEC coaching and his future outside of college football.
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Throughout the Tennessee baseball team’s success last season, many Vols fans carried a back-of-the mind concern.
Would coach Tony Vitello parlay the Vols’ success into another marquee job?
On this edition of “The Volunteer State,” Blake Toppmeyer of the USA TODAY Network and the News Sentinel’s Mike Wilson dissect Tennessee baseball’s success, its national championship chances and the prospect of Vitello remaining in Knoxville for a storied career.
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The Vols are projected to have to have four players selected in the NFL Draft, which begins Thursday (8 p.m. ET; ABC, ESPN, NFL Network).
Defensive lineman Matthew Butler, cornerback Alontae Taylor, wide receiver Velus Jones Jr., and offensive lineman Cade Mays are expected to be mid- to late-round picks. Tennessee likely won't have any players selected in either of the first two rounds.
On this edition of "The Volunteer State," Blake Toppmeyer of the USA TODAY Network and the News Sentinel's Adam Sparks debate how Tennessee would be affected if Heupel's program begins to increase its level of NFL talent.
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Tennessee's schedule offers an opportunity for a big season that could produce a trip to a Florida bowl – heck, maybe even the Sugar Bowl – if everything falls in the Vols' direction.
Beating rivals Alabama or Georgia will take a herculean effort, but the Vols might enjoy a leg up on Florida and LSU, which are breaking in new coaches.
On this edition of "The Volunteer State," Blake Toppmeyer of the USA TODAY Network and the News Sentinel's Adam Sparks look ahead to Tennessee's 2022 schedule and offer their five most important games.
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Joe Milton opened last season as UT's starter but struggled in the role. He lost the job by Week 3. However, he showed progress this spring, including a robust performance in the scrimmage.
On this edition of "The Volunteer State," Blake Toppmeyer of the USA TODAY Network and the News Sentinel's Adam Sparks discuss what Milton's spring showing means for his 2022 season.
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Tennessee football doesn't lack for rivals, but most of its top rivalries lack sizzle because of competitive imbalance.
If there's room for another rival, how about Ole Miss? As long as Lane Kiffin is in Oxford, the Rebels will be a marquee opponent for UT. Just one problem: In the SEC's current scheduling format, the teams don't play often enough, but that should change after the conference expands.
On this edition of The Volunteer State, Blake Toppmeyer of the USA TODAY Network and the News Sentinel's John Adams and Adam Sparks debate whether Ole Miss could take on more of a rival role for the Vols.
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Tennessee is coming off a winning season, has a competent coach and is positioned to sign a five-star quarterback for the first time since 2002 after Monday's commitment from Nico Iamaleava.
The Vols still must prove they're capable of climbing the SEC East's ladder, but UT is displaying undeniable signs of progress.
On this edition of "The Volunteer State," Blake Toppmeyer of the USA TODAY Network and the News Sentinel's John Adams and Adam Sparks discuss the impact of Iamaleava's commitment, what it means for freshman quarterback Tayven Jackson and debate when the last time was that Vols football fans were this excited about the direction of the program.
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Tennessee's up-tempo offense poses problems for opposing defenses, so much so that some opponents attracted suspicion of faking injuries last season.
The NCAA football rules committee could not agree on proposed rule changes to stop the tactic, so, presumably, it will continue this season.
On this edition of "The Volunteer State," Blake Toppmeyer of the USA TODAY Network and the News Sentinel's Adam Sparks and John Adams discuss ways the NCAA could discourage fake injuries.
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Tennessee last signed a national top-10 recruiting class in 2015. Coach Josh Heupel is coming off a solid debut season, and now the key to climbing the SEC ladder will be elevating the Vols’ recruiting.
Jeremy Pruitt flirted with top-10 classes in 2019 and again in 2020, but it was Butch Jones who last led the Vols into the top 10 of the 247Sports Composite.
On this edition of “The Volunteer State,” Blake Toppmeyer of the USA TODAY Network and the News Sentinel’s Adam Sparks and John Adams debate seven fact-or-fiction scenarios for Tennessee football, including whether Heupel’s second recruiting class will break into the top 10.
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We don't know what the SEC alignment will look like beginning with the 2025 season. We just know change is coming once Oklahoma and Texas join the conference.
SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey said earlier this year that debate is ongoing about how the conference will be aligned after those two schools join from the Big 12.
One option would be to align in two eight-team divisions and play seven division games, plus two interdivision opponents that would rotate each season.
Another format that was the subject of public debate last summer was the possibility of four scheduling pods with four teams apiece. Teams would play the other three teams from their pod annually, along with two opponents apiece from each of the other pods.
On this edition of "The Volunteer State," Blake Toppmeyer of the USA TODAY Network and the News Sentinel's Adam Sparks and John Adams debate whether a division alignment or a four-team pod structure would work better for the Vols.
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The busiest portion of the college football offseason is complete.
The winter brought the coaching carousel, an active transfer market and the final recruiting swing.
Now that this stage of the offseason is complete, let's bust out the red pens to do some grading of how Tennessee fared.
On this edition of "The Volunteer State," Blake Toppmeyer of the USA TODAY Network and the News Sentinel's John Adams and Adam Sparks share their assessments for how the Vols performed in recruiting, staff retention and transfers.
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Despite a seven-win season in Josh Heupel's debut, a win total that surpassed most outsider expectations, Tennessee is not ranked in ESPN's early Top 25 for the 2022 season.
Seven SEC teams are ranked by ESPN: No. 1 Alabama, No. 3 Georgia, No. 4 Texas A&M, No. 20 Arkansas, No. 21 Kentucky, No. 23 Ole Miss and No. 25 South Carolina.
On this edition of "The Volunteer State," Blake Toppmeyer of the USA TODAY Network and the News Sentinel's John Adams and Adam Sparks debate whether the Vols being left out of the early rankings is an egregious oversight or understandable.
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National signing day is Wednesday, but the February signing period is almost an afterthought nowadays.
Division I programs sign most of their recruits during the December signing period, and then the offseason focus gives way to acquiring transfers.
With the Vols not expected to make much noise Wednesday, let's shift the focus to the freshmen who already are on campus. Tennessee has 18 early enrollees, a number that includes four walk-on players.
On this edition of "The Volunteer State," Blake Toppmeyer of the USA TODAY Network and the News Sentinel's Adam Sparks and John Adams consider the likeliest candidates from this batch of newcomers to make a quick impact.
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KNOXVILLE – In some respects, South Carolina coach Shane Beamer is a measuring stick for Tennessee coach Josh Heupel.
But Heupel enjoys an edge over Beamer thanks to Tennessee's 45-20 triumph over the Gamecocks in October. Now, the challenge is maintaining that upper hand after South Carolina added quarterback Spencer Rattler, a transfer from Oklahoma.
On this edition of "The Volunteer State," Blake Toppmeyer of the USA TODAY Network and the News Sentinel's John Adams and Adam Sparks review how Heupel and Beamer exceeded expectations in 2021.
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Whether 7-6 seasons are celebrated or criticized largely depends on the situation in which the program found itself entering the season.
Tennessee found itself in a mess last January. The Vols fired Jeremy Pruitt for cause amid an NCAA investigation into allegations of recruiting malfeasance. Players fled for the transfer portal.
New coach Josh Heupel's task was to staunch the bleeding, and he achieved that by leading Tennessee to a 7-6 record in his first season. Although it ended with a disappointing 48-45 loss to Purdue in the Music City Bowl, most fans will be content with Heupel's debut.
Now, the bar raises.
On this edition of "The Volunteer State," Blake Toppmeyer of the USA TODAY Network and the News Sentinel's John Adams and Adam Sparks evaluate Tennessee's chances of ascending next season.
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Could Tennessee catapult from the Music City Bowl in 2021 to the Sugar Bowl next season?
It's within the realm of reasonableness after quarterback Hendon Hooker announced Sunday that he'll return to UT for a sixth season of college eligibility in 2022.
If you don't believe us, just look at Ole Miss' success this season. The Rebels laid groundwork in 2020 by going 5-5 in Lane Kiffin's first season. Quarterback Matt Corral's return offered promise for better times ahead in 2021.
On this edition of "The Volunteer State," Blake Toppmeyer of the USA TODAY Network and the News Sentinel's John Adams and Adam Sparks debate whether Hooker's return positions Tennessee to emulate the Rebels' second-year surge.
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Tennessee (7-5) will play Purdue (8-4) in the Music City Bowl on Dec. 30 (3 p.m. ET, ESPN).
For Vols fans hoping to make a trip south for some winter sunshine and beach time, sorry. For those looking to travel to a nearby destination to watch UT play in the postseason, you're in luck.
So, what's better – a Florida bowl, which historically carries more prestige, or an opportunity for first-year coach Josh Heupel to showcase his program at the instate NFL stadium?
On this edition of "The Volunteer State," Blake Toppmeyer of the USA TODAY Network and the News Sentinel's John Adams discuss Tennessee's bowl selection and whether it was a fair reward for Tennessee's season.
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A Big Ten or an ACC opponent is likely in Tennessee's future.
The Vols (7-5) will learn their bowl destination on Sunday. Logical candidates include the Music City Bowl, Gator Bowl, Outback Bowl and Duke's Mayo Bowl.
The Music City or Outback would pit Tennessee against a Big Ten opponent, while the Gator or Duke's Mayo would slate the Vols against a team from the ACC.
On this edition of "The Volunteer State," Blake Toppmeyer of the USA TODAY Network and the News Sentinel's Adam Sparks discuss possible bowl destinations and opponents for Tennessee.
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Clemson coach Dabo Swinney on Monday suggested that South Carolina's first-year coach Shane Beamer should be considered for SEC coach of the year.
If an ACC coach can nominate someone for an SEC award, then we can, too.
And there's no shortage of options this year, including Josh Heupel, Tennessee's first-year coach who inherited a depleted roster and an ongoing NCAA investigation left by the previous coaching staff.
On this edition of "The Volunteer State," Blake Toppmeyer of the USA TODAY Network and the News Sentinel's John Adams and Adam Sparks consider Heupel's candidacy for SEC coach of the year, and they offer their picks as it stands today.
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Bowl projections abound, and we're not going to miss out on the projection fun.
Tennessee (5-5, 3-4 SEC) is positioned to play in a bowl for just the second time in a five-year stretch. The Vols will host South Alabama (5-5) on Saturday (7:30 p.m. ET, ESPNU) before concluding the regular season against Vanderbilt (2-8). They need to win at least one of those two games to secure bowl eligibility.
On this edition of "The Volunteer State," Blake Toppmeyer of the USA TODAY Network and the News Sentinel's John Adams and Adam Sparks forecast Tennessee's bowl prospects.
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Tennessee fans celebrated two triumphs Saturday: the Vols' 45-42 victory over No. 17 Kentucky, and South Carolina's 40-17 thrashing of Florida.
Florida (4-5, 2-5 SEC) has jumped the rails since beating Tennessee 38-14 on Sept. 25, while the Vols (5-4, 3-3) are on the upswing.
Tennessee will face its greatest test to date against No. 1 Georgia (3:30 p.m. ET, CBS) on Saturday at Neyland Stadium.
On this edition of "The Volunteer State," Blake Toppmeyer of the USA TODAY Network and the News Sentinel's John Adams and Adam Sparks preview UT's clash against a defense that Vols coach Josh Heupel described as "statistically maybe as good as anybody that’s ever played the game."
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The pinnacle of the Jeremy Pruitt era came in 2019.
Tennessee started 0-2 before rebounding and qualifying for the Gator Bowl, where the Vols rallied to defeat Indiana 23-22 to cap an 8-5 season.
We later learned Tennessee's 2019 season was fool's gold. Pruitt flopped in 2020, and Tennessee fired him after the season amid an NCAA investigation into alleged recruiting violations by Pruitt's staff.
On this edition of "The Volunteer State," Blake Toppmeyer of the USA TODAY Network and the News Sentinel's John Adams and Adam Sparks preview UT's game against the Wildcats and how it has shifted toward a game Tennessee should expect to win after UK got thumped by Mississippi State on Saturday.
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Can a 28-point loss be a moral victory?
Depends how you look at it.
Tennessee football's 52-24 loss to No. 4 Alabama on Saturday was closer for most of the game than the final score indicated. The Vols led 14-7 after one quarter and trailed just 31-24 early in the fourth quarter.
On the flip side, Tennessee suffered its 15th straight losses to Alabama, and none of the last six results in this series have been closer to 22 points.
On this edition of "The Volunteer State," Blake Toppmeyer of the USA TODAY Network and the News Sentinel's John Adams and Adam Sparks evaluate Tennessee's performance and debate whether it qualifies as a moral victory.
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Call it bottle-gate, trash night at Neyland or the rain-on-Lane game.
By any name, the incident near the end of Tennessee's football game against Ole Miss stained the reputation of the Vols fan base.
Is that fair?
After all, whether it was a few hundred or a couple thousand fans who tossed trash on the field, that's a small percentage of the sellout crowd that packed Neyland Stadium.
But it happened nonetheless.
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On this edition of "The Volunteer State," Blake Toppmeyer of the USA TODAY Network and the News Sentinel's John Adams and Adam Sparks reflect on Kiffin's exit, discuss his return and examine what is an important game for each program.
Tennessee has had a losing record in seven of the last 11 seasons, following Kiffin's exit.
Toppmeyer asks Sparks and Adams to envision a world in which Kiffin didn't depart in January 2010. What would have happened to Tennessee football and Kiffin?
First-year coach Josh Heupel and his Vols (3-2, 1-1) delivered a beatdown to Heupel's former employer on Saturday in a 62-24 victory.
683 yards.
No punts.
Intercepted two passes.
One massive victory for Tennessee's bowl hopes.
Is Josh Heupel's rebuild of Tennessee football ahead of schedule?
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Tennessee football's quarterback competition is made for a Netflix drama.
Just when you think you know the direction this is headed, a plot twist emerges, carrying the intrigue into the following week.
And so, once again, eyes will fix on the quarterback situation when Tennessee (2-2, 0-1 SEC) plays at Missouri (2-2, 0-1) on Saturday (noon ET) in Columbia, Mo.
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Tennessee fans of a certain age can remember when the Vols-Florida game was the most important regular-season date on the SEC calendar. The rivalry carried major implications for which team would win the SEC.
From 1992-01, Florida or Tennessee represented the SEC East in the SEC Championship each year.
The stakes aren't the same anymore.
Tennessee's last SEC championship was in 1998, and it last won the East in 2007. The Vols' lack of success – both as a whole and within this series – have cheapened this matchup.
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If you've listened to sports talk radio in East Tennessee throughout this week, you know there's one thing on the minds of Vols fans above all else: Tennessee's latest quarterback controversy.
Joe Milton started the season's first two games, but the Michigan transfer has struggled, and he exited during the second quarter of UT's 41-34 loss to Pittsburgh on Saturday. Backup Hendon Hooker gave the offense life, although he also committed two turnovers.
Meanwhile, Harrison Bailey has not played after starting the final three games of last season.
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All it took was one game for Josh Heupel to attract skepticism over his decision to make Joe Milton Tennessee's starting quarterback.
Despite Milton's up-and-down first start in a Vols uniform, though, Heupel sees no quarterback controversy, just a quarterback who needs to improve from one week to the next.
Nevertheless, Tennessee (1-0) is a home underdog against Pittsburgh (1-0) on Saturday (noon ET, EPSN) and will require better quarterback production to win a game that will be critical to UT's opportunity to qualify for a bowl.
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Tennessee has its starting quarterback. That much we know after Josh Heupel announced Joe Milton as the starter for the Vols' season opener against Bowling Green on Thursday (8 p.m. ET, SEC Network).
Now the question is whether Milton will play well enough to ensure there's no waffling at the position, or whether backups Harrison Bailey or Hendon Hooker will wrestle the job away should Milton stumble.
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Tennessee fans got a clear warning that Jeremy Pruitt's tenure was headed toward failure on Aug. 31, 2019.
That's when Georgia State stormed into Neyland Stadium and beat the Vols 38-30 in the opener to Pruitt's second season.
The Panthers won despite being 26-point underdogs.
Well, Bowling Green is a 34-point underdog when the Falcons face Tennessee in the season opener on Sept. 2 (8 p.m. ET, SEC Network) at Neyland Stadium.
Surely, Bowling Green won't become Josh Heupel's Georgia State, right?
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Tennessee made an aesthetic change at Neyland Stadium last week when it replaced Jason Witten with Alvin Kamara as one of the three images on the back of the stadium's video board.
Former coach Gen. Robert Neyland remains in the middle position on the backside of the video board, while former Vols star linebacker Al Wilson is also still on the board.
Kamara replaced Witten because Tennessee wanted to have a current NFL player displayed. Kamara is in the midst of a standout career with the New Orleans Saints.
But what if Tennessee wanted to display players from its current roster on the video board? Which three Vols would be deserving of that recognition?
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Who is going to be Tennessee football's starting quarterback? And who will be the backup?
That's a topic that won't go away until a pecking order becomes apparent, especially given that the Vols have struggled at the position since Joshua Dobbs' exit following the 2016 season.
At least Tennessee has a deep competition for the job.
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Tennessee is less than a month away from its season opener and so far has not self-imposed any sanctions amid an ongoing NCAA investigation, although the administration has not definitively said whether it intends to do so.
Self-imposed penalties have the potential to soften the blow from the NCAA when the case is ruled upon, but they offer no guarantee of protection from further sanctions.
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This time of year, most college football coaches in America would have you believe that their quarterback competition is wide open.
And many of those coaches would be fibbing.
But don't count Tennessee coach Josh Heupel among the truth benders when he suggested at SEC Media Days last week that the job is up for grabs and that the right to be the starter must be earned.
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Tennessee entered into a pair of contract extensions in 2020 that proved to be poor decisions.
UT needlessly awarded then-athletics director Phillip Fulmer and then-football coach Jeremy Pruitt two-year contract extensions last year, putting the university in a pickle when it opted for a fresh direction in January.
Any thought that last year's lousy deals would slow Tennessee's roll on awarding contract extensions went by the wayside last week, when UT athletics director Danny White announced contract extensions for nine head coaches.
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Tennessee typically garners respect in the SEC media's preseason predicted order of finish. Don't expect that to be the case this year.
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Josh Heupel will have the unenviable task of trying to follow Lane Kiffin's act when Tennessee's coach makes his first appearance at SEC Media Days on July 20 in Hoover, Alabama.
While Heupel won't match Kiffin quip for quip, perhaps he can score some points with recruits or prospects' parents who might tune in to see what Tennessee's first-year coach has to say.
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Quarterback Kaidon Salter arrived at Tennessee in January as a prized member of Jeremy Pruitt's final signing class. He'll depart having never participated in a practice.
Coach Josh Heupel dismissed Salter on Thursday following his Saturday morning arrest on a misdemeanor marijuana possession charge. It marked Salter's second off-the-field misstep in a little more than three months.
Blake Toppmeyer of the USA TODAY Network and the News Sentinel's John Adams weigh in on Salter's dismissal.
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Former Tennessee athletics director Phillip Fulmer said this time a year ago that then-Vols coach Jeremy Pruitt had "inherited a mess" from predecessor Butch Jones.
If that's the case, then what words describe the situation Pruitt, fired after going 16-19 in three seasons, left for successor Josh Heupel?
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June brought an important change to college football's recruiting calendar, as campus visits are allowed to resume for the first time since the pandemic hit.
Maybe that will spark to Tennessee football's recruiting.
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Football is the ultimate team game, but star power also is required to ascend to prominence.
Tennessee doesn't have a Heisman candidate on Josh Heupel's inaugural roster, but are there potential stars?
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A Tennessee athletic department in need of some positivity got a shot in the arm this spring thanks to Tony Vitello's baseball program.
The fourth-ranked Vols (40-13) are playing like a team capable of making the College World Series for the first time since 2005.
And the fiery and affable Tony Vitello, Tennessee's fourth-year coach, has emerged as one of the most popular figures in town.
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Tennessee's football schedule is never a cakewalk, with annual games against Alabama, Florida and Georgia.
But as far as Vols scheduling goes, this year's slate is about as manageable as it gets.
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Henry To'o To'o changed sides in the Third Saturday in October rivalry when the former Tennessee football linebacker committed to Alabama on Saturday.
As an undergraduate transfer, an SEC intraconference bylaw requires To'o To'o to sit out a season unless he gains a waiver from the conference. However, SEC leaders are expected to review that bylaw in the coming weeks.
But even if To'o To'o gains immediate eligibility, will he be a starter for Alabama?
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Even in the SEC's pressure cooker, coaches usually enjoy a honeymoon season in Year 1 of a tenure. Expectations usually aren't as lofty, with many fans willing to shift blame for any shortcomings as a failure of the previous coach to leave behind a decent roster.
Does Tennessee's Josh Heupel deserve a free pass in his first season?
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Tennessee football's quarterback competition remains "wide open" following spring practice, coach Josh Heupel said after Saturday's spring game.
And the competition is getting more crowded after Michigan transfer Joe Milton announced his commitment to Tennessee on Monday.
On this episode, John and Blake handicap the quarterback competition entering the summer and debate which quarterback has the highest ceiling.
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Tennessee football's quarterback competition is about to get more interesting.
The Vols are expected to add Michigan transfer Joe Milton as a summer enrollee.
Milton would become Tennessee's fifth scholarship quarterback – assuming the Vols don't lose anyone to the transfer portal ahead of the 2021 season.
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Four SEC football programs fired their coach during or after the 2020 season. New coaches in 2021 are Tennessee's Josh Heupel, Auburn's Bryan Harsin, South Carolina's Shane Beamer and Vanderbilt's Clark Lea.
On this edition of "The Volunteer State," Blake and John of the News Sentinel evaluate those hires and rank them in order of best to worst.
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Tennessee linebacker Aaron Beasley has been suspended indefinitely following an animal abuse allegation in which Beasley is accused of causing serious injury to a 6-month-old cat belonging to his girlfriend's roommate.
The incident remains is under investigation by Knoxville police. Beasley has not been arrested or charged.
How should Josh Heupel handle this situation?
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Kaidon Salter earned a suspension before competing in his first Tennessee football practice.
That's about the last way you want a four-star quarterback to begin his first season.
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The door isn't closed on former Tennessee linebackers Henry To'o To'o and Quavaris Crouch returning to the program.
To'o To'o, a starter the past two seasons, is enrolled in virtual classes at UT, but he hasn't been participating in Tennessee's offseason strength and conditioning workouts.
On this episode, Blake and John discuss whether Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel should welcome To'o To'o back into the fold if he wants to return.
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Tennessee's last SEC East division crown in football came in 2007.
Since then, UT's men's basketball program has won two SEC regular-season titles and reached the Sweet 16 four times, including an Elite Eight appearance in 2010.
Football has long been king for Tennessee, but are the Vols now a basketball school?
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Josh Heupel didn't step into a Tennessee program with a surefire starting quarterback. But he inherited the next-best thing: plenty of options.
Tennessee will have four scholarship quarterbacks competing for the job throughout the spring.
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Tennessee went 0 for 2 in the past week in its attempt to secure a blue-chip quarterback for its 2022 recruiting class.
Ty Simpson, a five-star instate prospect, committed to Alabama on Friday over Tennessee and Clemson. Sam Horn, a four-star prospect from Georgia, committed to Missouri on Sunday over Tennessee and Michigan State.
Cause for panic, or no big deal?
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Throughout his tenures at Buffalo and Central Florida, Danny White gained a reputation for being an athletics director who made shrewd hires.
But after White became Tennessee's AD and hired Josh Heupel as football coach, and White's replacement at UCF hired Gus Malzahn to coach the Knights, it left some Vols fans wondering who made the better hire.
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If Josh Heupel had wanted to hire an SEC veteran to steer Tennessee's defense, he need look no further than down the hall.
Heupel inherited assistant coach Kevin Steele, a Tennessee alumnus who has been the defensive coordinator at Alabama, Clemson, LSU and Auburn.
Instead, Heupel opted to play the field. His defensive coordinator search produced Monday's hiring of Tim Banks, who had spent the past five seasons as Penn State's safeties coach and co-defensive coordinator.
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Lane Kiffin was the last Tennessee football coach to finish with a winning record in his first season with the Vols. In Kiffin's case, it was his only season at UT.
Some Vols fans had hoped Tennessee would pursue bringing Kiffin back when the UT job opened in January. Instead, Tennessee hired Josh Heupel, who went 2-0 against Kiffin while Heupel coached Central Florida and Kiffin was Florida Atlantic's coach.
On this episode Blake and John discuss whether Heupel, in his first season at Tennessee, can match the level of success Kiffin had in his first year at Ole Miss.
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Wide receivers coach Tee Martin's two-year contract expired Sunday. Tennessee has not addressed Martin's future, but unless he receives a new deal, Martin's tenure at his alma mater is finished. That rankled some Vols fans and former teammates. Martin, a beloved quarterback at Tennessee, led the Vols to a national championship during the 1998 season.
On this edition of "The Volunteer State," Blake Toppmeyer and John Adams address Martin's situation and discuss whether Josh Heupel should keep him on staff.
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The honeymoon for Tennessee athletics director Danny White seems over.
White might have helped speed that along Wednesday. When asked about the blowback some Vols fans aired on Twitter about White's hire of Josh Heupel as Tennessee's football coach, White volleyed back at those fans.
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Tennessee showed it was willing to spend to hire the right athletics director. The Vols awarded Danny White with a five-year contract that carries a $1.8 million salary.
Will Tennessee be willing to break the bank for a coveted football coach, too?
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Some of fans' dream names for the next Tennessee football coach can be crossed off the list.
Liberty's Hugh Freeze surely isn't happening, not after what UT System President Randy Boyd said on Tuesday.
But what about Coastal Carolina's Jamey Chadwell or Louisiana's Billy Napier? For a successful Group of 5 coach, the risk of inheriting Tennessee's situation could be worth the reward of an SEC job and a sweet pay raise.
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Much of college football's coaching carousel has settled into place. A coaching change at this point in the calendar would be unusual.
Has Tennessee missed the window to make a change?
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Jeremy Pruitt's future keeps twisting in the wind as the investigation continues into whether his Tennessee football program committed NCAA violations.
Although Pruitt remains the coach, until Tennessee puts forth a definitive sign that he'll remain the coach for the 2021 season, speculation will linger about potential replacements if Tennessee opts for a coaching change.
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The last thing Jeremy Pruitt needed on the heels of a 3-7 season is an investigation of his football program, but that's the situation Tennessee's football coach finds himself in.
On this edition, Blake Toppmeyer and John Adams of the News Sentinel discuss the investigation and how it might affect Pruitt's status as Tennessee's coach or his buyout if UT were to fire Pruitt.
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Auburn gave the SEC's coaching carousel a jolt when it fired coach Gus Malzahn on Sunday. How will that affect Tennessee and Jeremy Pruitt?
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Even if Tennessee brings back embattled coach Jeremy Pruitt in 2021, his staff is likely to experience a high volume of turnover. Here's a projection of who stays and who goes.
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John Currie tried to lure Dan Mullen to Tennessee. He failed. Dave Hart should have considered it in 2012, when he hired Butch Jones.
On this edition of "The Volunteer State," Blake Toppmeyer and John Adams of the News Sentinel reflect on those coaching searches and ponder what could have been for the Vols had they landed Mullen.
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The case for not keeping Jeremy Pruitt has played out on the field during Tennessee's five-game losing streak. The Vols (2-5) have regressed in Pruitt's third season as UT's coach.
He has a 15-17 career record. Tennessee's losing streak is its longest since the Vols started the 1988 season 0-6. Tennessee has showed no signs of developing a quarterback under Pruitt's watch.
But there also are reasons to stick with Pruitt in 2021.
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South Carolina got the party started when it fired Will Muschamp on Sunday amid his fifth season.
Hugh Freeze will be the trendiest name attached to Power 5 coaching searches as this coaching carousel gets in motion. The former Mississippi coach is in his second season at Liberty, where the Flames are 8-0 and ranked No. 22 nationally.
Blake Toppmeyer and John Adams of the News Sentinel discuss whether Tennessee should join the fray and ditch embattled third-year coach Jeremy Pruitt in favor of pursuing Hugh Freeze.
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A Tennessee football season like this one is probably going to require some scapegoats.
The Vols (2-4) are in danger of enduring their first five-game losing streak since they started the 1988 season 0-6. Already, coach Jeremy Pruitt has fired one assistant. He dismissed defensive line coach Jimmy Brumbaugh on Oct. 18.
That might not be enough to quiet frustrations if Tennessee continues on a downward spiral in its third season under Pruitt.
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On this edition of "The Volunteer State," Blake and John discuss whether Tennessee should have been more active pursuing a transfer quarterback this past offseason and whether landing a transfer quarterback needs to be a priority after this season.
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When Tennessee hired Jim Chaney as its offensive coordinator in January 2019, it handed him a big contact and plenty of freedom.
Halfway through Chaney's second season, it's not going well. The Vols (2-3) rank 12th in the SEC in scoring offense at 22.2 points per game.
On this edition of "The Volunteer State," Blake Toppmeyer and John Adams of the News Sentinel discuss whether Pruitt should take play calling duties away from Chaney and award them to another offensive assistant, such as Tee Martin.
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Jeremy Pruitt couldn’t have seemed more sure about Jimmy Brumbaugh when he hired him during the offseason. He felt so sure of the hire that he didn’t consider anyone else for Tennessee football's defensive line opening.
Evidently, Pruitt didn’t know what he was getting in Brumbaugh. Pruitt fired Brumbaugh on Sunday after the season’s fourth game, citing that it wasn't a good fit from a "philosophical standpoint."
On this edition of “The Volunteer State,” Blake Toppmeyer and Mike Wilson of the News Sentinel examine Brumbaugh’s short tenure and how it went awry so quickly.
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Tennessee flopped in its first chance at a statement victory.
The Vols got shut out in the second half of Saturday's game against No. 3 Georgia, squandered a halftime lead and lost 44-21 in Athens.
Tennessee is now 0-7 during the Jeremy Pruitt era against members of the Alabama/Florida/Georgia rivalry trio, with each of those losses coming by at least 22 points.
On this edition of "The Volunteer State," Blake Toppmeyer and John Adams of the News Sentinel discuss whether Georgia is simply that good, or whether the Vols are just that mediocre.
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On this edition of "The Volunteer State," Blake Toppmeyer and John Adams of the News Sentinel discuss whether Tennessee quarterback Jarrett Guarantano is up to the task of outdueling a former walk-on quarterback.
No. 12 Tennessee will face the third-ranked Bulldogs (2-0) on Saturday (3:30 p.m. ET, CBS) in Athens.
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On this edition of "The Volunteer State," Blake Toppmeyer and John Adams of the News Sentinel recap Tennessee's season opener and look ahead to Vols (1-0, 1-0 SEC) vs. Missouri (0-1, 0-1) on Saturday (noon ET, SEC Network) at Neyland Stadium.
On this edition of "The Volunteer State," Blake Toppmeyer and John Adams of the News Sentinel preview Tennessee's season opener against South Carolina (7:30 p.m. ET Saturday, SEC Network) and touch on why it's an important game for Pruitt as he begins his third season.
It's difficult to have long-term success in the SEC without good quarterbacks, and Tennessee's recruiting of quarterbacks is starting to look up.
Blake Toppmeyer and John Adams of the News Sentinel discuss Ty Simpson's recruitment and examine why Tennessee's recruiting of quarterbacks seems to be on the rise.
The 2020 season features a new hurdle for coaches to tout: the COVID-19 pandemic, and contact-tracing protocols that can result in swaths of players winding up in quarantine and unavailable for practices or games.
On this edition of "The Volunteer State," Blake Toppmeyer and John Adams of the News Sentinel discuss whether COVID-related player absences should excuse a team's poor performance during a game this season.
Given the added uncertainty about player availability because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Tennessee's backup quarterback is more important than ever.
The preseason doubles as prediction season.
Will Tennessee's Eric Gray post an 800-yard season? Will at least four UT true freshmen start a game? Will Cade Mays get his NCAA transfer waiver?
Tennessee's depth chart is better positioned than it was this time last year. The Vols returned eight starters on each side of the ball.
Blake Toppmeyer and John Adams of the News Sentinel examine Tennessee's freshman class and highlight a handful of individuals who are positioned for playing time.
Jarrett Guarantano could break Peyton Manning’s record for most career starts by a Tennessee quarterback if Guarantano returned for a sixth season in 2021, thanks to the NCAA’s ruling last week that the 2020 season won't affect a player’s eligibility.
Should Guarantano consider a sixth season in 2021?
Step inside Saloon 16, Peyton Manning's Knoxville bar that opened this month as part of the Graduate Hotel, and you'll get a feel for the Tennessee Vols icon's personality and gain a closer look at his experience as a college student.
Victories over rivals Alabama, Georgia or Florida have been few and far between for Tennessee football throughout the past decade-plus.
But the SEC set a favorable opportunity in front of the Vols this season by the way it devised Tennessee's schedule.
On this edition of "The Volunteer State," Blake Toppmeyer and John Adams of the News Sentinel examine the Vols' schedule and why its makeup offers UT a better opportunity to upset a top rival.
If Tennessee is to finish above .500 in Jeremy Pruitt's third season, the Vols likely will need to beat at least one ranked opponent. That's something the Vols haven't done since a pair of wins over ranked foes in 2018.
On this edition of "The Volunteer State," Blake Toppmeyer and John Adams of the News Sentinel project Tennessee's record and debate how many wins the Vols need for the season to be deemed a success.
When the SEC on Friday revealed the two additional teams each member would play this season in the expanded 10-game, conference-only format, it became clear that the league created a favorable path to the playoff for frontrunners.
No college conference projects a mightier image than the SEC. So why should the SEC be influenced by how other conferences handle the football season?
Vanderbilt fans have spoken, and many of them don't understand why someone would consider booting their Commodores from the SEC.
Vanderbilt kicker Oren Milstein on Tuesday became the first SEC football player to opt out of the 2020 season because of concerns tied to the COVID-19 pandemic. Will more SEC players will sit out this season?
So long, Vanderbilt. It's time for the SEC to boot the Commodores off to another conference where the school's half-hearted athletic pursuits might be a more appropriate fit.
Lou Brown offered a few critiques of the Lady Vols coaching staff while reflecting on her Tennessee women's basketball career in an essay for The Pick and Roll, a website that covers Australian basketball.
Brown's 2,000-word essay mostly focused on her experience at Tennessee and her struggle to compete at the level she wanted following knee injuries. On this edition of "The Volunteer State," Blake Toppmeyer and John Adams of the News Sentinel discuss Brown's essay and her comments about those instances.
The current landscape of SEC women's basketball is much different than what Tennessee coach Kellie Harper experienced during her playing career for the Lady Vols, who won three straight national titles from 1996-98 with Harper at point guard.
Is South Carolina on an unimpeded path of SEC dominance or could Tennessee be capable of reasserting itself as the conference's women's hoops power?
The possibility of a spring football season has been a back-burner talking point in the college football world for a few months, as the coronavirus pandemic threatens the 2020 season.
Duke hired former Lady Vols star Kara Lawson as its women's basketball coach last week. The former ESPN broadcaster who starred under Pat Summitt and then in the WNBA made the jump to the college game after a season as a Boston Celtics assistant. What does this mean for Tennessee?
The NCAA handed down a sixth-month show cause penalty to Tennessee assistant coach Jay Graham earlier this month for his involvement in a Level II recruiting violation while he was on staff at Texas A&M.
What impact will this have on Tennessee?
The Vols once again find themselves waiting to learn the fate of a key transfer who projects to step into a prominent role if he receives his waiver. The waiver quest for offensive lineman Cade Mays, a transfer from Georgia, continues.
It is unclear what, if any, team discipline Tennessee running back Tim Jordan will face following his arrest on gun and marijuana charges. The concealed carry charge Jordan faces is a third-degree felony in Florida, punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000.
Tennessee football's Week 2 game against Oklahoma will be a stiff test, but one that looks a bit more manageable than it did a few months ago.
Momentum is building toward the college football season kicking off as scheduled in September. A lingering question is what stadiums will look like this fall amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The No. 1 question on many college football fans' minds right now is: Will the 2020 season unfold without disruption? Sports Illustrated national college football writer Ross Dellenger joins us this week on this topic.