PODCAST · sports
The Volunteer State
by 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.
Episodes
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George MacIntyre’s first start and previewing Alabama game
Did George MacIntyre earn a second start? Adam Sparks and John Adams review the quarterback’s performance against Arkansas. Plus, what’s wrong with Tennessee’s offense? And can it be good enough to beat Alabama?
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Dissecting Tennessee’s new QB quandary and how far it goes
George MacIntyre and Faizon Brandon appear to be in a revived QB competition at midseason. Adam Sparks and John Adams discuss who should start vs. Arkansas, Josh Heupel’s QB management and the long-term ramifications. Read more here:...
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Texas sacks Faizon Brandon; Alex Golesh leads Auburn to Neyland
Faizon Brandon gets freshman initiation vs. Texas. Adam Sparks and John Adams discuss the loss to Longhorns, offensive line issues, Alex Golesh’s return as Auburn’s coach, fan expectations and much more.
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Does Texas, Arch Manning have aura of Tennessee’s unbeatable past foes?
Can Tennessee knock off a No. 1 team in Neyland? How good is Arch Manning? How does the Texas aura compare to UT’s most formidable foes of the past? Adam Sparks and John Adams get ready for Vols vs. Longhorns.
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What is Tennessee’s plan after losing Ethan Davis?
Ethan Davis is out for the year with a torn ACL. Are the Vols jinxed or is this just part of the game? Adam Sparks and John Adams discuss Tennessee’s next steps on offense. Plus, they react to Faizon Brandon’s outing against Georgia Tech.
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What we love about Faizon Brandon, Tennessee’s opening win
Adam Sparks and John Adams gladly overreact to Tennessee’s blowout win over Furman, including Faizon Brandon’s debut and other optimistic signs. Plus, they look ahead to the Vols’ game at Georgia Tech.
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How much should Faizon Brandon, George MacIntyre play vs. Furman?
Adam Sparks and John Adams gauge expectations for Tennessee’s 2026 season. And they ask how much QBs Faizon Brandon and George MacIntyre should play against Furman.
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Why Tennessee QB battle produced best possible outcome (so far)
Faizon Brandon or George MacIntyre? Adam Sparks and John Adams size up the stretch run of the QB competition and why this duo is better than they thought. Plus, a recruit reveals a hard truth about Tennessee’s long-term QB plan.
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Why Tennessee football will be better – or worse – than we think
Is Tennessee’s schedule really that difficult? Would Josh Heupel’s offense actually miss a beat just because it has a young quarterback? Adam Sparks and John Adams challenge widely-held assumptions about the 2026 Vols with contrarian takes.
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5 Tennessee players (besides QBs) that intrigue us in camp
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.
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DGG commits, Ohio State copes, media picks Tennessee QB
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.
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Peyton Manning favors Arch over Tennessee? Plus Chaz Coleman exit
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.
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Unpacking Tennessee baseball season and Josh Elander’s reload
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.
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Tennessee QB talk run amok, plus Josh Elander’s turnaround
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?
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Is 24-team playoff better for Tennessee? Plus, Neyland district
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.
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Taking temperature of Kim Caldwell, Josh Elander, Josh Heupel
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.
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Resetting Tennessee QB battle with spring impressions
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.
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Who do we think will be Tennessee’s QB1 in 2026?
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.
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Why would Tennessee fans not want Joey Aguilar back?
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.
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What is Tennessee’s new quarterback plan? Plus portal breakdown
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.
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Reacting to Tim Banks firing, signing class and Music City Bowl
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.
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Boo Carter’s exit and Tennessee anxiety over Florida game
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.
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Should Tennessee focus on finishing strong or future at quarterback?
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.
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Josh Heupel says Tennessee defense is fixable. Do we believe him?
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.
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Do Tennessee fans really want to fire coaches? Let’s discuss
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.
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Tennessee vibe check for Alabama game, from Josh Heupel to defense
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.
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Tennessee’s future SEC schedule, Vols QB in 2026?
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.
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Resetting Tennessee’s playoff odds after loss to Georgia
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.
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Can Tennessee finally beat Georgia like it did Florida, Alabama?
If Josh Heupel reversed curses in the Florida and Alabama games, why can’t his Vols do the same against Georgia? Adam Sparks and John Adams break down this week’s biggest game in college football and look ahead to how a win or loss to the Bulldogs would impact Joey Aguilar and UT’s 2025 season.
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Why Tennessee, Joey Aguilar impressed us so much to start 2025
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...
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It’s Joey Aguilar time in Tennessee, officially
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.
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Boo Carter, QB competition, WR problem for Vols?
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.
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Why Tennessee fans pick a favorite QB before competition begins
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...
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Is Tennessee depth chart better or worse than 2024?
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…
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Can Joey Aguilar thrive as Tennessee QB? Plus, Vols’ portal strategy
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...
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The fallout from Nico Iamaleava’s exit, and where Tennessee turns now
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…
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What Josh Heupel should change in Tennessee’s new offensive scheme
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...
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Which Tennessee football position worries you the most? Let’s rank them
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...
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Which new College Football Playoff format is best for Tennessee?
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...
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Josh Heupel moves on from Jeremy Pruitt recruits. Still relevant or let it go?
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...
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Is Tennessee reloading or rebuilding its 2025 football roster?
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...
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How many Tennessee fans will be at Ohio State for CFP game?
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...
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Mulling Tennessee playoff game while waiting on David Sanders to sign
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...
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These teams could help Tennessee get into College Football Playoff
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...
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Is Tennessee headed for Georgia ambush with Nico Iamaleava injury or big win?
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…
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CFP selection committee likes Tennessee football. Will it last?
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,...
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Here’s who Tennessee fans should root against in College Football Playoff race
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...
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These five SEC teams could threaten Tennessee football’s playoff bid
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...
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Is Tennessee football facing playoff elimination game against 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…
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Here’s what is wrong with Tennessee offense and why it matters vs Florida
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,...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
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.
HOSTED BY
USA TODAY NETWORK - Tennessee
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Volunteer State have?
The Volunteer State currently has 100 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Volunteer State about?
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.
How often does The Volunteer State release new episodes?
The Volunteer State has 100 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
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You can listen to The Volunteer State on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Volunteer State?
The Volunteer State is created and hosted by USA TODAY NETWORK - Tennessee.
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