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.
Latest episodes
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48 min
Does beating Alabama pave way for Tennessee playoff run?
Is it too early to talk about Tennessee’s playoff chances after beating Alabama? Adam Sparks and John Adams react to the big win and size up the CFP projections. Plus, the Vols hea…
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47 min
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…
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49 min
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 manage…
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55 min
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 expe…
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56 min
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…
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49 min
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, t…
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55 min
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’…
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53 min
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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51 min
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…
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53 min
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…
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1 h 04
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 t…
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1 h 01
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…
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53 min
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 Pas…
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48 min
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 whe…
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52 min
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…
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46 min
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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1 h 07
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 a…
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1 h 01
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, p…
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55 min
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 earl…
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50 min
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 potentiall…