In this episode of Big Orange Sunday, coach discusses the evolving landscape of college football, particularly focusing on the transfer portal and its implications for the University of Tennessee. The conversation highlights how the transfer portal has changed the dynamics of team rosters, with Coach Josh Heupel adapting his strategies to navigate these changes effectively. Coach emphasizes the importance of understanding player commitments and the impact of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals on recruitment and retention of players. The episode also touches on the current state of Tennessee's football program, including the number of players entering the transfer portal and the strategies being employed to recruit new talent.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Coach talks to Jimmy Hyams to break down the rapidly evolving landscape of Tennessee athletics. The discussion centers on the football program's aggressive offseason moves, specifically its heavy activity in the transfer portal, where the team has signed 14 players, including several key defensive acquisitions from Penn State. A major point of analysis is the quarterback strategy, weighing whether to lean on a veteran or allow young prospects like George MacIntyre and Faizon Brandon time to develop as they compete for the starting role.

The conversation also shifts to Tennessee basketball, analyzing the men's team's recent struggles with consistency and the Lady Vols' strong momentum in SEC play. Throughout the segment, Mathews and Hyams touch on the broader impact of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals and the trend of playing more true freshmen to maintain roster depth and player satisfaction.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Coach talks to Jimmy Hyams on the shifting landscape of Tennessee football as it prepares for the 2026 season. The team has been particularly active in the transfer portal, signing nine players thus far with a heavy emphasis on bolstering the defense, including four notable acquisitions from Penn State. However, significant needs remain on the offensive side of the ball, particularly for a proven wide receiver and running back. A central point of debate for the program is the quarterback strategy: whether to recruit a one-year veteran from the portal to allow young talents like George MacIntyre and Faizon Brandon time to develop, or to bring in a multi-year player that could potentially lead to roster turnover among the younger prospects.

The conversation then shifts to the current performance of the Tennessee basketball programs as of January 2026. The men’s team, holding an 11-5 record, is struggling with consistency on the road, recently suffering a significant 24-point loss to Florida characterized by high turnovers and defensive lapses. In contrast, the Lady Vols under Coach Kim Caldwell are off to a strong 3-0 start in SEC play, led by standout performances from five-star freshman Mia Poldo. While the men's team navigates a volatile SEC landscape currently led by an undefeated Vanderbilt, the Lady Vols are focused on maintaining their momentum to secure a top-four seed and a double-bye in the conference tournament.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to another edition of Big Orange Sunday! Join us as we dive into the latest happenings in Tennessee sports. This week, we're joined by Jimmy Hyams to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the University of Tennessee's football team, including insights into the transfer portal and the evolving landscape of college football. Don't miss this engaging conversation on the future of Tennessee athletics!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to another edition of Big Orange Sunday with Former UT Defensive Coordinator Coach Doug Mathews! Coach talks all things Tennessee Football and Basketball and is joined by Jimmy Hyams as the offseason gets under full swing for Vol Football and SEC Conference play begins with Vol Basketball!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Coach Is joined by Jimmy Hyams to discuss the current landscape of Tennessee athletics. The conversation quickly dives into the significant changes within the football program, focusing on the defensive struggles of the 2025 season and the subsequent hiring of Jim Knowles as the new defensive coach. They transition to basketball, analyzing the Volunteers' performance and highlighting the critical role of free-throw shooting and turnovers in their recent loss to Arkansas. The segment concludes with a look ahead at the competitive SEC field and an update on the Lady Vols' season, as well as high expectations for the baseball team under new leadership at Lindsey Nelson Stadium.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to another edition of Big Orange Sunday with former UT Defensive Coordinator Doug Mathews! Coach Mathews talks with Scott Altizer, the Director of Football Operations at the University of Tennessee about all things related to Vol Football and takes a look into the transfer portal as well!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Coach talks to Scott Altizer the Director of Football Operations at the University of Tennessee, provides an inside look at the current state and future of the Tennessee football program. The discussion covers the logistical and strategic challenges of modern college athletics, ranging from bowl game preparation and the impact of early enrollees to the shifting landscape of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) and revenue sharing.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.