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-held assumptions about the 2026 Vols with contrarian takes.

Is Tennessee&rsquo;s schedule really that difficult? Would Josh Heupel&rsquo;s offense actually miss a beat just because it has a young quarterback? Adam Sparks and John Adams challenge widely-held assumptions about the 2026 Vols with contrarian takes.

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.

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.

A Tennessee Vols podcast from the USA TODAY NETWORK - Tennessee.

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.

Why Tennessee football will be better – or worse – than we think

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 head to South Carolina, hoping that history won’t repeat itself.

Is it too early to talk about Tennessee&rsquo;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 head to South Carolina, hoping that history won&rsquo;t repeat itself.

Does beating Alabama pave way for Tennessee playoff run?

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 be good enough to beat Alabama?

Did George MacIntyre earn a second start? Adam Sparks and John Adams review the quarterback&rsquo;s performance against Arkansas. Plus, what&rsquo;s wrong with Tennessee&rsquo;s offense? And can it be good enough to beat Alabama?

George MacIntyre’s first start and previewing Alabama game

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 management and the long-term ramifications.

Read more here: https://www.knoxnews.com/story/sports/college/university-of-tennessee/football/2026/10/05/tennessee-qb-faizon-brandon-george-macintyre-josh-heupel/92030628007/

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&rsquo;s QB management and the long-term ramifications.
Read more here: https://www.knoxnews.com/story/sports/college/university-of-tennessee/football/2026/10/05/tennessee-qb-faizon-brandon-george-macintyre-josh-heupel/92030628007/

Why Tennessee football will be better – or worse – than we think

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