A to Z Sports Podcast Network

A to Z Sports
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Nashville's On-Demand podcast network!

  1. 1h ago

    Tennessee's INJURY Situation Is Starting to Get Very Concerning...

    Tennessee football is less than a month away from the start of the 2026 season, but the Volunteers are already dealing with several injuries and availability concerns during fall camp. How worried should Tennessee fans be? On this episode of the A to Z Sports Big Orange Podcast, Charlie Burris and Zach Ragan break down the latest Tennessee football injury news, including the season-ending ACL injury suffered by linebacker Jaeden Harmon, the ongoing absence of defensive back Jadais Richard, Ty Redmond's illness, and the precautionary absence of tight end Ethan Davis. The guys discuss what these injuries mean for Tennessee's depth chart and whether the Vols have enough depth to absorb the losses before the regular season begins. Jaeden Harmon's injury is particularly noteworthy because, while he wasn't expected to be a starting linebacker, he was projected to be an important depth piece and special teams contributor for Tennessee. With Arion Carter suspended for the first two games, Harmon's season-ending injury puts even more pressure on Tennessee's linebacker depth early in the 2026 season. Fortunately for Josh Heupel and defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, linebacker may be the deepest position on the Tennessee defense. Charlie and Zach discuss the players who could see increased opportunities because of Harmon's injury, including Brayden Rouse, T.J. White and Jadon Perlotte. The hosts also examine how Jim Knowles could move Tennessee's talented linebackers around in different packages, including Arion Carter potentially seeing more snaps on the edge. With Amare Campbell, Edwin Spillman, Carter and Telander among the key pieces, Tennessee has plenty of talent—but Knowles now has to figure out how to get those players on the field without creating problems in coverage or limiting the pass rush. The podcast also examines the importance of Ty Redmond's health entering the season. Redmond is a young but experienced player who is expected to have an important role in Tennessee's secondary, and missing valuable fall camp practices could be significant, particularly as the Vols prepare to install a new defensive system. The first scrimmage of fall camp becomes especially important because it provides coaches with some of the closest thing to live-game reps before Tennessee opens the season. Charlie and Zach also discuss Tennessee tight end Ethan Davis, his current precautionary absence, and why getting him healthy and improving his blocking could be important for the Volunteers' offense. The conversation expands into the importance of practicing consistently during fall camp and how missed practice time can potentially contribute to tackling, physicality and execution problems later in the season. Finally, the guys discuss one of the biggest behind-the-scenes changes for Tennessee football: the hiring of Derek Owings as the Volunteers' new strength and conditioning coach. Owings came to Tennessee from Indiana after playing an important role in the Hoosiers' remarkable season, and the hosts debate whether the hire could eventually prove to be one of the most important moves of Josh Heupel's tenure. Early signs—including the physical development of Tennessee's players—have Charlie and Zach optimistic about what Owens and the new strength staff can bring to Knoxville. With Tennessee's first scrimmage approaching, the biggest priority is simple: stay healthy. The Vols have plenty of talent and depth, but another wave of injuries could quickly change the equation before the 2026 season even begins. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  2. 3d ago

    Lance Heard Made a HUGE Mistake Leaving Tennessee

    Darnell Wright's massive new NFL contract has sparked a fascinating conversation for Tennessee football fans—and it raises an important question about former Volunteers offensive lineman Lance Heard. On this episode of the Big Orange Podcast, Charlie Burris and Zach Ragan discuss whether Lance Heard made the right decision by transferring from Tennessee to Kentucky after reportedly wanting to remain at left tackle. With Darnell Wright becoming one of the highest-paid offensive linemen in NFL history after embracing a move to right tackle during his Tennessee career, the hosts examine whether Heard may have sacrificed long-term NFL development in pursuit of a different opportunity. Darnell Wright's journey has become one of the best player development stories of the Josh Heupel era. After arriving at Tennessee as a five-star recruit, Wright played both tackle positions before willingly moving back to right tackle, where he developed into a first-round NFL Draft pick. Now, after signing a four-year, $116 million extension with the Chicago Bears, Wright has shown that NFL teams value elite offensive tackles regardless of whether they play on the left or right side. Charlie and Zach compare Wright's career path with Lance Heard's situation. Tennessee appeared set to move Heard to right tackle with freshman standout David Sanders taking over on the left side. Rather than embracing that transition, Heard transferred to Kentucky. The discussion explores whether staying at Tennessee, continuing under offensive line coach Glen Elarbee, and demonstrating positional versatility may have provided a better path toward maximizing his NFL Draft stock. The conversation also dives into one of college football's biggest modern debates: NIL versus long-term player development. While every top player is earning compensation in today's game, the hosts question whether constantly chasing the largest NIL offer can sometimes come at the expense of coaching continuity, scheme familiarity, and ultimately NFL readiness. They argue that players who prioritize development, consistency, and team success often put themselves in better position to earn substantially more money at the professional level. The episode also highlights Tennessee linebacker Arion Carter as an example of a player whose actions may resonate with NFL evaluators. Rather than seeking the highest bidder after briefly entering the transfer portal, Carter returned to Tennessee, embraced a changing role under a new defensive coordinator, and demonstrated the type of leadership and team-first mentality that NFL organizations often value. As Tennessee prepares for another season under Josh Heupel, roster decisions like these continue to shape the future of the Volunteers. Did Lance Heard make the right choice by leaving Knoxville, or will Darnell Wright's remarkable NFL success eventually be viewed as the blueprint Heard should have followed? Join Charlie Burris and Zach Ragan as they break down one of the most interesting Tennessee football discussions of the offseason. Topics Covered - Tennessee Football - Josh Heupel - Lance Heard - Darnell Wright - Tennessee Offensive Line - Tennessee Transfer Portal - NIL - College Football NIL - NFL Draft Development - Kentucky Football - Chicago Bears - SEC Football - Tennessee Football News - Big Orange Podcast - A to Z Sports Tennessee Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  3. 6d ago

    George MacIntyre vs. Faizon Brandon: Who Will Be Tennessee's Quarterback?

    Tennessee football officially opened fall camp, and one question continues to dominate every conversation around the Volunteers: Who will be Josh Heupel's starting quarterback in 2026? On this episode of the Big Orange Podcast, Charlie Burris and Zach Ragan break down everything they learned from Tennessee's first media availability of fall camp, including extended interviews with Faizon Brandon, George MacIntyre, Josh Heupel, Joey Halzle, Jim Knowles, and several Tennessee players. After hearing both quarterbacks speak, does one player have the edge in the Vols' quarterback competition? Faizon Brandon and George MacIntyre are battling to become Tennessee's QB1, and while Josh Heupel isn't tipping his hand, today's media sessions provided some interesting clues about where this competition could be headed. Charlie and Zach discuss Brandon's maturity, confidence, leadership, and football-first mentality, along with MacIntyre's continued development after spending last season in the Tennessee program. The guys also debate whether Tennessee should prioritize immediate success or long-term development when deciding who starts the season opener. Beyond the quarterback competition, the podcast also covers Josh Heupel's passionate defense of Arion Carter following the NCAA's decision regarding his eligibility, Jim Knowles' honest comments about Tennessee's edge rushers entering fall camp, and the latest injury updates involving the Volunteers' secondary. Tennessee officially begins preparing for the 2026 season, and these storylines will shape the Vols throughout August as the coaching staff works toward naming a starting quarterback and finalizing the depth chart. Charlie and Zach also discuss another major Tennessee football storyline: former Vol offensive lineman Lance Heard transferring to Kentucky after reportedly wanting to remain at left tackle. With former Tennessee star Darnell Wright signing one of the richest contracts ever for an NFL offensive lineman, the hosts debate whether Heard made the right decision by leaving Knoxville instead of embracing a move to right tackle. They examine how offensive line development, NIL, the transfer portal, and NFL evaluation all intersect in today's college football landscape. As Tennessee continues fall camp, every practice, scrimmage, and media session will provide new information about the quarterback battle between Faizon Brandon and George MacIntyre. The first scrimmage could be the biggest turning point of camp and may determine who takes the first snap when the Volunteers open the season. Until then, every comment from Josh Heupel and every observation from practice matters. If you're looking for the latest Tennessee football news, Vols recruiting, Tennessee quarterback updates, fall camp analysis, and daily coverage of the Volunteers, you've come to the right place. Topics Covered: - Tennessee Football - Tennessee Fall Camp - Josh Heupel - Faizon Brandon - George MacIntyre - Tennessee Quarterback Battle - Tennessee Football News - Vols Practice - Jim Knowles - Arion Carter - Lance Heard - Darnell Wright - Tennessee Offensive Line - SEC Football - Big Orange Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  4. 6d ago

    Court Ruling Could Give Tennessee Football and Basketball TWO Huge Boosts

    A major college eligibility ruling could deliver significant roster help to both Tennessee football and Tennessee basketball—but the NCAA is already attempting to fight it.Charlie Burris and Zach Ragan explain the NCAA’s transition toward a five-years-to-play-five-seasons eligibility model and a Tennessee judge’s injunction allowing athletes from the 2022 recruiting class to receive a fifth season during the 2026–27 athletic year.Could former Tennessee Vols defensive lineman Jaxson Moi return to Knoxville for the 2026 college football season? Moi previously pursued another season of college eligibility before signing with the Los Angeles Rams as an undrafted NFL free agent. His recent social media reaction created speculation about a possible Tennessee return, but NCAA guidance concerning athletes who have signed professional contracts could prevent it.Charlie and Zach discuss whether Moi could realistically leave the NFL and rejoin Josh Heupel’s Tennessee football roster. The Vols have talent along the defensive line, but much of that depth remains unproven. A veteran player and respected teammate such as Moi could provide valuable experience for defensive coordinator Jim Knowles and defensive line coach Rodney Garner.The eligibility ruling has also created a major development for Rick Barnes and Tennessee basketball. Former Vanderbilt and North Carolina center Jalen Washington has committed to the Vols after serving as a lead plaintiff in the eligibility lawsuit.Washington is a 6-foot-10 fifth-year player who averaged approximately nine points and five rebounds for Vanderbilt last season. His experience, size and SEC production could provide Tennessee basketball with important frontcourt depth as Rick Barnes builds a roster capable of making another deep NCAA Tournament run.However, the NCAA plans to appeal the injunction. Could Washington begin the season for Tennessee and then face another eligibility ruling during the year? Charlie and Zach examine the remaining uncertainty and why college coaches, players and fans can no longer confidently predict which eligibility rules will apply.The conversation also explores the NCAA’s declining authority, potential congressional involvement in college athletics, Danny White’s support for collective bargaining and the urgent need for a sustainable structure governing college football and basketball.Subscribe to A to Z Sports Tennessee for Tennessee Vols news, Tennessee football recruiting, Tennessee basketball updates, SEC football analysis, transfer portal news and year-round coverage of Josh Heupel, Rick Barnes and the Big Orange. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  5. Aug 1

    SEC Media Is SLEEPING on Tennessee Football Entering the 2026 Season

    Zach Ragan and Charlie Burris of The Big Orange Podcast break down the preseason SEC polls and projected All-SEC teams where Josh Heupel and his Tennessee Volunteers team got no respect. The Vols were projected to finish eighth overall in the SEC and there were zero Vols players mentioned in the preseason First and Second All-SEC teams. Could Tennessee flying under the radar be the best possible way to kick off the season and can the Volunteers shock some people? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  6. Jul 29

    Arion Carter Suspended: Tennessee Involved In Latest NCAA DISASTER...

    Zach Ragan and Charlie Burris of The Big Orange Podcast react to Arion Carter's suspension that was announced earlier today. The NCAA's authority has been called into question in recent years, could Tennessee have received an unfair punishment for a seemingly non-issue? How will this suspension affect the first two weeks for the Tennessee Volunteers season? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  7. Jul 29

    Tennessee Could Get Another HUGE Recruiting Win Over Ohio State Soon

    Charlie Burris and Zach Ragan of The Big Orange Podcast point out that Josh Heupel and the Tennessee Volunteers could get another win over Ryan Day and the Ohio State Buckeyes off the field. Just one week after the Vols landed David Gabriel Georges' commitment they are threatening to steal DJ Jacobs' signature as well. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  8. Jul 24

    Josh Heupel And Tennessee DISRESPECTED In Latest Rankings...

    Charlie Burris and Zach Ragan of The Big Orange Podcast recap SEC Media Days and the latest batch of rankings that have Tennessee Volunteers head coach Josh Heupel far too low. Is Josh Heupel's spot in the rankings a result of his laid back and quieter personality or is there a greater controversy baked in? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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