Tennessee

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

Published

2 years ago

April 17, 2024

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

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 7-of-9 passing 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 have a few areas they could solidify entering this spring transfer portal window.

On this edition of “The Volunteer State,” Blake Toppmeyer of the USA TODAY Network and the News Sentinel’s Adam Sparks review the spring game and address some burning questions.

Which areas of the roster look like strengths? Where does Tennessee require reinforcements?

Let’s dive in:

Is Elijah Herring’s departure to the transfer portal a red flag?

No. Although Herring led Tennessee with 80 tackles last season, he faced a more complicated path to retaining a starting job because of Keenan Pili’s return from injury and the development of Jeremiah Telander. Herring’s tackle stats didn’t tell the full story, either. Tennessee needs improvement from that position.

Who’s Tennessee’s backup quarterback behind Nico Iamaleava, and should the Vols be worried about QB depth?

Gaston Moore is the backup, and freshman Jake Merklinger follows behind him. Both played well in the spring game. Moore is better than your typical walk-on, and he’s familiar with Josh Heupel’s system.

If Iamaleava misses a few plays, Tennessee is in fine shape with its backup options. If Iamaleava were to miss extended time, that could be an issue for the Vols. But, a lot of teams around college football could say that.

Is there a running back depth problem behind Dylan Sampson?

That depends on Cam Seldon’s injury situation. Seldon did not play in the spring game after undergoing shoulder surgery. If Tennessee has concerns about Seldon’s availability, then it should hunt for a transfer to offer support for Sampson.

Is this secondary better or just newer?

The secondary featured a significant amount of offseason turnover, which offers opportunities for guys Heupel’s staff recruited. But, is this new-look group better or just different? We’re inclined to say “wait and see,” because there’s cause for doubt when so many new pieces are assembled in one offseason. That said, a healthy pass rush might hide deficiencies.

TOPPMEYER: Nick Saban becomes a hype man at Alabama spring game. Now, there’s a sight to see

SPARKS: Tennessee football fans critique Nico Iamaleava, praise backup QBs after spring game

ADAMS: Brace yourself Tennessee fans. More transfers could be coming, going

Is the offense ‘back,’ because of a wide receiver upgrade?

Maybe, and Tulane transfer wide receiver Chris Brazell looks like the real deal. This is a solid group of receivers. Iamaleava offers the biggest reason to believe Tennessee’s offense could be closer to its 2022 production than a repeat of 2023.

Are the offensive line questions resolved at left tackle, left guard and backup center?

One question is answered. LSU transfer Lance Heard will hold it down at left tackle. Those other O-line questions require further evaluation.

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Blake Toppmeyer is the USA TODAY Network’s SEC Columnist and a published author. Adam Sparks covers the Vols with award-winning coverage for the News Sentinel. You can subscribe to read all their coverage, or check out the SEC Unfiltered newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox. Also check out the “SEC Football Unfiltered” podcast.

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Tennessee

Tennessee is 230 years old, and it all started right here in Knoxville

Published

10 hours ago

May 29, 2026

Press Room

Tennessee is 230 years old, and it all started right here in Knoxville

Tennessee became the 16th state on June 1, 1796, after President George Washington signed the bill for its admission.
John Sevier was chosen as the first governor, and Knoxville was the state’s first capital.
Before becoming a state, the territory was known as the “Southwest Territory” and briefly existed as the unrecognized state of Franklin.
The state has had three constitutions, with the current one adopted in 1870 after the Civil War.

Much to-do is being made of America’s 250th birthday, as well it should.

But did you know June 1 is Tennessee’s 230th birthday?

It was on June 1, 1796, that President George Washington signed a bill granting Tennessee immediate admission as the 16th state. Gov. John Sevier was chosen to lead the new state, and Knoxville was picked as its first capital.

A decade before, settlers west of the Appalachian mountains had sought admission to the union for the state of Franklin. But despite four years of existence, Franklin never gained federal approval.

Tennessee’s first official state constitution – drafted by 55 delegates in Knoxville in 1796 – is on display at the Tennessee State Library and Archives.

It was drafted in the home of William Blount, which still stands on West Hill Avenue in downtown Knoxville.

Tennessee actually has three state constitutions: the first, adopted in 1796, a revision adopted in 1834 to update the taxation and court systems, and the 1870 constitution, adopted after the Civil War.

The 1870 constitution permanently abolished slavery in Tennessee and remains the state’s fundamental charter.

Celebrate Tennessee’s birthday in Knoxville

Marble Springs State Historic Site, home of Gov. John Sevier, will have a two-day free party for Tennessee’s Statehood Day.

Tennessee Field Day for kids (or kids at heart) is noon-5 p.m. May 29 and Statehood Day is 10 a.m.-4 p.m. May 30. Field Day explores history through many aspects and activities, and Statehood Day focuses more on lectures, demonstrations, music, line dancing and food.

The historic buildings and learning center are at 1200 W. Gov. John Sevier Highway in Knoxville.

Look back at how Tennessee was founded

1785-1789: Settlers establish independent systems of government and petition to become a state, but they fail to gain recognition for the state of Franklin. The territory is again under the control of North Carolina.

1789: North Carolina ratifies the United States Constitution and cedes its Tennessee lands to the federal government. It is designated as the “Territory of the United States, South of the River Ohio,” more commonly known as the “Southwest Territory.” William Blount is appointed by George Washington to be governor. Early governance of the territory is focused on making treaties with Native Americans, securing settlers from attacks and encouraging settlement. Warfare with Native American tribes increases through the 1790s.

1792: Knoxville is selected as the capital of the Southwest Territory.

January 1796: Gov. William Blount calls for a constitutional convention in Knoxville to begin the process of joining the Union. The delegates form an organized government and constitution before applying to Congress for admission to the Union. The delegates select John Sevier as governor, William Blount and William Cocke as senators and Andrew Jackson as representative.

June 1, 1796: Tennessee becomes the 16th state in America. Knoxville remains the capital until 1812.

1812: Tennessee earns its nickname “The Volunteer State” during the War of 1812 because it sends 1,500 volunteer soldiers.

1812-1816: Nashville is Tennessee’s capital.

1817-1818: Knoxville is Tennessee’s capital again.

1818-1826: Murfreesboro is the capital of Tennessee.

1826-present day: Nashville becomes – and remains – the capital of Tennessee.

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Tennessee

Former Tennessee Baseball Pitcher Gets Called Up

Published

22 hours ago

May 28, 2026

Press Room

Former Tennessee Baseball Pitcher Gets Called Up

The Tennessee Volunteers are constantly getting players in the MLB and the MILB farm system, which is the developmental program that all rookies and young players (a.k.a. prospects) start off in. One of the players who has been in the farm system since being drafted is Nate Snead, who was with the Tennessee Vols just last season as a pitcher, and one of the better pitchers on the Tennessee roster.

Nate Snead is one of the better players to come through the Tennessee program as a reliever, and he is one of the better pitchers when it comes to his fastball, as he throws what many would confirm to be “gas.”

Nate Snead Gets Called Up

Feb 18, 2026; Tempe, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Angels pitcher Nate Snead poses for a portrait during photo day at Tempe Diablo Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Snead was in Single-A to start his career, but he is now on his way up, as he is moving up to Double-A after a great start to his career. He is heading to the Rocket City Trash Pandas, which is an affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels. This would mean he is in the same farm system that both Christian Moore and Ben Joyce recently had to come through, and is one of the better players in the farm system for the Angels, anyway.

He currently holds an ERA of 2.80, which is great considering he has pitched 35.1 innings. He holds a win-loss record of 3-3, and also has a total of 39 strikeouts, which would mean he is averaging more than a strikeout every inning he pitches. He is also giving up less than a hit an inning, which is where he should be in order to get called up.

This decision doesn’t seem rushed, and it doesn’t seem that this is going to backfire. He will likely finish his season in Double-A, although a great stretch could lead to him being fast-tracked to Triple-A, the final team before the majors.

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Tennessee

What channel is Texas vs Tennessee today? Time, TV for WCWS softball game

Published

1 day ago

May 28, 2026

Press Room

What channel is Texas vs Tennessee today? Time, TV for WCWS softball game

Two teams who feel fated to face off will play each to open each other’s respective Women’s College World Series.

The Texas Longhorns and Tennessee Lady Vols square up in a battle of block Ts and oranges, with two of the sport’s eminent aces potentially facing off in Teagan Kavan and Karlyn Pickens.

Texas, the defending national champions, defeated the Lady Vols 2-0 in last year’s semifinals to advance to the Women’s College World Series final. It’s a massive game for Tennessee, which is looking to avoid dropping into the loser’s bracket as it did in 2023 and 2025. The goods news? Oklahoma isn’t in this field, which is the team that dropped Tennessee in both of those showings.

With that being said, Texas is a softball superpower in its own right. Led by Katie Stewart, the Longhorns have some big bats. Tennessee will need production from its bats if it is to win this opening matchup.

Watch Texas vs Tennessee live with Fubo (free trial)

Here’s how to watch Texas-Tennessee in a high-profile matchup.

What channel is Texas vs Tennessee softball on today?

Game 2 of the Women’s College World Series will air on ESPN. Streaming options for the game include the ESPN app (with a cable login) and Fubo, the latter of which offers a free trial to potential subscribers.

Watch 2026 NCAA Softball Tournament live with Fubo (free trial)