Best USA TODAY NETWORK Tennessee Podcasts (2024)

1
These teams could help Tennessee get into College Football Playoff 45:44

2h ago45:44

45:44

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 odd…

1
Is Tennessee headed for Georgia ambush with Nico Iamaleava injury or big win? 30:43

2d ago30:43

30:43

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…

1
CFP selection committee likes Tennessee football. Will it last? 50:57

7d ago50:57

50:57

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 …

1
Here’s who Tennessee fans should root against in College Football Playoff race 45:24

22d ago45:24

45:24

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…

1
These five SEC teams could threaten Tennessee football’s playoff bid 26:07

29d ago26:07

26:07

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 pret…

1
Is Tennessee football facing playoff elimination game against Alabama? 34:11

1M ago34:11

34:11

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…

1
Here’s what is wrong with Tennessee offense and why it matters vs Florida 46:14

1M ago46:14

46:14

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 di…

1
How Tim Banks turned Tennessee football fans from critics to staunch supporters 41:20

2M ago41:20

41:20

After three years of Tennessee fans wanting to run Tim Banks out of town, he’s got the No. 1 defense in college football.By USA TODAY NETWORK - Tennessee

1
Why we're taking Tennessee football seriously as a national championship contender 28:07

2M ago28:07

28:07

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…

1
Why Tennessee vs. Oklahoma is bigger for Brent Venables than Josh Heupel 38:36

2M ago38:36

38:36

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 bef…

1
Can't get no respect: Why Tennessee football still gets snubbed in rankings 34:45

2M ago34:45

34:45

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 un…

1
We're talking Vols' Nico Iamaleava as 'Heismanaleava,' but are we overreacting? 24:35

3M ago24:35

24:35

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 a…

1
Why it's College Football Playoff or bust for Tennessee Vols. And 9-3 won't cut it 29:38

3M ago29:38

29:38

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 dr…

1
Three burning questions as Tennessee football winds down preseason practice 34:13

3M ago34:13

34:13

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 ot…

1
What Tennessee football's branding deal with Pilot Corporation means for Neyland Stadium 33:12

3M ago33:12

33:12

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…

1
What do big University of Tennessee changes mean for the rest of Knoxville? 20:31

3M ago20:31

20:31

The proposed Neyland Entertainment District, shake-ups at WUTK and new public parking spaces. It's safe to say the University of Tennessee at Knoxville is at a turning point. Staying on top of it all is higher education reporter Keenan Thomas, who joins host Ryan Wilusz on this week's episode to discuss the biggest changes the campus community shou…

1
What Josh Heupel's recruiting hot streak means for Tennessee football 33:38

4M ago33:38

33:38

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 natio…

1
A most unusual trip to cover Todd Helton's Hall of Fame induction via plane, train, automobile 28:55

4M ago28:55

28:55

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 enshr…

1
Why Paul Finebaum is all in on Tennessee football – but we aren't quite there 37:18

4M ago37:18

37:18

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 prospec…

1
What are the best places to sing karaoke in Knoxville? 22:20

4M ago22:20

22:20

Whether you have the voice of an angel or require a little liquid courage before taking the stage, karaoke is always a fun option for a night out, and Knoxville has plenty of options. Knox News reporter Allie Feinberg joins host Ryan Wilusz to discuss their recent visits to some of the most popular karaoke destinations in town. They talk about what…

1
Is McKay's in Knoxville (THAT McKay's) the Buc-ee's of used book stores? 22:12

4M ago22:12

22:12

The left turn into and out of the Knoxville McKay's used books and record store on Papermill Drive is a headache on a normal day. But when the store celebrated its 50th anniversary July 9 with an all-day, prize-filled road trip to five locations in Tennessee and North Carolina, traffic was exacerbated − and some got more than they bargained for. Gr…

1
Greg McElroy hypes Nico Iamaleava’s Heisman Trophy campaign. Is Tennessee quarterback deserving? 34:37

4M ago34:37

34:37

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. T…

1
Why Tennessee football should brace for disrespect at SEC media days 28:09

4M ago28:09

28:09

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…

1
Which Tennessee team will be next to win national title? Why Vols basketball is best bet 27:15

5M ago27:15

27:15

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…

1
How did Knox News capture the College World Series behind the scenes? 21:58

5M ago21:58

21:58

The world was watching June 24 as Tennessee defeated Texas A&M to capture its first national title in the baseball program's history. Behind the scenes and on the field, Knox News was tirelessly working to capture the biggest moments during the Vols' quest for gold. Brianna Paciorka, visual journalist at Knox News and producer of "The Scruffy Stuff…

1
Scruffy Rewind: What's on your downtown Knoxville summer bucket list? 18:05

5M ago18:05

18:05

FROM MAY 14, 2024: There's nothing quite like springtime in Knoxville ... except for summertime. OK, fall and winter are awesome too. Knoxville has plenty to offer any time of year, from mouth-watering bars and restaurants to family-friendly festivals to natural amenities like the Urban Wilderness. But with summer quickly approaching, hosts Ryan Wi…

1
Tennessee baseball remains College World Series favorite, but which teams are top threats? 24:17

5M 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

5M 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.…

1
What questions does a Bonnaroo first-timer have for a veteran festivalgoer? 23:38

5M ago23:38

23:38

It's Bonnaroo week, one of the most magical times of year for Knox News journalist Ryan Wilusz, host of this week's episode of "The Scruffy Stuff." Ryan is joined by photographer Hanna Mattix, who is attending the Manchester, Tennessee, music festival for the first time this year. For Ryan, it will be his 10th trip to The Farm as a fan. Listen as H…

1
Why Tennessee baseball is equipped to win a national championship – for real this time 26:03

6M 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
After months of battling, who finally won the Band Eat Band competition? 11:56

6M ago11:56

11:56

Since September, Knox News journalist and co-host of "The Scruffy Stuff" Ryan Wilusz has devoted Thursday nights to judging the bracket-style competition known as Band Eat Band, first at Scruffy City Hall and then at Asylum 801. The West-family competition paid performers and donated to local charities, including Knox News' own Empty Stocking Fund,…

1
Scruffy Rewind: Downtown Knoxville patio power rankings (part two) 42:13

6M ago42:13

42:13

From May 23, 2023: For fun under the sun, downtown Knoxville has plenty of patios to offer. And as the weather keeps getting warmer, our thirst keeps getting stronger for outdoor spaces to enjoy drinks and food. Host Ryan Wilusz, along with producer Brianna Paciorka and higher education reporter Keenan Thomas, average their individual scores to det…

1
Scruffy Rewind: Downtown Knoxville patio power rankings (part one) 31:36

6M ago31:36

31:36

FROM MAY 16, 2023: For fun under the sun, downtown Knoxville has plenty of patios to offer. And as the weather keeps getting warmer, our thirst keeps getting stronger for outdoor spaces to enjoy drinks and food. Host Ryan Wilusz, along with producer Brianna Paciorka and higher education reporter Keenan Thomas, average their individual scores to det…

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

6M 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
What's on your downtown Knoxville summer bucket list? 18:05

6M ago18:05

18:05

There's nothing quite like springtime in Knoxville ... except for summertime. OK, fall and winter are awesome too. Knoxville has plenty to offer any time of year, from mouth-watering bars and restaurants to family-friendly festivals to natural amenities like the Urban Wilderness. But with summer quickly approaching, hosts Ryan Wilusz and Brianna Pa…

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

7M 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
Adeem the Artist celebrates and sings 'Anniversary' ahead of Knoxville show 35:40

7M ago35:40

35:40

Adeem the Artist dropped their highly anticipated follow-up to "White Trash Revelry" on May 3, and we can't stop listening! The appropriately titled album, "Anniversary," released the same day they celebrated 10 years of marriage with local artist High Five Hannie. Adeem joins "The Scruffy Stuff" to talk about their family's journey amid newfound f…

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

7M 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…

1
How could a controversial high-rise change the look of downtown Knoxville? 23:23

7M ago23:23

23:23

A proposed high-rise along the Tennessee River would be one of the first things people see when entering downtown from the south, but the design is still up for debate. While developers have expressed to stakeholders the challenges of building on a sloped riverside site, the Design Review Board wants them to go back to the drawing board to brainsto…

1
Is Kern's Food Hall living up to expectation in South Knoxville? 18:05

7M ago18:05

18:05

While it took a while for Kern's Food Hall to finally open, it didn't take long for people to begin exploring the property in packs – enjoying sushi and pizza from vendors, sipping on rooftop drinks, and shopping for flowers, clothes and artsy paper goods. Take it from this week's co-hosts, Ryan Wilusz and Brianna Paciorka, who visited on a Thursda…

1
6 burning Tennessee football questions after spring game, as transfer portal opens 38:02

7M 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…

1
How could Asylum 801 take Knoxville to new heights? 32:55

7M ago32:55

32:55

Orson Welles has nothing on the far-fetched story inspiring a new out-of-this-world nightclub in the newly established Asylum District that could expand what people consider the boundaries of downtown Knoxville. The tall tale, from the mind of owner Scott West, goes like this: Rogue doctors from Oak Ridge recently hauled an extraterrestrial artifac…

1
Grading Lady Vols' hire of Kim Caldwell: Not an 'A,' but passing grade 37:38

7M 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

8M 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
How was Knox News able to break this major Beyoncé news? 21:40

8M ago21:40

21:40

Before you read about it on CBS News or even our own USA TODAY, Knox News was first to report that a Dolly Parton and Beyoncé collaboration could be happening as part of the latter's album "Cowboy Carter." How did we know? Trending news reporter Devarrick Turner straight-up asked Parton during a Dollywood interview, and she seemed eager to spill th…

1
How will new bike paths, parks and technology 'reconnect' Knoxville? 15:45

8M ago15:45

15:45

For the first time in a long time, East Knoxville residents cut off from downtown through the demolition of mostly Black neighborhoods in the 1960s and '70s will be able to move more easily throughout the city to take advantage of new amenities, new infrastructure and new job opportunities. But amending the generational pains of urban removal, tout…

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

8M 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

8M 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
What should you know before heading to Big Ears Festival 2024? 13:15

8M ago13:15

13:15

It’s not just the eclectic and distinguished lineup that sets Big Ears Festival apart in 2024. It’s the host city of Knoxville, Tennessee, that pairs Southern charm with world sounds to present a festival that’s more comfortable than most, with world-class venues that are closer than what most other cities can offer. Listen as Ryan Wilusz and Brian…

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

8M 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…

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