The Volunteer State

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 down the Vols’ first-ever CFP game against Ohio State and guess how many UT fans will be there.Plus, we talk through why a few Vols are already in the portal rather than CFP practice, and why fans shouldn’t be so hard on them.

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 Vols final scenarios in the playoff, including who they'll play and where. And they look back on the win over Vandy that earned UT's way into the 12-team bracket.Plus, a signing day review raises questions about Sanders, UT's No. 1 recruit, and the future of George MacIntyre as Vols QB.

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 the Vols to get into the playoff and give you the odds of each of those things happening. It involves UT fans rooting for Hugh Freeze and against Lane Kiffin.Plus, our Georgia game recap asks if Nico Iamaleava is getting enough help and if Heupel should rant publicly against the refs.

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 it.Will Nico play? Is Georgia in disarray? Are the Bulldogs good enough to play great once more for Kirby Smart? And what's the fallout in the playoff picture if the Vols lose?

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, where Tennessee ranks and most importantly what the committee said about the Vols' resume.Plus, is it time to accept this UT offense for what it is – flawed? Or could freshman receiver Mike Matthews be a solution?

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 Vols.It starts in the SEC. But Tennessee needs to keep an eye on Big Ten, Big 12 and ACC teams that are jockeying for position.Plus, will we remember Nico's November? The last month of the season sets up well for Nico Iamaleava and the UT offense to kick into a higher gear. There's certainly no time like the present as a struggling Kentucky team comes to Neyland Stadium.

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 game that produced it.Plus, Tennessee is sitting pretty in the College Football Playoff picture. But there are still teams that could leapfrog the Vols down the stretch.Vol fans, don't panic. This is for educational purposes only during the open week. But we're going to break down the 5 SEC teams that could jump past UT in the race toward the playoff. And, yes, that includes … 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 is hot, but its offense is ice cold. That combination usually wouldn't be enough to knock off the mighty Crimson Tide. But this Alabama team is flawed – perhaps just as flawed as Tennessee.On Saturday, the rivals will search for their identity and a path to the playoff. But only one will find it in Neyland Stadium. So let's talk about it.Other topics: How can play-calling help Nico Iamaleava? Does Alabama have more problems than Tennessee?

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, hosts Adam Sparks and John Adams are going to try to diagnose the Vols' illness and determine whether there's a cure before the Florida game.

After three years of Tennessee fans wanting to run Tim Banks out of town, he's got the No. 1 defense in college football.

Tennessee football played like a complete team against Oklahoma.  Was it Josh Heupel's most impressive victory as Tennessee's coach? No. But, more so than any other game, it showed that the Vols can win with defense. And wins like that will be needed as Tennessee aims to advance from being a good program to becoming a national championship contender. On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer, Adam Sparks and John Adams weigh in on Tennessee's national championship potential. They also push back on the argument that Heupel coached too conservatively against Oklahoma.  And, they engage with a doomsday scenario that could keep Tennessee out of the playoff if the Vols finish 10-2.

Tennessee football roars, and its ticket prices soar. First up, the roaring. Tennessee will play a pivotal game at Oklahoma on Saturday in the Sooners' first SEC game, while Josh Heupel returns to Norman after a celebrated Sooners career. On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer, Adam Sparks and John Adams examine the Vols' clash with Oklahoma before debating Tennessee's decision to hike ticket prices in 2025 to combat new expenses. Is this a make-or-break game for the Vols' playoff hopes? Well, it's more make than break. Considering the opponents that remain on Tennessee's schedule, the Vols would be well-positioned for a playoff resume if they beat the Sooners. If they lose in Norman, that doesn't wreck Tennessee's playoff chances, but it would need to at least split with Alabama and Georgia. Later in the episode, an examination of why Tennessee will raise ticket prices next year, as a way to offset expected revenue-sharing costs that are around the bend.

Where's the love for Tennessee after the Vols smashed North Carolina State 51-10? Weren't the Wolfpack supposed to be a quality opponent? The Vols made them look like mincemeat.  So, explain how Tennessee lags behind at No. 9 in the US LBM coaches poll and No. 7 in the AP poll. On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer, Adam Sparks and John Adams unpack what might be contributing to Tennessee's ranking and whether it matters.  Adams says he'd rank Tennessee within the top five – but he doesn't have an AP vote this year. The crew also revises their record projections for Tennessee. Forget 9-3. How about 10-2 or 11-1?

Season-opening performances don't get much better than that. It's Nico's time, and Tennessee Vols fans are rejoicing. Iamaleava checked all the boxes in Tennessee's win against Chattanooga. He's the real deal.  Call him 'Heismanaleava?'  Maybe we're jumping the gun on that one. Just by a smidge. On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer, John Adams and Adam Sparks revisit Iamaleava's splendid showing in Week 1 and what it means for the Vols' playoff aspirations. Tennessee didn't answer all the questions against Chattanooga. We'll get a better feel for its defense, the secondary in particular, when the Vols face North Carolina State on Saturday. As for the Nico hype train? It's rumbling down the tracks. All gas, no brakes.

Preseason projections of Tennessee's 2024 record tend to come down to two options: 10-2 or 9-3. That might not sound like much difference, but in the 12-team College Football Playoff era, it's probably the difference between making the playoff or not. Vols fans have their sights set on making the playoff in Josh Heupel's fourth season. Tennessee drew an accommodating schedule, and anticipation for Nico Iamaleava's first season as starting quarterback is off the charts.  Still, boobytrap games like those against Oklahoma and Florida could ensnare Tennessee's playoff hopes. On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer, Adam Sparks and John Adams debate whether this season is playoff or bust for Tennessee.  Would 9-3 be an acceptable result in Big Orange Country? Probably not.  Not with a 5-star quarterback. Not with a schedule that includes just four preseason ranked teams. Heupel enjoys job security. He's entrenched, playoff or not. But, he should know expectations will increase after he delivered three straight winning seasons. Here's the thing about the playoff tripling in size: It's easier to make the playoff, but fan frustrations for missing the playoff might triple.

Preseason practice offers a glimpse at depth chart strengths and weaknesses. We're left with some questions. One player we're not questioning: Nico Iamaleava. The buzz around Tennessee's redshirt freshman quarterback is reminiscent of the hype surrounding Peyton Manning, Heath Shuler and Condredge Holloway. Iamaleava is worthy of that hype. Some other positions are on squishier footing. On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer, Adam Sparks and John Adams discuss three burning questions that remain unanswered as preseason practice winds down and the Week 1 game against Chattanooga nears. Among the topics are Tennessee's health at running back and wide receiver, and what the heck is going on with that defensive back rotation?

Tennessee football and Pilot Corporation are in business together, and but their deal won't alter the name of Neyland Stadium. UT and the Knoxville-headquartered fuel supplier announced a landmark deal this week that will put the Pilot name on Shields-Watkins Field and Pilot branding throughout the stadium. But, importantly, UT and Pilot agree that the name of the stadium isn't going corporate. The Neyland Stadium name will remain. On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer, Adam Sparks and John Adams detail the news, explain what it means and project what might be next for Tennessee in its string of moneymaking branding deals for stadiums. What does Tennessee get out of this deal with Pilot? Financial details were not disclosed, but one estimate indicates the branding deal will generate tens of millions in new revenue for Vols athletics at a time when college athletics costs are increasing and administrators explore previously untapped areas for cash. So, what's next? Keep an eye on Lindsey Nelson Stadium.

Can we put to bed the narrative that Josh Heupel is an average recruiter? That was one of the knocks on Heupel when Tennessee hired him in 2021. Since then, though, he's been a steady recruiter – NIL helps – and he's assembling his best class ever. The Vols are on a recruiting hot streak. Their 2025 recruiting class is positioned for a top-10 national finish. Also, Heupel continues to be a dynamite recruiter of quarterbacks. Tennessee beat out Alabama and LSU to earn a commitment from five-star quarterback Faizon Brandon, the nation's top-ranked prospect in the 2026 recruiting class. On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer, Adam Sparks and John Adams examine the Vols' recruiting heater and what it means for Heupel's reputation on the trail. Also, what will Tennessee's quarterback depth charts look like in 2025 and '26? The Vols will be stacked at the position in 2025, when Nico Iamaleava should remain the headliner, but will a transfer or two affect the depth chart in '26? If Iamaleava and Brandon are as good as advertised, Tennessee is well-positioned for the future.

Todd Helton earned induction to the National Baseball Hall of Fame, and Knox News literally traveled by plane, train and automobile to cover the ceremony. The IT outages stranded reporter Mike Wilson in New York, so he kicked it old school and traveled by Amtrak to Upstate New York. There, in the idyllic town of Cooperstown, Helton earned his enshrinement. A Knoxville native. A standout Vol. Now, a Hall of Famer. Helton was a force of consistency throughout his 17-year career spent entirely with the Colorado Rockies. A sweet-swinging, slick-fielding first baseman, he posted a career .316 batting average. On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer and Mike Wilson unpack Helton's journey from Knoxville to Cooperstown -- and Wilson's hectic, circuitous journey there, as well.  They examine Tennessee's impact on Helton's career and why some Vols fans still remember him best as a quarterback.

Paul Finebaum's optimism grows for Tennessee football. The SEC Network's opinion king emerged from SEC media days feeling more bullish about the Vols' playoff chances and their place within the conference pecking order. Is that sunny outlook warranted? On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer and Adam Sparks re-evaluate Tennessee's playoff prospects and assess whether their estimation of Tennessee has improved, regressed or stayed about the same throughout the offseason. Their verdict: A 9-3 record is more likely than a playoff berth, but an accommodating schedule nonetheless helps make Tennessee a playoff contender. Also in this episode, an update on the latest developments in the Neyland Entertainment District project that would bring a hotel, restaurant and bar to liven the area around the stadium near the riverfront, at the expense of the G10 parking garage.

Tennessee didn't select Nico Iamaleava to be among its contingent at SEC media days, but that did little to contain the hype for the Vols' ballyhooed redshirt freshman quarterback. The Nico train is out of the station, and ESPN's Greg McElroy jumped into the conductor's seat this week when he predicted Iamaleava will be a Heisman Trophy finalist. That's lofty praise for a guy with one career start, but Iamaleava oozes talent. On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer, Adam Sparks and John Adams outline Iamaleava's path to becoming a Heisman finalist and predict whether he'll be among those in New York City. While no one expects Iamaleava to wilt, part of his Heisman candidacy will be hitched to Tennessee's playoff status. So, which side of the Heisman finalist cut does Iamaleava fall on? The hosts issue a split verdict.

Should Tennessee expect a dose of disrespect when the media who cover the SEC vote next week to predict the conference's standings? Probably a hint of it, at least. Like the Vols, programs like Alabama and LSU offer a mixture of strengths and lingering questions, but Tennessee might struggle to keep up with those programs in the vote. History sways the vote, and Tennessee spent years swimming in mediocrity before Josh Heupel's arrival, while Alabama and LSU thrived. On today's episode, Blake Toppmeyer, John Adams and Adam Sparks predict where Tennessee will be picked in the media's projected order of finish. Their verdict: Tennessee will be picked No. 6. But, two of the hosts think the Vols should be picked higher than that. Also in this episode, an explanation for why quarterback Nico Iamaleava did not make the cut to represent the Vols at media days in Dallas.

With one beard – and a lot of victories – Tony Vitello won the hearts of Vols fans. Now, Tennessee baseball rules the sport, for the first time ever. Tennessee's championship drought is over. When the Vols beat Texas A&M 6-5 in Game 3 of the College World Series finals on June 24, it marked Tennessee's first national championship in any sport since its women's indoor track and field team won the crown in 2009. That's a 15-year span without a title. How long will Tennessee go before winning its next title? Not that long. On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer and John Adams revisit the baseball team's triumph in Omaha and debate which Tennessee team will be the next to win a national championship. For this debate, the hosts consider four programs: football, men's and women's basketball and softball. And the hosts agree that one program stands above the rest as being next in line.

Tennessee baseball enjoys prime positioning to reach the College World Series finals. The Vols' epic rally against Florida State in their first game in Omaha will go down as the one of the top moments in program history. Will it also be the moment that unlocked the path to win the program's first-ever national championship? On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer and Mike Wilson rewind Tennessee's first two victories and assess what's ahead for the Vols. Wilson says Tennessee remains the team to beat in Omaha. He identifies two others from the SEC on the opposite side of the bracket as top threats: Kentucky and Texas A&M. Tennessee fans are making their presence felt in Omaha. Pat Summitt's Lady Vols won their last national championship in 2008. Tennessee's women's indoor track and field team won a national title in '09. Since then, Vols fans have been ravenous for something big to celebrate.

How to define success? And what are some good vacation destinations in Mexico? Tony Vitello has answers to these questions. He also has another College World Series team on his hands. Tennessee's baseball coach uncorked a lengthy rant after his Vols advanced to the CWS, during which he literally quoted the definition of success from the dictionary. What had Vitello so worked up? On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer and Mike Wilson unpack Vitello's meandering monologue, in which he defended his team's success, among many other topics, including travel hot spots. What did Vitello have caught in his craw? Well, after Game 2, a reporter implied that past Tennessee seasons were unsuccessful because they failed to produce a national championship. Vitello disagreed. The Vols have been one of the nation's best programs these past several years. Now, can they capture an elusive national championship? Vitello dialed down the pressure on that expectation and explained why the Vols will go to Omaha playing with “house money.” Later in the episode, a discussion of the nation's best baseball coaches. Is Vitello No. 1, or is it a different SEC coach?

Tennessee baseball has been here before. Tony Vitello's success is not new. He's made winning the expectation. In previous seasons, though, talented Vols teams fizzled before the championship. That doesn't mean this team will. In fact, these Vols are a deserving frontrunner to win the national championship. Their path will continue with an NCAA super regional against Evansville. The underdog Purple Aces advanced as a 4-seed out of their regional. There's nothing underdog about these Vols. On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer, Mike Wilson and John Adams detail Tennessee's path to a championship and why this team doesn't feel like a repeat of the 2022 Vols. Two years ago, Tennessee was an NCAA Tournament frontrunner after becoming a smashing regular-season success before getting bounced in the super regional. This team is about its business, though, and these Vols don't have much weakness. Plus, they enjoy a forgiving path to Omaha. Also in this episode, the hosts explain why Tony Vitello reminds them of some past Vols coaches in other sports.

Transfers are a reality of college football in 2024, but Tennessee loses fewer players than most. Even better, the Vols very rarely lose top performers. Tennessee bid farewell to 15 transfers this offseason, three of whom were walk-ons. That's the fewest number of transfer departures for any SEC team. By comparison, Alabama lost 39 players to the portal. How does Josh Heupel pull off this impressive roster retention? On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer and Adam Sparks unpack Tennessee's effectiveness at limiting its number of transfers. While there's no magic bullet to prevent transfers, the Vols attack this on multiple fronts, from NIL to coaching stability to Tennessee's approach toward adding transfers. Stay connected on Twitter with Blake (@btoppmeyer) Adam (@AdamSparks) Mike (@ByMikeWilson) and John (@JohnAdamsKNS) and stay up to date on Vols sports news by following @GoVolsXtra. Connect on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/GoVolsXtra/ Subscribe to KnoxNews: knoxnews.com/subscribe  

Part of coaching the Lady Vols means testing yourself against the nation's best opponents. Kim Caldwell will experience that in her first season at Tennessee. The Lady Vols will host UConn next season, a restoration of a rivalry that went on a one-year hiatus last season. There was a time when this rivalry of blue bloods and clash of Pat Summitt and Geno Auriemma defined the sport. The rivalry isn't what it once was, and neither is either program. Still, UConn is coming off a Final Four appearance, while Tennessee is a program searching for its footing. Can the Lady Vols possibly be prepared to handle UConn in Caldwell's first season? On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer, Cora Hall and John Adams weigh in on the rivalry restoration. They also assess Caldwell's first month on the job and her efforts to boost the roster through transfer additions. And they evaluate Tennessee's chance of keeping its NCAA Tournament appearance streak alive in Caldwell's debut. Stay connected on Twitter with Blake (@btoppmeyer) Adam (@AdamSparks) Cora (@corahalll) and John (@JohnAdamsKNS) and stay up to date on Vols sports news by following @GoVolsXtra. Connect on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/GoVolsXtra/ Subscribe to KnoxNews: knoxnews.com/subscribe

Three Tennessee football players were selected in the NFL Draft last week. Cause for celebration, or concern? The four qualifying teams for last season's College Football Playoff combined for 44 draft picks.  That suggests that if Tennessee wants to go from competitive program to national championship program under Josh Heupel, he needs to start producing more NFL talent. And yet, consider that Tennessee finished 9-4 despite not having a single player selected within the draft's first three rounds. That speaks to Heupel's coaching ability. On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer, Adam Sparks and John Adams unpack Tennessee's production in the draft and why they think Jaylen Wright will become UT's most productive NFL player from this draft class. They also preview next year's draft class, highlighted by edge rusher James Pierce, who profiles as a potential No. 1 overall pick. And, they consider this question: Is Tennessee's draft performance cause for concern? Stay connected on Twitter with Blake (@btoppmeyer) and John (@JohnAdamsKNS) and stay up to date on SEC football news by subscribing to KnoxNews: knoxnews.com/subscribe.  

Tennessee football can rest easy about its starting quarterback situation. Not only is Nico Iamaleava the starter, he's a star in the making. Iamaleava's tidy performance in Saturday's spring game reiterated that all is well with Tennessee's QB1. Elsewhere on the roster, it's more of a mixed situation. The Vols face areas they could solidify entering this spring transfer portal window. On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer and Adam Sparks review the spring game and address some lingering burning questions. Which areas of the roster look like strengths? Where does Tennessee require reinforcements? Who's the backup quarterback, and should Tennessee trust him? Let's dive in. Stay connected on Twitter with Blake (@btoppmeyer) Adam (@AdamSparks) Mike (@ByMikeWilson) and John (@JohnAdamsKNS) and stay up to date on Vols sports news by following @GoVolsXtra. Connect on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/GoVolsXtra/ Subscribe to KnoxNews: knoxnews.com/subscribe

The Lady Vols are all in on Kim Caldwell's upside. Tennessee athletic director Danny White didn't want to miss the boat on Caldwell or delay hiring a coach whose career is on an upward trajectory. Two years ago, Caldwell led Division II Glenville State to its first national championship. This season, her first as a Division I coach, she took Marshall to the NCAA Tournament. Now, she coaches a blueblood. Caldwell's fast track matches her teams' high-octane style of play. On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer, Cora Hall and John Adams review Caldwell's introductory presser, outline what success looks like in Year 1 and grade the hire. The verdict: Not an 'A' hire, but a passing grade. Stay connected on Twitter with Blake (@btoppmeyer) Adam (@AdamSparks) Cora (@corahalll) and John (@JohnAdamsKNS) and stay up to date on Vols sports news by following @GoVolsXtra. Connect on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/GoVolsXtra/ Subscribe to KnoxNews: knoxnews.com/subscribe

Danny White faces a big decision – his biggest decision, in fact, since he hired Josh Heupel in 2021. White is conducting a Lady Vols coaching search that will reshape the direction of the program. Kellie Harper maintained the program as an NCAA Tournament regular, but she repeatedly peaked in the Sweet 16, and the Lady Vols were eliminated in the second round this year. Recruiting momentum had stalled. White acted boldly by firing a coach who played for Summitt and who won 20 games this season. Now, he must be bold in his quest to hire just the fourth coach in program history. The last two Lady Vols coaches came from the Pat Summitt tree. Will White look outside the Lady Vols family for this hire? That seems likely. On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer, Cora Hall and John Adams weigh in on the Lady Vols search. First, they address the candidacy of Duke's Kara Lawson. Verdict: Lawson should not be viewed as the frontrunner. Then, each offers two swing-for-the-fences candidates, plus a fallback option. Stay connected on Twitter with Blake (@btoppmeyer) Adam (@AdamSparks) and John (@JohnAdamsKNS) and stay up to date on Vols sports news by following @GoVolsXtra. Connect on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/GoVolsXtra/ Subscribe to KnoxNews: knoxnews.com/subscribe

Rick Barnes and the Sweet 16 go hand and hand. The Vols are back among the NCAA Tournament's final 16 teams standing in March Madness for the second straight year and the third time during Barnes' tenure. But, this round of March Madness remains a familiar pitfall for Tennessee, which has never made a Final Four. Barnes' lone Final Four appearance came in 2003 at Texas. He's in the Sweet 16 for the ninth time. On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer, Mike Wilson and John Adams handicap the hurdles remaining in Tennessee's path to the Final Four. One host says Purdue is the biggest obstacle, while the other two hosts make the case for Creighton. They also debate whether they're more or less confident in Tennessee after two rounds of March Madness. Tap the link in bio for more details. Stay connected on Twitter with Blake (@btoppmeyer) Adam (@AdamSparks) Mike (@ByMikeWilson) and John (@JohnAdamsKNS) and stay up to date on Vols sports news by following @GoVolsXtra. Connect on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/GoVolsXtra/ Subscribe to KnoxNews: knoxnews.com/subscribe

Tennessee's early SEC Tournament exit cost the Vols a likely No. 1 NCAA seed. The silver lining: Tennessee won't have to meet No. 1 overall seed UConn in the NCAA Tournament until the national championship. Also good news: Rick Barnes possesses his best team in a handful of years. But, Tennessee's NCAA Tournament history remains an elephant in the room. The Vols never have reached a Final Four, and the program's lone Elite Eight came in 2010, with Bruce Pearl as coach. On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer, Mike Wilson and John Adams assess Tennessee's NCAA Tournament draw and handicap the Vols' chances of making a deep run. Tennessee is the No. 2 seed in the Midwest Region, where Purdue is the No. 1. But, it's not Purdue that comes to mind first when predicting stumbling blocks for the Vols. Beware of Creighton.  Stay connected on Twitter with Blake (@btoppmeyer) Adam (@AdamSparks) Mike (@ByMikeWilson) and John (@JohnAdamsKNS) and stay up to date on Vols sports news by following @GoVolsXtra. Connect on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/GoVolsXtra/ Subscribe to KnoxNews: knoxnews.com/subscribe

More than a trophy is at stake when the Tennessee basketball team takes the floor at the SEC Tournament in Nashville this week. A No. 1 seed could be on the line for the Vols (24-7). Some bracket experts are projecting Tennessee as a No. 1 seed for the NCAA Tournament, but such outlooks are subject to fluctuation. If the Vols bow out early in the conference tournament, they could surrender the inside track to a top seed. If they cut down the nets Sunday in Nashville, that likely would cement a No. 1 seed for Tennessee. But, to what extent does that even matter? On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer and Mike Wilson discuss the importance (or lack thereof) of the SEC Tournament for Tennessee. Win the SEC Tournament, and the Vols almost certainly are on the 1-line come Selection Sunday. But, is an SEC Tournament title a kiss of doom for March Madness? History warns of that. Stay connected on X with Blake Toppmeyer (@btoppmeyer) and Mike Wilson (@ByMikeWilson), and stay up to date on the Vols by following @GoVolsXtra. Connect on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/GoVolsXtra/ Subscribe to KnoxNews: knoxnews.com/subscribe

We're talking about practice. Spring practice. Tennessee will begin spring workouts on March 18. Let the Nico Iamaleava era take hold. Iamaleava's performance in his first career start, a bowl victory against Iowa, has Vols fans feeling optimistic about the 2024 season. The quarterback position being in capable hands could put Tennessee on a path toward College Football Playoff contention – but only if the Vols address a few important areas this spring. On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer and the Adam Sparks highlight four storylines to monitor throughout the Vols' spring, which will culminate with the spring game on April 13. They break down potential starters in the overhauled secondary and highlight transfers to watch. Stay connected on Twitter with Blake (@btoppmeyer) Adam (@AdamSparks) Mike (@ByMikeWilson) and John (@JohnAdamsKNS) and stay up to date on Vols sports news by following @GoVolsXtra. Connect on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/GoVolsXtra/ Subscribe to KnoxNews: knoxnews.com/subscribe

Perhaps it goes without saying. We'll say it anyway. The Third Saturday in October will be the most important game on Tennessee's 2024 schedule. Oh, sure, we realize the importance of a few other games. When the Vols face Georgia in mid-November, Kirby Smart's Bulldogs may well be ranked No. 1. Tennessee's September date at Oklahoma, Josh Heupel's alma mater, will be another biggie. And be careful about overlooking an October game against Florida.  Still, it feels as if Tennessee's path to the College Football Playoff could go through Kalen DeBoer and his Crimson Tide.  On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer and Adam Sparks assess Tennessee's schedule and its path to the playoff. The 12-team playoff is big enough for a handful of SEC teams. The outcome of Alabama-Tennessee may decide one of the playoff's final at-large bids. Also in this episode, Sparks ofers an update on the latest in the state of Tennessee's lawsuit against the NCAA and the status of the NCAA's investigation into the Vols. Stay connected on Twitter with Blake (@btoppmeyer) Adam (@AdamSparks) Mike (@ByMikeWilson) and John (@JohnAdamsKNS) and stay up to date on Vols sports news by following @GoVolsXtra. Connect on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/GoVolsXtra/ Subscribe to KnoxNews: knoxnews.com/subscribe