The Volunteer State

By: USA TODAY NETWORK - Tennessee
  • Summary

  • 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.

    2025 USA TODAY NETWORK - Tennessee
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Episodes
  • Which new College Football Playoff format is best for Tennessee?
    Feb 21 2025

    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.

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    59 mins
  • Josh Heupel moves on from Jeremy Pruitt recruits. Still relevant or let it go?
    Jan 28 2025

    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.

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    53 mins
  • Is Tennessee reloading or rebuilding its 2025 football roster?
    Jan 7 2025

    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.

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    59 mins

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