Rephonic
Artwork for The Volunteer State
Tennessee Football
Tennessee Volunteers
Josh Heupel
SEC
Transfer Portal
College Football Playoff
Tennessee Vols
Nico Iamaleava
NIL
Tennessee Volunteers Football
NCAA
Tennessee
Alabama
Joey Aguilar
Georgia
Tennessee Baseball
Georgia Bulldogs
NCAA Tournament
University Of Tennessee
Tim Banks

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.

PublishesMonthlyEpisodes100Founded9 years ago
Number of ListenersCategory
Sports

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Artwork for The Volunteer State

Latest Episodes

Did Tennessee baseball go into a minor slump in 2026? Or is this the reality in the post-Tony Vitello era? Adam Sparks and John Adams break down Josh Elander’s first season and where the program goes from here.

Why has Faizon Brandon supposedly pulled ahead in Tennessee QB competition? Adam Sparks and John Adams separate fact from fiction. Plus, is it time to believe that Josh Elander can get Vols baseball back to Omaha, eventually?

Should Tennessee fans prefer a 24-team playoff? Adam Sparks breaks down the pros and cons of expanding the CFP. Plus, the latest on the Neyland Entertainment District.

Is the seat hot or comfortably cold for Tennessee coaches? From Kim Caldwell to Rick Barnes and more, it’s a wide range. Adam Sparks and John Adams break down their situations in an offseason vibe check.

Key Facts

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Hosts

Adam Sparks
Tennessee beat writer and host, frequently covering Tennessee football for the Knoxville News Sentinel.
John Adams
Co-host and Knoxville News Sentinel columnist, known for in-depth Tennessee athletics analysis.

Reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars from 84 ratings
  • Dig a little deeper

    The conversation about Heupel’s shortcomings in the transfer portal and Elarbee’s preference for veterans just ignored Lance Heard’s addition last year. Also, Jerrod McCoy, Andre Turpentine, Keenan Pili and JaVonta Payton were all Heupel transfers. Not bad if you ask me.🤔

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    VB Vol fan
    United Statesa year ago
  • These hosts sit down to pee

    If you want to listen to two effeminate guys give horrible uninformed opinions on your favorite team, this is the POD for you!

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    FckPOF
    United States4 years ago
  • Great podcast

    I enjoy the discussion and banter between Blake and John. Helps keep me connected to my beloved Vols when time is limited. Thanks guys! Keep up the great work in all that you do!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Yojimbodjd
    United States5 years ago
  • In Regular Rotation

    I listen to a handful of podcasts and this one is always in my regular rotation. Not just reporting on Tennessee Football but they add creative spins such as guessing odds, mock drafts, and rankings. Where else can you get your Tennessee fix from a multi-published author and text group entrepreneur.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Love the Logo
    United States5 years ago
  • Great podcast

    I enjoy John Adams. I know he has the ability to get under the skin of some vol fans, but historically he’s been on the right side of most debates. I highly recommended.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    bobvol1868
    United States5 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Hosts have great chemistry and bring valuable context for Vols fans.
Some listeners love the banter but there are critical opinions of one host's approach.
The show delivers strong Tennessee football insight with credible, data-backed takes.

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Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Boo Carter’s exit and Tennessee anxiety over Florida game
Q: Will Boo Carter's dismissal impact Josh Heupel's future judgment with other players?
While it may draw criticism related to roster management, most agree that this particular situation had valid reasons behind it.
Boo Carter’s exit and Tennessee anxiety over Florida game
Q: What reasons should Tennessee fans have to think Tennessee can win this week?
Mainly because Florida is struggling as a three-win team this season, and Tennessee has shown they can start well in games, thus giving them a chance in the Swamp.
Tennessee vibe check for Alabama game, from Josh Heupel to defense
Q: What do you think is the state of Tennessee's defense going into the Alabama game?
Tennessee's defense is struggling, particularly in the secondary, due to injuries and inexperience, but they have the talent to improve.
Tennessee vibe check for Alabama game, from Josh Heupel to defense
Q: Was Josh Heupel too conservative in the Arkansas game?
The hosts believe Heupel's play calling was more significant in previous games like Georgia and Mississippi State, but in the Arkansas game, it wasn't as crucial; however, fans feel it was too conservative.
Why Tennessee, Joey Aguilar impressed us so much to start 2025
Q: Do you think there's an issue with the wide receivers, or did you at least like the first impression you got from those guys?
I thought the wide receivers played better than expected, getting open more effectively than they did against previous opponents.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About The Volunteer State

What is The Volunteer State about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A Tennessee-focused sports show that blends in-depth analysis of Volunteers football with skepticism of coaching decisions, NIL dynamics, and transfer portal impact. Episodes frequently cover quarterback battles, schedule changes, and broader SEC implications, while also touching on fan sentiment around facilities, community projects, and major program developments. The hosts often mix data-driven observations with candid banter, aiming to help listeners understand how coaching, recruiting, and organizational decisions shape a volatile college football landscape. A standout trait is the willingness to compare current Tennessee stories to historical eras, plus a willingness to challenge consensus when warranted, making it helpful for fans, s... more

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Which podcasts are similar to The Volunteer State?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Volunteer State:

1. GoVols247: A Tennessee Volunteers athletics podcast
2. Volquest.com
3. Locked On Vols - Daily Podcast On Tennessee Volunteers Football & Basketball
4. RTI Press Pass
5. Brent Hubbs on SportsTalk

How many episodes of The Volunteer State are there?

The Volunteer State launched 9 years ago and published 100 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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