A to Z Sports Podcast Network

Tennessee heads to College Station for a massive SEC matchup with Texas A&M, and the Vols may have the perfect matchup to win this game. The latest Big Orange Podcast previews Tennessee vs. Texas A&M with special guest Austin Stanley, who also shares an unforgettable story from the last time Tennessee played at College Station in 2016. Austin tells the story of getting unexpectedly punched at a bar before Tennessee's triple-overtime classic against Texas A&M, leaving him with a broken tooth, a scar on his nose and one of the strangest Tennessee road-trip stories imaginable. But the guys eventually get down to business. Tennessee appears to be the better football team, particularly on defense. Texas A&M has struggled to score consistently this season. The Aggies managed 450 yards against South Carolina without scoring a touchdown, and they've averaged only around 16 points per game against SEC opponents. That's a major problem against a Tennessee defense that has been one of the best units in the conference.…

Could Tennessee have a legitimate Heisman Trophy contender?Desean Bishop is already making the case.The latest Big Orange Podcast breaks down Tennessee's dominant fourth-quarter performance against Kentucky, the continued emergence of Desean Bishop, and why the Tennessee running back may have a legitimate path to the Heisman Trophy stage.Bishop just recorded his second straight 1,000-yard season, reaching the milestone with three games still remaining.And he's doing it as one of the most important players on a Tennessee team that is getting better at exactly the right time.The Vols were locked in a tight game with Kentucky for three quarters before completely taking over late. Tennessee physically wore the Wildcats down, dominated the fourth quarter and showed the benefits of an offseason focused on strength, conditioning and physicality.Charlie Burris and Zach Ragan discuss why that development could be incredibly important for Tennessee's playoff push.The offense is also continuing to evolve.Tennessee has…

Tennessee has a MASSIVE opportunity against No. 6 Kentucky.The latest Big Orange Podcast previews the biggest Tennessee-Kentucky matchup in years and explains why this game could have major consequences for the Vols' College Football Playoff hopes.Kentucky entered the season as a team Tennessee wasn't expected to fear, but the Wildcats have climbed all the way to No. 6 in the latest College Football Playoff rankings.Tennessee sits at No. 13.That means the Vols have a chance to do something extremely important on Saturday night: beat a top-10 team and dramatically improve their playoff résumé.Charlie Burris and Zach Ragan discuss why this game is much bigger than a typical Kentucky game.Tennessee still has to win out to control its playoff destiny, but a victory over Kentucky could put the Vols into the same conversation as Alabama and the other SEC contenders fighting for playoff positioning.The guys also break down why they believe Tennessee is the better football team.Kentucky has done an excellent job…

Kentucky is ranked No. 8 in the country. But are the Wildcats actually a top-10 team? The latest Big Orange Podcast breaks down Tennessee's massive matchup with Kentucky and asks whether the Wildcats are as good as their ranking suggests. Kentucky has put together an impressive résumé, with road wins over Texas A&M, South Carolina and Oklahoma, but Charlie Burris and Zach Ragan aren't convinced the Wildcats are truly one of the best teams in college football. The biggest reason? A lot of Kentucky's success has come down to extremely close games. The Wildcats needed a two-point conversion to beat South Carolina in overtime. They needed another two-point conversion to beat LSU. They also escaped several other close games before eventually losing to Vanderbilt. Remove those two-point conversions, and Kentucky's record — and national ranking — could look dramatically different. Tennessee, meanwhile, has a much better defense statistically. The Vols are currently No. 2 in the SEC in scoring defense, allowing just…

With Kentucky coming to Neyland, Heupel once again declined to publicly name the Vols' starting quarterback. George MacIntyre appears to be the obvious choice after taking over the job and helping Tennessee win multiple games, but Heupel continues to keep the situation unofficial.Charlie Burris and Zach Ragan break down why they believe Heupel may actually be doing this intentionally.One possibility is that Tennessee still needs Faizon Brandon.MacIntyre has played well enough to earn the starting job, but the Vols have four more games remaining in November and one injury could immediately put Brandon back on the field. Keeping Brandon engaged, confident and prepared could be extremely important for Tennessee's playoff push.The guys also discuss the psychological side of the quarterback situation.MacIntyre is still extremely young and has continued to improve every week. Naming him the unquestioned starter could potentially add pressure to a quarterback who is still developing, while leaving the job…

Tennessee isn't playing this weekend, but that doesn't mean Vols fans have nothing to watch.The latest Big Orange Podcast breaks down the biggest games Tennessee fans should be watching during the bye week and explains which teams the Vols should be rooting for as they continue to chase a spot in the College Football Playoff.With Tennessee sitting at 6-2, the results around the SEC could have a major impact on the Vols' playoff chances and potential seeding.Charlie Burris and Zach Ragan discuss several games that could directly affect Tennessee's postseason picture.One of the biggest games is Ole Miss vs. Auburn.The guys believe Tennessee fans should be rooting for Auburn because another loss for Ole Miss could eliminate one of the SEC's potential two-loss playoff contenders and make Tennessee's path much cleaner.They also discuss South Carolina vs. Oklahoma.Despite South Carolina being the team that just beat Tennessee, the Vols actually have a reason to root for the Gamecocks in this one. A South Carolina…

Tennessee's College Football Playoff hopes are NOT dead.The latest Big Orange Podcast breaks down the Vols' remaining path to the College Football Playoff using the new A to Z Sports College Football Playoff Predictor.Tennessee enters the bye week coming off the brutal loss to South Carolina, but the Vols still have a legitimate path to the postseason.The guys walk through every remaining Tennessee game and show how the team's playoff odds change depending on what happens.At the start of the episode, Tennessee has a 23% chance to make the College Football Playoff according to the predictor.Beat Kentucky, and that number jumps to 32%.Beat Texas A&M, and Tennessee's chances climb to 51% Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tennessee should have beaten South Carolina.That's the biggest takeaway from the latest Big Orange Podcast.Charlie Burris and Zach Ragan break down Tennessee's brutal loss at South Carolina and explain why the defeat shouldn't automatically be placed on Josh Heupel.The Vols fell behind 14-0 early, but responded by taking control of the game.Tennessee dominated much of the final 50 minutes, took a halftime lead, made strong adjustments and put itself in position to win the game late.In fact, Charlie and Zach believe it was one of Josh Heupel's better-coached road games at Tennessee.The problem was that the Vols couldn't finish.After controlling South Carolina for most of the afternoon, Tennessee had a chance to essentially end the game on a fourth-down play late in the fourth quarter.George MacIntyre failed to execute the handoff, resulting in a turnover on downs and giving South Carolina another opportunity.The Gamecocks eventually tied the game, and Tennessee's defense couldn't prevent LaNorris Sellers from…

Everyone is picking South Carolina against Tennessee.But are they making the same mistake everyone made before Tennessee's previous losses in Columbia?The latest Big Orange Podcast breaks down the Tennessee-South Carolina matchup and explains why the Vols may be much better equipped to avoid the trap this time around.Charlie Burris and Zach Ragan discuss Tennessee's first trip to Williams-Brice Stadium since the disastrous 2022 loss and explain why this year's team is fundamentally different.The Vols are 6-1 after beating Alabama, but they enter Columbia as 2.5-point underdogs.South Carolina has a strong home-field advantage, a talented roster and a defense that ranks among the better units in the SEC.But the guys believe the national narrative around this game may be driven too heavily by Tennessee's history in Columbia.In 2016, the Vols suffered a devastating loss at South Carolina.In 2022, Tennessee entered Columbia with College Football Playoff and SEC Championship aspirations before getting blown out by…

Is Tennessee's defense actually the best defense in America? The latest Big Orange Podcast takes a deep dive into Jim Knowles' remarkable first season as Tennessee's defensive coordinator and asks whether the Vols have developed the best defense in college football. Zach Ragan and Charlie Burris discuss the incredible transformation of Tennessee's defense and how far the unit has exceeded expectations entering the 2026 season. Before the season, the expectation was simply for Tennessee to improve. A top-40 defense would have been considered a major success. Instead, the Vols are now among the nation's statistical leaders in nearly every major defensive category. Tennessee ranks first nationally in sacks, second in explosive passes allowed, third in defensive efficiency, third in tackles for loss and third in fourth-down defense. The Vols also rank among the national leaders in limiting explosive plays, pass defense, scoring defense and takeaways. And the numbers don't even tell the entire story. Tennessee's…

Did Tennessee just find the formula it needs to win the rest of the season?The Vols dominated Alabama in Knoxville, and the latest Big Orange Podcast breaks down what Tennessee's win over the Crimson Tide revealed about this team.Charlie Burris and Zach Ragan discuss the biggest lessons from Tennessee's impressive victory, including the emergence of a new offensive identity, the continued improvement of the offensive line and the importance of complementary football.Tennessee didn't need to score 40 or 50 points to beat Alabama.Instead, the Vols methodically moved the football, controlled the line of scrimmage and repeatedly ran the ball against the Crimson Tide.That was one of the most encouraging developments of the entire season.After weeks of questions about Tennessee's offense and whether the Vols could consistently move the football against elite SEC competition, Tennessee put together one of its most complete offensive performances of the season.The offensive line deserves a huge amount of…

Can the Tennessee Vols beat Alabama for the third straight time in Knoxville?Charlie Burris and Zach Ragan break down the biggest matchup of the season on the latest Big Orange Podcast and explain exactly what Tennessee needs to do to pull off the upset against the Crimson Tide.The Vols enter the game as 7.5-point home underdogs, but Tennessee has a legitimate path to winning.The biggest key is obvious: the defense has to play like the defense we've seen throughout the season.Jim Knowles' unit has been one of the biggest reasons for optimism around Tennessee, and the guys believe the Vols can hold Alabama around 20 points if everything goes right.That would put the pressure on Tennessee's offense to simply score enough to win.George MacIntyre will make his first start against Alabama, and the young quarterback could be the biggest variable in the game.MacIntyre played well enough at Arkansas to give Tennessee confidence, but Alabama is a completely different challenge. He cannot make the same mistakes he…

The Tennessee Vols have a massive quarterback decision to make before Alabama, and the latest Big Orange Podcast has a bold idea: why not use both George McIntyre and Faizon Brandon?Charlie Burris and Zach Ragan break down Tennessee's quarterback situation after George McIntyre led the Vols to a win at Arkansas and explain why they believe McIntyre should start against Alabama, even if Brandon is healthy.McIntyre has now won both of his SEC games as Tennessee's quarterback and took another step forward against Arkansas. He made several important throws, handled pressure and helped Tennessee escape Fayetteville with its first win there since 2001.That matters heading into Alabama.The guys believe McIntyre has earned the right to start against the Crimson Tide, particularly because he now has more SEC game experience than Brandon and has spent the past two games operating Tennessee's offense.But that doesn't mean Tennessee should completely abandon Faizon Brandon.Brandon's biggest strength right now may be his…

The Tennessee Vols are 5-1, but the latest Big Orange Podcast asks whether the current state of the program is actually good enough.Zach Ragan and Charlie Burris discuss the growing debate among Tennessee fans after the Vols escaped Arkansas and look at the bigger questions surrounding Josh Heupel, the offense and Tennessee's roster construction.Tennessee finally won in Fayetteville for the first time since 2001, but the victory did little to quiet concerns about the offense.That has created a split among Tennessee fans.Some believe the Vols are 5-1, ranked in the top 15 and still firmly in the College Football Playoff race, so fans should simply enjoy the wins. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

George MacIntyre gets the biggest opportunity of his young career when Tennessee travels to Fayetteville to take on Arkansas.In the latest Big Orange Podcast, Charlie Burris and Zach Ragan preview Tennessee vs. Arkansas and explain why this game could tell us a lot about the future of the Vols' quarterback position.MacIntyre is reportedly set to make his first SEC start after replacing Faizon Brandon against Auburn. Brandon is listed as questionable, and while Tennessee could potentially see him return, the biggest storyline heading into Arkansas is MacIntyre.He looked composed against Auburn, but this will be completely different.MacIntyre has spent the entire week preparing as Tennessee's starting quarterback. He'll be responsible for executing the game plan from the opening snap, rather than entering a game after the starter has struggled.Charlie and Zach discuss why that distinction matters and why Arkansas provides MacIntyre with an opportunity to really show what he can do.One of the biggest questions…

The Tennessee Vols can still make the College Football Playoff, and the reason might be the best defense Josh Heupel has had during his time in Knoxville.Charlie Burris and Zach Ragan recalibrate their expectations for Tennessee after the Vols' win over Auburn and explain why this team still has a legitimate path to the playoff.The biggest reason for optimism is Jim Knowles' defense.Tennessee's defense has been outstanding through the first part of the season, holding Texas to only 20 points and continuing to make big plays against Auburn. Charlie and Zach believe the defense is good enough to beat virtually anyone on Tennessee's schedule when the unit is playing at its best.The question is whether the offense can do enough.Tennessee doesn't necessarily need to become an elite offense. The Vols may simply need average quarterback play, a functional offensive line and enough explosive plays from their running backs and receivers to complement the defense.That is what makes the quarterback situation so…

Charlie Burris and Zach Ragan preview Tennessee vs. Auburn and break down the growing concerns surrounding the Vols' offensive line, Faizon Brandon and the team's ability to bounce back after the loss to Texas.Tennessee has already lost Wendell Moe for the season, and his absence exposed just how thin the Vols are along the offensive line. Now Tennessee is dealing with another major question in the form of Shamurad Umarov, who is listed as questionable heading into the Auburn game.After allowing 10 sacks against Texas, the Vols simply cannot afford another major injury up front.Charlie and Zach discuss the potential offensive line combinations Tennessee could use against Auburn and explain why the situation could become extremely difficult if another player is unavailable.That puts even more pressure on Faizon Brandon.The Tennessee quarterback is coming off the toughest game of his young career against Texas, and the guys discuss reports that his throwing shoulder is not 100%. Brandon is expected to play,…

Josh Heupel and Tennessee have a major problem to fix after the Vols' loss to Texas. Charlie Burris and Zach Ragan break down Tennessee's late-game execution and explain why the problems that showed up during the final drive against Texas are part of a larger trend under Heupel. Tennessee had a golden opportunity against Texas. The Vols recovered an onside kick near midfield with enough time to potentially drive for a game-winning field goal or touchdown. Instead, Tennessee moved backward, committed penalties, struggled to protect Faizon Brandon and ultimately failed to give itself the best possible chance on the final play. Charlie and Zach break down the final drive play by play, including the offensive line problems, the penalties, the personnel decisions and Tennessee's decision not to spike the football before attempting a final Hail Mary. The guys also point out that this isn't an isolated incident. They revisit several other late-game and end-of-half situations from the Heupel era, including games…

The Tennessee Vols' loss to Texas exposed a major problem that could have a huge impact on the rest of the 2026 season. Charlie Burris and Zach Ragan break down Tennessee's offensive line issues after the Vols were dominated in the trenches against Texas, allowing an incredible 10 sacks in a game Tennessee ultimately lost by only three points. The offensive line was already a concern entering the season, but the performance against Texas raised much bigger questions about whether Tennessee can protect Faizon Brandon well enough to compete at the highest level of the SEC. Brandon is only 18 years old and was playing in his first SEC game against one of the best defensive fronts in college football. Charlie and Zach discuss why Brandon deserves some grace for his performance, while also explaining why Tennessee has to do a much better job of protecting its young quarterback. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Tennessee Vols are taking on the No. 1 team in America, and Charlie Burris and Zach Ragan are both picking Tennessee to win. In the final Big Orange Podcast of the week, Charlie and Zach give their complete Tennessee vs. Texas preview and explain why they believe the Vols have a real chance to pull off the upset at Neyland Stadium. The biggest question heading into the game is whether Tennessee's defense can keep Texas from taking control. Jim Knowles has Tennessee's defense playing at a much higher level, and the guys believe the Vols have a legitimate defensive game plan for Arch Manning. Texas has not consistently shown the explosive offense many expected this season, and that could give Tennessee an opportunity to keep the game close. Arch Manning enters Neyland Stadium under enormous pressure. Charlie and Zach discuss the expectations surrounding the Texas quarterback, his recent struggles and why they don't expect this to be the game where he finally puts everything together. If Tennessee can…

Peyton Manning and Arch Manning are about to be on opposite sides of one of the biggest games in Tennessee football history. Charlie Burris and Zach Ragan discuss the unique situation surrounding the Manning family as Texas comes to Neyland Stadium to face Tennessee. Peyton Manning has already said that he will be rooting for his nephew Arch to play well, but that creates an interesting situation with Peyton's alma mater playing against Texas. The guys discuss whether Peyton will publicly support Texas, whether he is likely to wear Texas gear and how Peyton handled similar situations when he played against Ole Miss during his Tennessee career. They also discuss why Peyton may intentionally stay out of the spotlight during Tennessee-Texas week. With Arch Manning making his first appearance at Neyland Stadium, the attention surrounding the Manning family is already enormous, and the guys believe Peyton may not want to add any additional distractions for his nephew. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit…

The Tennessee Vols have one final game before the biggest test of the season arrives. Charlie Burris and Zach Ragan preview Tennessee's matchup with Kennesaw State, discuss what the Vols need to accomplish in the final tune-up before Texas and look around the SEC at several games that could have major implications for Tennessee's season. Kennesaw State is a massive underdog, and the guys expect Tennessee to win comfortably. But that doesn't mean the game is meaningless. Tennessee needs to stay focused, avoid unnecessary injuries and give its younger players valuable game reps before the Vols turn their attention toward Texas. The guys discuss how Josh Heupel could approach the game, how much playing time the starters should receive and why Tennessee needs to avoid allowing Kennesaw State to turn the game into a frustrating, physical battle. The biggest priority? Get out healthy. Charlie and Zach also discuss the importance of getting younger players meaningful reps, particularly with Tennessee's depth and…

The Tennessee Vols' defense may be much better than expected in 2026. Charlie Burris and Zach Ragan break down Tennessee's defensive performance against Furman, Xavier Gilliam's dominant three-sack performance, the emergence of the defensive line and what it could mean for the Vols heading into Saturday night's matchup with Georgia Tech. Yes, it was Furman. But there were still plenty of encouraging signs. Xavier Gilliam was the biggest standout, recording three sacks and constantly creating disruption up front. After entering the season with questions surrounding Tennessee's edge-rushing situation, Gilliam's performance provides another potential answer for the Vols' defensive front. Tyree Weathersby also made an immediate impact, while the hosts discuss how much more Tennessee's defense could have in the tank once Arion Carter returns from his suspension. The Vols also received strong performances from transfer defenders Amare Campbell and others, while several young defensive players showed enough to…

The Tennessee Vols' offense could be one of the most exciting units in college football in 2026 — but there is one major question standing in the way. Charlie Burris and Zach Ragan break down Tennessee's offensive performance in the season opener, the incredible early returns on Faizon Brandon, the emergence of Mike Matthews and DeSean Bishop and the biggest concern facing the Vols heading into their matchup with Georgia Tech. The biggest positive? Faizon Brandon looks like a legitimate difference-maker. The true freshman quarterback showed tremendous poise in his first game, made smart decisions with the football and added an element with his legs that Tennessee hasn't consistently had since Hendon Hooker. Brandon's ability to escape pressure, avoid negative plays and turn broken plays into first downs could significantly raise the ceiling of Tennessee's offense. Charlie and Zach explain why that element of Brandon's game reminds them of what made Hooker so effective during Tennessee's explosive 2022…

Charlie Burris and Zach Ragan break down Tennessee's 2026 season, starting with Saturday's matchup against Furman and looking ahead to what could be a massive year for Josh Heupel and the Vols. How good can Tennessee actually be? The guys go through the schedule and make their predictions for every game, including the biggest matchups against Texas, Alabama, South Carolina, Texas A&M, and LSU. Charlie has Tennessee finishing the regular season 10-2, while Zach predicts a 9-3 record. Both believe the Vols have a legitimate path to the College Football Playoff, but there are plenty of opportunities for Tennessee to stumble along the way. A huge part of Tennessee's ceiling will depend on true freshman quarterback Faizon Brandon. The Vols have plenty of talent around him, including DeSean Bishop, Mike Matthews and Braylon Staley, but Brandon will be asked to navigate one of the toughest schedules in college football. The guys also discuss the importance of Jim Knowles' first season as Tennessee's defensive…

The Tennessee Vols are finally entering the 2026 college football season but how good can Josh Heupel's team actually be? Charlie Burris and Zach Ragan break down the entire Tennessee football schedule, predict every game, reveal their final records and discuss whether the Vols have what it takes to compete for a College Football Playoff spot. Entering the season, Tennessee has plenty of questions. The biggest one? How quickly can true freshman quarterback Faizon Brandon develop against an SEC schedule? The Vols have talent all over the roster, including playmakers like DeSean Bishop, Mike Matthews and Braylon Staley, but the quarterback position will determine just how high this team can climb. Charlie and Zach go game-by-game through Tennessee's 2026 schedule, including major matchups against Texas, Alabama, South Carolina, Texas A&M and LSU. They discuss: 🏈 Whether Tennessee can beat Texas early in the season 🏈 Why Alabama in Neyland Stadium could be a massive opportunity 🏈 The biggest road challenges for…

The Tennessee Vols officially have a new uniform sponsor — and it created a massive debate among fans. Charlie Burris and Zach Ragan break down Tennessee's First Horizon Bank uniform patch announcement, why the Power T was removed from the collar, whether this was the right decision and what this says about the future of college football. Tennessee's new uniform sponsorship deal is reportedly worth around $120 million over 10 years, giving the Vols a major new revenue stream during a time when college football programs are constantly searching for ways to fund increasingly expensive rosters. But there is a catch. To add the sponsor patch, Tennessee removed the Power T from the collar of the jersey and replaced it with SEC branding. That decision immediately created backlash from fans who believe the Power T is one of the most important symbols in Tennessee football history. Charlie and Zach discuss both sides of the argument. On one hand, Tennessee fans have every reason to want the Power T protected. It…

Lane Kiffin and LSU are at the center of the latest college football controversy after the SEC announced potential penalties for programs that attempt to bring NFL players back to the college level. Charlie Burris and Zach Ragan break down the entire situation on the Big Orange Podcast, including why the SEC finally decided to take action, why Lane Kiffin's argument has created so much controversy and what this means for the future of college football. The biggest question facing the sport: How far are teams willing to go to build their rosters? After recent eligibility changes opened the door for some former college players who entered the NFL Draft process to potentially return, programs began exploring whether NFL players could come back to college football. The SEC responded by creating significant penalties for schools that attempt to make that move, including potential suspensions and financial punishments. Charlie and Zach explain why targeting coaches and schools instead of players is the only…

The Tennessee Vols defense is beginning to show some extremely encouraging signs under new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles after a much stronger performance in Tennessee's second preseason scrimmage. Charlie Burris and Zach Ragan break down what they're hearing about the Vols' defense on the Big Orange Podcast, why Tennessee finally appears to be developing a defensive identity and the one position that still creates some legitimate concern entering the 2026 college football season. Tennessee's defense reportedly bounced back in a major way during the Vols' second scrimmage. The defense created multiple turnover opportunities against Faizon Brandon and George MacIntyre, while Tennessee's defensive front generated pressure and players such as Xavier Gilliam continued to create optimism along the interior. More importantly, Josh Heupel believes the defense is developing a personality under Jim Knowles. That's a potentially significant development for a Tennessee defense that struggled with communication,…

The Tennessee Vols have officially named true freshman Faizon Brandon their starting quarterback for the 2026 college football season. Austin Stanley fills in for Charlie Burris alongside Zach Ragan for an immediate Big Orange Podcast reaction to Josh Heupel selecting Brandon over redshirt freshman George MacIntyre. Brandon entered Tennessee as a five-star prospect and continued building momentum throughout spring practice, summer workouts and fall camp. Although MacIntyre had an additional year inside Heupel’s offense, Brandon’s arm talent, athleticism, playmaking ability and command of the system proved enough to win the job. Austin and Zach explain why Heupel made the more difficult—and potentially more consequential—decision by starting Brandon immediately. Heupel could have given MacIntyre the opening assignment and maintained an easier path to Brandon later. Instead, Tennessee committed to the 18-year-old true freshman as its QB1 entering the season opener against Furman. What are fair expectations for…

The Tennessee Vols will begin the 2026 college football season ranked No. 20 in the preseason AP Top 25, but ESPN's Heather Dinich isn't convinced Tennessee should be ranked at all. Charlie Burris and Zach Ragan react to Dinich's criticism of Tennessee on the Big Orange Podcast and debate whether the national skepticism surrounding Josh Heupel's team is actually justified. Tennessee enters the season with legitimate questions. Josh Heupel still has a major quarterback decision to make between Faizon Brandon and George MacIntyre, while the Vols also have uncertainty along the defensive line as Jim Knowles prepares for his first season running Tennessee's defense. But are those questions really enough to leave Tennessee completely outside the Top 25? That's where Charlie and Zach disagree with the ESPN criticism. The Vols aren't being given the benefit of the doubt as an elite College Football Playoff contender at No. 20. Instead, they're sitting directly in the range where a talented but uncertain Tennessee…

The Tennessee Vols quarterback battle between Faizon Brandon and George MacIntyre may finally be starting to take shape after Tennessee's first major preseason scrimmage. Charlie Burris and Zach Ragan break down everything coming out of the Vols' scrimmage on the Big Orange Podcast, including the growing buzz around true freshman quarterback Faizon Brandon, George MacIntyre's performance, Tennessee's surprisingly encouraging offense and some legitimate concerns surrounding Jim Knowles' defense. The biggest takeaway may be what happened at quarterback. According to reports coming out of the scrimmage, Brandon made several impressive plays and continued building chemistry with Tennessee wide receivers Mike Matthews and Braylon Staley. MacIntyre didn't necessarily have a bad day, either — and that's exactly why the situation is so encouraging for Josh Heupel and Tennessee. Instead of one quarterback simply making fewer mistakes, Brandon may be starting to actively win the job. Charlie and Zach discuss why…

Tennessee football is less than a month away from the start of the 2026 season, and the Volunteers have a roster with plenty of talent and depth but there is one position that could determine just how good this team ultimately becomes: quarterback. On this episode of the A to Z Sports Big Orange Podcast, Charlie Burris and Zach Ragan break down the projected Tennessee football depth chart position by position, including the quarterback competition between Faizon Brandon and George MacIntyre, the running back room, wide receiver depth, tight ends, offensive line, defensive line, edge rushers, linebackers, defensive backs and special teams. The biggest question remains the Tennessee quarterback battle. George MacIntyre has reportedly looked better during the early stages of fall camp after a difficult spring, but Charlie and Zach continue to believe Faizon Brandon is the most likely player to win the starting job. The hosts discuss the possibility of Tennessee giving both quarterbacks opportunities against…

Tennessee football is entering the 2026 season with enormous expectations, but is this finally the year the Volunteers take the next step under Josh Heupel? On this episode of the A to Z Sports Big Orange Podcast, Charlie Burris and Zach Ragan ask three huge questions about Tennessee football heading into the season. Is this the year Josh Heupel makes the correct quarterback decision the first time? Is this the year new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles gets his defense playing at a high level immediately? And perhaps most importantly, is this the year Tennessee finally avoids the dreaded "Heupel loss" against a team the Vols should beat? The conversation begins with the latest Tennessee fall camp news. Ty Redmond returned to practice after missing time with an illness, although he was working on the side, while Ethan Davis remained out with an undisclosed injury. The guys also discuss comments from Tennessee offensive line coach Glen Elarbee, who was remarkably candid about the performance of his offensive…

Tennessee football is less than a month away from the start of the 2026 season, but the Volunteers are already dealing with several injuries and availability concerns during fall camp. How worried should Tennessee fans be? On this episode of the A to Z Sports Big Orange Podcast, Charlie Burris and Zach Ragan break down the latest Tennessee football injury news, including the season-ending ACL injury suffered by linebacker Jaeden Harmon, the ongoing absence of defensive back Jadais Richard, Ty Redmond's illness, and the precautionary absence of tight end Ethan Davis. The guys discuss what these injuries mean for Tennessee's depth chart and whether the Vols have enough depth to absorb the losses before the regular season begins. Jaeden Harmon's injury is particularly noteworthy because, while he wasn't expected to be a starting linebacker, he was projected to be an important depth piece and special teams contributor for Tennessee. With Arion Carter suspended for the first two games, Harmon's season-ending…

Darnell Wright's massive new NFL contract has sparked a fascinating conversation for Tennessee football fans—and it raises an important question about former Volunteers offensive lineman Lance Heard. On this episode of the Big Orange Podcast, Charlie Burris and Zach Ragan discuss whether Lance Heard made the right decision by transferring from Tennessee to Kentucky after reportedly wanting to remain at left tackle. With Darnell Wright becoming one of the highest-paid offensive linemen in NFL history after embracing a move to right tackle during his Tennessee career, the hosts examine whether Heard may have sacrificed long-term NFL development in pursuit of a different opportunity. Darnell Wright's journey has become one of the best player development stories of the Josh Heupel era. After arriving at Tennessee as a five-star recruit, Wright played both tackle positions before willingly moving back to right tackle, where he developed into a first-round NFL Draft pick. Now, after signing a four-year, $116…

Tennessee football officially opened fall camp, and one question continues to dominate every conversation around the Volunteers: Who will be Josh Heupel's starting quarterback in 2026? On this episode of the Big Orange Podcast, Charlie Burris and Zach Ragan break down everything they learned from Tennessee's first media availability of fall camp, including extended interviews with Faizon Brandon, George MacIntyre, Josh Heupel, Joey Halzle, Jim Knowles, and several Tennessee players. After hearing both quarterbacks speak, does one player have the edge in the Vols' quarterback competition? Faizon Brandon and George MacIntyre are battling to become Tennessee's QB1, and while Josh Heupel isn't tipping his hand, today's media sessions provided some interesting clues about where this competition could be headed. Charlie and Zach discuss Brandon's maturity, confidence, leadership, and football-first mentality, along with MacIntyre's continued development after spending last season in the Tennessee program. The guys…

A major college eligibility ruling could deliver significant roster help to both Tennessee football and Tennessee basketball—but the NCAA is already attempting to fight it.Charlie Burris and Zach Ragan explain the NCAA’s transition toward a five-years-to-play-five-seasons eligibility model and a Tennessee judge’s injunction allowing athletes from the 2022 recruiting class to receive a fifth season during the 2026–27 athletic year.Could former Tennessee Vols defensive lineman Jaxson Moi return to Knoxville for the 2026 college football season? Moi previously pursued another season of college eligibility before signing with the Los Angeles Rams as an undrafted NFL free agent. His recent social media reaction created speculation about a possible Tennessee return, but NCAA guidance concerning athletes who have signed professional contracts could prevent it.Charlie and Zach discuss whether Moi could realistically leave the NFL and rejoin Josh Heupel’s Tennessee football roster. The Vols have talent along the…

Zach Ragan and Charlie Burris of The Big Orange Podcast break down the preseason SEC polls and projected All-SEC teams where Josh Heupel and his Tennessee Volunteers team got no respect. The Vols were projected to finish eighth overall in the SEC and there were zero Vols players mentioned in the preseason First and Second All-SEC teams. Could Tennessee flying under the radar be the best possible way to kick off the season and can the Volunteers shock some people? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach Ragan and Charlie Burris of The Big Orange Podcast react to Arion Carter's suspension that was announced earlier today. The NCAA's authority has been called into question in recent years, could Tennessee have received an unfair punishment for a seemingly non-issue? How will this suspension affect the first two weeks for the Tennessee Volunteers season? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Charlie Burris and Zach Ragan of The Big Orange Podcast point out that Josh Heupel and the Tennessee Volunteers could get another win over Ryan Day and the Ohio State Buckeyes off the field. Just one week after the Vols landed David Gabriel Georges' commitment they are threatening to steal DJ Jacobs' signature as well. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Charlie Burris and Zach Ragan of The Big Orange Podcast recap SEC Media Days and the latest batch of rankings that have Tennessee Volunteers head coach Josh Heupel far too low. Is Josh Heupel's spot in the rankings a result of his laid back and quieter personality or is there a greater controversy baked in? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

David Gabriel Georges is officially a Tennessee Volunteer. Charlie Burris and Zach Reagan react to Tennessee landing one of the biggest recruiting wins of the Josh Heupel era and discuss why DGG could completely change the trajectory of the Vols' program. The guys break down why this commitment is about much more than adding another five-star recruit, how DGG fits into Josh Heupel's evolving offense, and why Tennessee's championship window may be opening sooner than many expected. They also discuss: - Why DGG is viewed as a generational running back prospect - Josh Heupel's biggest recruiting victory at Tennessee - What this means for Faizon Brandon and Tennessee's future offense David Sanders, Tristan Keys and the Vols' young core - How Tennessee can build a championship roster in the NIL and transfer portal era - Why this commitment could be the beginning of something much bigger for the Vols - What does DGG's commitment mean for Tennessee's College Football Playoff hopes over the next few seasons? Learn…

Josh Heupel took the podium at SEC Media Days, but what did Tennessee's head coach actually reveal? Charlie Burris and Zach Ragan break down Heupel's comments on the Vols' quarterback competition between Faizon Brandon and George MacIntyre, why he continues to keep the battle open, and what his answers may have actually told us. They also discuss: - Josh Heupel's light-hearted shot at Lane Kiffin - Tennessee's decision to bring Arian Carter, Jeremiah Telander and DeSean Bishop to SEC Media Days - The leadership emerging inside Tennessee's locker room - Why SEC Media Days has changed in the NIL and transfer portal era - The latest thoughts on David Gabriel Georges (DGG) ahead of his commitment announcement What was your biggest takeaway from Josh Heupel's SEC Media Days appearance? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach Ragan and Austin Stanley of The Big Orange Podcast preview the Tennessee Volunteers’ schedule for 2026 and give their prediction on how the Vols’ season will go. The Texas and LSU games jump off the charts but how will the Vols fair overall in each of their games in 2026 and what will their final record be at the end of the year? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach Ragan and Austin Stanley of The Big Orange Podcast tell Vols fans why their championship window may be shorter than you would think. Josh Heupel has put the Tennessee program in a fantastic spot in recent years and the Volunteers could be lifting a championship trophy in the coming years. When do you think the Vols will finally be crowed champions again? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach Ragan and Austin Stanley of the Big Orange Podcast break down the latest in David Gabriel Georges' recruitment and debate just how close the Tennessee Volunteers are to landing the prized prospect's signature. Will this be the latest big recruiting win for Josh Heupel or another heartbreaking loss for the Vols? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach Ragan and Charlie Burris of The Big Orange Podcast debate what they would give for a Tennessee national championship. Would you let your biggest rival win one in order to secure yours or take your chance and let Josh Heupel and the Volunteers win one on their own? What would you give in order for Tennessee to have a guaranteed championship in the near future? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach Ragan and Charlie Burris of The Big Orange Podcast break down the latest news for one of the top recruits in the country, David Gabriel Georges. Gabriel Georges' uncle recently hinted that the elite prospect could be leaning towards the Volunteers. Will Josh Heupel and the Vols land the splash recruit or is this just the lates smoke screen in a high priority recruiting battle? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Charlie Burris and Zach Ragan talk about the most recent Vols news, including the reveal of Tennessee's new Adidas uniforms, set to debut this season, after switching back to Adidas, after a stint with Nike in recent years. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices