The Volunteer State

USA TODAY NETWORK - Tennessee
  • 4.3 (67)
  • SPORTS
  • UPDATED MONTHLY
The Volunteer State

The Volunteer State is a Tennessee Vols sports podcast covering sports topics from the University of Tennessee featuring The Knoxville News Sentinel's John Adams, Mike Wilson and Blake Toppmeyer. The Tennessean, Nashville Tennessee.

  1. MAY 15

    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, beginning with QB Joey Aguilar.

    51 min

  2. APR 29

    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 transfer portal strategy? Let’s try to figure it out.

    42 min

  3. APR 15

    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 to the point of no return.Plus, where do the Vols go from here? There are a few quarterback possibilities in the transfer portal.

    48 min

  4. MAR 27

    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 recaps his first Aussie rules football game and eating grilled kangaroo during a spring break trip to Australia.

    49 min

  5. MAR 5

    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 anxiety at wide receiver, offensive line, defensive secondary and more.

    1h 2m

  6. FEB 21

    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 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.

    59 min

  7. JAN 28

    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 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.

    53 min

  8. JAN 7

    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 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.

    59 min
See All (100)

4.3
out of 5
67 Ratings

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.

Information

  • Creator
    USA TODAY NETWORK - Tennessee
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2025
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 USA TODAY NETWORK - Tennessee
  • Show Website
    The Volunteer State

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