In this episode of Big Orange Sunday, host Coach Doug Mathews takes listeners into "Realville" to analyze the shifting landscape of University of Tennessee football following the conclusion of spring practice. Mathews details the impact of the new 105-scholarship limit and predicts that the transfer portal will likely lead to an annual roster turnover of approximately 40%. He notes that the 2026 squad currently features only 18 players in their final year of eligibility, while the program is simultaneously breaking records by offering 18 in-state high school prospects for the 2027 recruiting class. The discussion also looks ahead to a favorable 2026 home schedule that includes high-stakes matchups against Alabama, Florida, and LSU at Neyland Stadium.

The episode continues with veteran journalist Jimmy Hyams, who provides a comprehensive update on the success of Tennessee’s spring sports. They celebrate a historic milestone for the Lady Vols golf team, which captured its first-ever SEC Championship after entering the tournament as an underdog. Hyams also recaps the 2026 NFL Draft, highlighting the five Volunteers selected—including Jermod McCoy to the Raiders and Colton Hood—as part of a record-breaking year that saw 87 SEC players drafted. Finally, the segment touches on the diamond sports’ performance against Alabama and the basketball program's roster adjustments following Nate Ament's NBA Draft declaration.

In this episode of Big Orange Sunday, host Coach Doug Mathews takes listeners into "Realville" to analyze the shifting landscape of University of Tennessee football following the conclusion of spring practice. Mathews details the impact of the new 105-scholarship limit and predicts that the transfer portal will likely lead to an annual roster turnover of approximately 40%. He notes that the 2026 squad currently features only 18 players in their final year of eligibility, while the program is simultaneously breaking records by offering 18 in-state high school prospects for the 2027 recruiting class. The discussion also looks ahead to a favorable 2026 home schedule that includes high-stakes matchups against Alabama, Florida, and LSU at Neyland Stadium.
The episode continues with veteran journalist Jimmy Hyams, who provides a comprehensive update on the success of Tennessee&rsquo;s spring sports. They celebrate a historic milestone for the Lady Vols golf team, which captured its first-ever SEC Championship after entering the tournament as an underdog. Hyams also recaps the 2026 NFL Draft, highlighting the five Volunteers selected&mdash;including Jermod McCoy to the Raiders and Colton Hood&mdash;as part of a record-breaking year that saw 87 SEC players drafted. Finally, the segment touches on the diamond sports&rsquo; performance against Alabama and the basketball program's roster adjustments following Nate Ament's NBA Draft declaration.

Former University of Tennessee coordinator Doug Mathews brings you the latest news and analysis every weekend on 104-5 The Zone. Find the show LIVE every Sunday morning at 8 AM and check out the full podcast right here every weekend.