Best Usa Today Network Tennessee Podcasts (2024)

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Tennessee baseball remains College World Series favorite, but which teams are top threats? 24:17

3d ago24:17

24:17

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, host…

1
Why Tony Vitello ranted about Tennessee baseball's success and a College World Series preview 30:06

8d ago30:06

30:06

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.…

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Why Tennessee baseball is equipped to win a national championship – for real this time 26:03

15d ago26:03

26:03

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 sup…

1
How Josh Heupel, Tennessee football avoid NCAA's transfer 'epidemic' 30:18

1M ago30:18

30:18

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 p…

1
Kim Caldwell's Lady Vols aren't ready for UConn – yet. Can she change that? 31:41

1M ago31:41

31:41

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 an…

1
Why Josh Heupel does (or doesn't) need to produce more NFL Draft picks at Tennessee 30:40

2M ago30:40

30:40

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 pro…

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6 burning Tennessee football questions after spring game, as transfer portal opens 38:02

2M ago38:02

38:02

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 enteri…

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Grading Lady Vols' hire of Kim Caldwell: Not an 'A,' but passing grade 37:38

2M ago37:38

37:38

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 Marsha…

1
Who should Lady Vols hire? Here are 6 swing-big options, plus a fallback plan 42:38

3M ago42:38

42:38

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 …

1
Tennessee basketball to Final Four? Maybe, but here's a case for Purdue or Creighton 27:11

3M ago27:11

27:11

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 …

1
How far will Tennessee basketball go in March Madness? Our experts picks are in 26:45

3M ago26:45

26:45

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 …

1
Why winning SEC Tournament does (and doesn't) matter to Tennessee basketball 20:34

3M ago20:34

20:34

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 c…

1
4 Tennessee football storylines to monitor during Vols' spring practice 28:49

4M ago28:49

28:49

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 t…

1
What's the most important game on Tennessee football schedule? You can probably guess 34:34

4M ago34:34

34:34

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 …

1
Why Tennessee basketball is built for March Madness. Hint: Dalton Knecht 24:28

4M ago24:28

24:28

Is this finally the year Tennessee basketball makes a Final Four? We've wondered that about previous Rick Barnes teams, but Barnes has never advanced past the Sweet 16 with the Vols. That history suggests that Tennessee, despite its No. 5 national ranking and 20-6 record, is just teasing a hungry fan base before another postseason disappointment. B…

1
How Tennessee football can use NCAA investigation as a recruiting pitch 32:09

4M ago32:09

32:09

Maybe this is the NCAA’s way of doing Tennessee a favor. UT officials have decried the NCAA’s latest investigation into the Tennessee Vols, but if you think about it, the Vols can use this to their advantage. Tennessee’s response to this investigation can be loosely summarized as: Rules? What rules? Let’s make some deals. Sounds like a start to a r…

1
In Tennessee vs. NCAA lawsuit, here's what's coming next and what to expect 30:58

4M ago30:58

30:58

Round 1 went to the NCAA. A more important Round 2 is set to be decided next week. Tennessee's legal clash with the NCAA is continuing to play out in the courtroom, and the state's attorney general doesn't seem too demoralized that a judge did not grant a temporary restraining order this week that would have halted the NCAA's NIL guidelines. That's…

1
Who is in greater danger: Tennessee football or the NCAA? 26:56

5M ago26:56

26:56

Tennessee is under NCAA investigation. Again. This time, the investigation involves potential violations to the NCAA’s flimsy NIL guidelines. And, this time, Tennessee is fighting back. UT Chancellor Donde Plowman has her elbows sharpened for this fight, and so does Vols AD Danny White. Perhaps more importantly, the Tennessee attorney general, Jona…

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Four things we think after George MacIntyre's commitment to Tennessee football 27:44

5M ago27:44

27:44

Tennessee football has its quarterback of its present and of its future. His name is Nico Iamaleava. And now, Tennessee appears to have its next quarterback of the future. His name is George MacIntyre. MacIntyre, a five-star prospect from Brentwood Academy, committed to Tennessee this week. He’s one of the nation’s best quarterback prospects and a …

1
Which SEC team benefits most from Nick Saban's retirement? From Georgia to Tennessee 33:01

5M ago33:01

33:01

From Knoxville to Auburn and SEC football locales throughout the South, fans can rejoice in Nick Saban's retirement. Saban was especially hard on Tennessee. He went 16-1 against the Vols as Alabama's coach. Josh Heupel, in 2022, became the first UT coach to beat Saban's Tide. Alabama hired an accomplished coach in Kalen DeBoer, but it nonetheless m…

1
What we expect of Tennessee football in 2024 after Nico Iamaleava's first start 35:20

5M ago35:20

35:20

Expectations are climbing for Tennessee’s 2024 season after Nico Iamaleava’s smashing success in his first career start in a bowl victory against Iowa. The freshman smoothly operated Tennessee’s offense while showing his athleticism as a runner during the Vols’ 35-0 victory. With Iamaleava’s performance still on the brain, there’s now chatter of Te…

1
Several Tennessee Vols are transferring. Is the sky falling on Josh Heupel? 30:03

6M ago30:03

30:03

Look up to see that the sky is not falling. It's still up there. Several Tennessee players are beelining for the transfer portal. That might seem unnerving. Look around, though, and you'll see this is happening at programs across the country. This exodus is not a UT problem. It's simply a reflection of the state of college football, where immediate…

1
Here are Tennessee football's biggest needs to address in transfer portal 33:02

7M ago33:02

33:02

The transfer portal is open, and Tennessee needs to do a little holiday shopping. The Vols have legitimate needs to address for 2024. Defensive backs? Wide receivers? A tight end? Some offensive linemen? A backup quarterback? If the Vols are feeling gluttonous, they could do some big spending in the transfer market. On today's episode, hosts Blake …

1
Why Tennessee football should want to face North Carolina in Gator Bowl, not NC State 39:07

7M ago39:07

39:07

If the Gator Bowl is to be Tennessee football's postseason path, then let the opponent be North Carolina. The Vols (8-4) will learn their bowl destination on Sunday. Most of the prominent projections have identified Tennessee as being earmarked for the Gator Bowl in Jacksonville, against either UNC (8-4) or North Carolina State (9-3). Tennessee las…

1
Here's the 6-step plan to fixing Tennessee football's offense – including Nico Iamaleava 33:46

7M ago33:46

33:46

Tennessee football requires a recalibration of its offense in the offseason. A unit that led the nation in scoring in 2022 is pretty pedestrian this season. And Josh Heupel's teams aren't built to succeed with pedestrian offenses. Offense must fuel the Vols' success. In Nico Iamaleava, we trust? Well, sort of. Better quarterback play is needed in 2…

1
Can we call this Tennessee football season a bust? Let's hold off on that – for now 30:45

7M ago30:45

30:45

Tennessee football's crowning achievement 10 games into the season is a win at Kentucky. What's that say? Well, it's not a success story. But, can this season fairly be labeled a bust? The Vols (7-3, 3-3 SEC) entered the season with a preseason No. 12 ranking and the momentum of an 11-win campaign that included an Orange Bowl triumph. It didn't tak…

1
Tennessee's bowl projections: Vols probably are headed to a Florida bowl, but which one? 35:36

8M ago35:36

35:36

Tennessee football is likely headed to a Florida bowl game, but which one? And, does it matter? If we told you the Vols are bound for either the Citrus, Gator or ReliaQuest (formerly Outback) bowl, would you know which the SEC considers the most prestigious? (Answer: Citrus Bowl.) No. 12 Tennessee's best path to the Citrus Bowl involves beating No.…

1
Here's how often we expect Tennessee Vols to make a 12-team College Football Playoff 35:53

8M ago35:53

35:53

Wednesday’s reveal of the first College Football Playoff rankings served as a reminder of just how interesting – and deep – the playoff race will become next season. The Vols aren’t in the hunt for this year’s playoff, but the format will expand to 12 teams in 2024. If the 12-team playoff were here today, Tennessee would remain in contention for a …

1
Tennessee football road woes: Are Vols more in danger vs. Kentucky or Missouri? 40:52

8M ago40:52

40:52

Tennessee's road woes are looking more like reality than myth. Alabama rarely has been more beatable during Nick Saban's tenure than it was Saturday at Bryant-Denny Stadium. The Vols owned the first half. They were up by two scores at halftime, and their domination was more lopsided than that. And then Tennessee experienced an all-systems failure i…

1
The curious case of Tennessee football and Joe Milton: When should the Vols consider a change? 34:32

8M ago34:32

34:32

Josh Heupel's teams usually win because of their offense. These Tennessee Vols win in spite of their offense – at least, that was the case against Texas A&M. The Vols' defense fueled that victory. But, can Tennessee expect its defense to carry the day against Alabama? Usually, dynamite quarterback performances and a high-scoring opponent are requir…

1
Who has the better football program, Tennessee or Texas A&M? 29:04

9M ago29:04

29:04

Tennessee and Texas A&M are two programs that enjoy a lot of advantages and frequently boast lofty expectations, while struggling to meet the bar of what is capable. In some ways, the programs are similar, and that's evident in the win-loss column. Throughout the past 20 seasons, the Vols averaged seven wins. The Aggies averaged 7.4. The teams will…

1
What we think of Tennessee football after Vols beat South Carolina (and Kentucky beat Gators) 36:02

9M ago36:02

36:02

Good news for Tennessee: The Vols thrashed South Carolina, avenging their 2022 loss to the Gamecocks. Unsettling news for Tennessee: Kentucky dismantled Florida. How did the Vols look so bad against the Gators, and how will UT handle the Wildcats later this month? Good news for Tennessee: The Vols’ run game took off against South Carolina behind a …

1
Predicting Tennessee's record in this critical four-game stretch that begins with South Carolina 32:36

9M ago32:36

32:36

These next four games stand out as a defining swing stretch in Tennessee's season. South Carolina, then Texas A&M, Alabama and Kentucky await the Vols. Each of those games feels like something of a toss-up. Never mind that the Vols are a significant favorite against the Gamecocks according to sportsbooks. Spencer Rattler alone makes South Carolina …

1
We revised our Tennessee projections after Florida loss. Here's what we're thinking 35:42

9M ago35:42

35:42

We admit, we thought this time would be different. We're well aware of Tennessee's history in The Swamp, but much of that history came before Josh Heupel was coach. And much of that history came against Florida teams better than this one. So, yeah, we thought Tennessee would snap its losing streak in Gainesville that stretches to 2003. And stretche…

1
As Tennessee vs. Florida rivalry prepares to take a backseat, here's how much we'll miss it 41:24

9M ago41:24

41:24

Dial back the clock to the 1990s, and Tennessee-Florida ranked among college football's best rivalries. Phillip Fulmer vs. Steve Spurrier. Peyton Manning vs. Danny Wuerffel. The SEC East on the line. Pandemonium reigns. The rivalry isn't what it used to be, and the series never had the history of Alabama-Tennessee or Florida-Georgia. Still, No. 9 T…

1
Our Tennessee football predictions remain unchanged after Vols rout Virginia. Here's why 24:29

10M ago24:29

24:29

If you're majorly elevating your expectations for Tennessee football after its romp over Virginia, that suggests one of two things: Either you didn't expect much from the Vols initially, for some strange reason, or you're not understanding how bad Virginia is. That said, we certainly saw nothing from Tennessee in its 49-13 joyride Saturday in Nashv…

1
What we need to see from Tennessee football against Virginia 28:32

10M ago28:32

28:32

Virginia won three games last season, it was picked to finish last in the ACC this year, and the Cavaliers will start an FCS transfer at quarterback in its season opener against No. 10 Tennessee on Saturday in Nashville. No wonder the Vols are a 28½-point favorite. Josh Heupel’s teams are adept at steamrolling mediocre or meek opponents – anyone re…

1
Predicting Tennessee football's top performers for 2023 season 30:24

10M ago30:24

30:24

Tennessee football will have a new leading receiver this season and a new sacks leader. That much is guaranteed. But, what about rushing yards? Tackles? Will incumbents retain their place on the leaderboard, or will a new stat-stuffer emerge? Tennessee's season opener against Virginia is less than two weeks away, so we're winding down our final pre…

1
What we've learned about Tennessee football as preseason hits its midpoint 37:56

10M ago37:56

37:56

Tennessee football has found its starting left tackle, while the Vols search for stability on the interior of the offensive line. Hype is reaching a crescendo for quarterback Joe Milton, and Dont'e Thornton doesn’t lag far behind as the recipient of preseason hyperbole. And Tennessee’s cogs on defense are apparent. Those are a few things we’ve lear…

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What it means for Tennessee football, Josh Heupel to be ranked in preseason top 10 28:21

11M ago28:21

28:21

Tennessee football will open the season as a preseason top-10 team for the first time since 2016. The Vols are ranked No. 10 in the USA TODAY AFCA coaches’ poll. This nod from the coaches speaks to the momentum building within a Tennessee program coming off of its first 11-win season since 2001. On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer and John Ad…

1
5 burning questions for Tennessee football entering preseason practice 30:22

11M ago30:22

30:22

The Vols are back – on the practice field. Tennessee's encore to an 11-2 season begins to take shape this week, when preseason workouts begin. Does Tennessee have the pieces to repeat 11 wins? That's a tall order, but a third straight bowl appearance should be in store, and the Vols are well-positioned to stay No. 2 in the SEC East pecking order, b…

1
3 reasons to think Tennessee's Joe Milton will be a star (and why it's OK to be skeptical) 30:07

11M ago30:07

30:07

Joe Milton has a band of believers. Despite starting just two games last season, Milton earned third-team preseason All-SEC quarterback recognition. Milton's honor roll spot is a credit to his performance in an Orange Bowl victory against Clemson, along with his steady hand as Tennessee's backup quarterback until Hendon Hooker injured his knee in N…

1
NCAA verdict is in. Vols can rejoice, while Jeremy Pruitt gets kneecapped. Here's what to know 31:10

11M ago31:10

31:10

Two and a half years after Tennessee fired Jeremy Pruitt for cause, the NCAA released its verdict Friday after an investigation into a sloppy recruiting scandal. For Tennessee, it's good news. The Vols were hit with a few penalties, including an $8 million fine, but spared the dreaded postseason ban. For Pruitt, the sanctions included a six-year sh…

1
Where should Tennessee's Josh Heupel rank in list of SEC coaches? Ahead of Lane Kiffin? 36:07

11M ago36:07

36:07

An 11-win season sure did a lot to change the perception – not to mention the compensation – of Tennessee coach Josh Heupel. This time a year ago, some offseason lists had Heupel pegged in the bottom half of their ranking of SEC coaches. There was an explanation for that. Heupel had just one season of Power Five coaching experience – the Vols finis…

1
Fact or fiction: Tennessee football's biggest game in 2023 is against Florida ... or Texas A&M? 43:58

12M ago43:58

43:58

Hendon Hooker's 2022 season ranks among the best single-year performances ever by a Tennessee quarterback. Hooker threw for 3,135 yards and finished fifth in Heisman Trophy voting. Josh Heupel's track record says it can happen again. UCF's Dillon Gabriel and Missouri's Drew Lock also had big seasons in Heupel's offense. Next into the 3,000 club ...…

1
What Tennessee baseball must do to make deep College World Series run 25:51

1y ago25:51

25:51

Tennessee baseball's triumph in three games over Southern Miss in an NCAA super regional showed the blueprint for how the Vols can stick around at the College World Series. The Vols' leaned on their pitching depth to carry them past USM. Drew Beam came up aces as the Game 3 starter, and Chase Burns slammed the door. Tennessee will need that all-aro…

1
Imagining what Tennessee football's 2024 SEC schedule could look like 31:13

1y ago31:13

31:13

Football schedules within the SEC will feature eight conference games in 2024. Divisions will be a thing of the past, replaced by a unified 16-team conference. The SEC will keep rivalries in mind when devising schedules. Beyond that, specifics are unclear. The 2024 schedules for all SEC teams, including Tennessee, will be unveiled June 14. In the m…

1
How Danny White plans to make Tennessee Vols the height of entertainment 31:29

1y ago31:29

31:29

University of Tennessee plans to build a hotel, restaurants, retail stores and more in what it calls the Neyland Entertainment District. Entertainment districts have become popular for pro sports teams like the Atlanta Braves, Los Angeles Lakers, Chicago Cubs and Green Bay Packers. But, UT will be among the first to build one on a college campus. T…

1
Why Tennessee baseball must be taken seriously as a College World Series hopeful 27:02

1y ago27:02

27:02

Where is the Tennessee baseball starting pitching staff that was promised? The Vols opened 2023 with hopes of reaching the College World Series. That was tied to the prospect of a starting rotation mowing down opponents. Three months into the season, that's not materializing. Still, the Vols are a dangerous team with the talent to reach Omaha. On t…

1
Takeaways from Tennessee Vols' good showing in the NFL Draft 28:51

1y ago28:51

28:51

The Tennessee Titans had a chance to keep Hendon Hooker within a state that fell in love with him but passed in favor of Will Levis. Still, the Titans' biggest mistake was their aversion to selecting wide receivers. Meanwhile, Hooker went to the Detroit Lions in Round 3, highlighting a strong NFL Draft class for the Tennessee Vols. On today's episo…

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