Tennessee football discusses schedule challenges and team expectations ahead of 2026 season
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 13, 2026, 1:30 PM
Last updated Aug 13, 2026

Tennessee football beat writer Adam Sparks and columnist John Adams explore the Vols' 2026 schedule and team composition in a recent podcast. They challenge the notion that the schedule is particularly tough, aiming for a prediction of 9-3, despite forecasts setting the over-under at 7.5 wins. The duo also evaluates the impact of a young quarterback on Josh Heupel's offense and questions expectations for the returning offensive line and linebackers. Their analysis indicates a more nuanced view on the Vols' potential for the upcoming season.
- •Sparks and Adams predict Tennessee could finish 9-3 despite tough forecasts.
- •The coaching duo of Heupel and Knowles is viewed favorably among SEC counterparts.
- •Concerns raised about the effectiveness of returning offensive linemen and linebackers.
- •Podcast discussion highlights conventional wisdom versus alternative predictions.
- 1:30 PMYahoo Sports — Why Tennessee football will be better (or worse) than we think, including schedule
"Is this Tennessee football schedule really that difficult? We're challenging that and other widely-accepted assumptions on the Vols podcast.
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