You’re driving through the Smoky Mountains, or maybe you’re just stuck in that brutal 5:00 p.m. traffic on I-40. The sun is dipping, and you realize the kickoff is minutes away. You scramble. You fumble with the dial. Honestly, there’s nothing quite like the panic of not knowing what radio station is the tennessee vols game on when "Rocky Top" is about to blast through the speakers.
In 2026, the landscape of listening to Tennessee sports has changed a bit, but the heart of it—the Vol Network—remains the gold standard. Whether you are looking for the football game, Rick Barnes’ latest basketball chess match, or the Lady Vols, you've got options. But those options depend entirely on where you’re standing (or driving) in the Volunteer State.
The Knoxville Powerhouses: Where to Turn First
If you’re in the 865, things are pretty straightforward. The flagship stations haven't moved, but the voices have. Since Bob Kesling’s retirement in 2025, a new era has taken hold.
For the big games—football Saturdays in Neyland or basketball nights at Food City Center—WNML-FM 99.1 (The Sports Animal) is your primary home. It’s the hub. If you can’t find it there, check WIVK-FM 107.7. They typically carry the heavy hitters for football and men’s basketball.
- WNML-FM 99.1 / AM 990: The "Sports Animal" is the nerve center for everything Vol-related.
- WIVK-FM 107.7: The legendary country station remains a massive partner, specifically for football and men's hoops.
- WNML-AM 990: Still kicking as a full-time repeater of the FM signal.
One thing to keep in mind: if there is a scheduling conflict—say, a baseball game and a basketball game happening at once—one of them usually gets bumped to the AM signal or the app. You've gotta stay on your toes.
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Listening Across the State: The Vol Network Affiliates
The Vol Network is one of the largest in the country. It’s a massive web of over 60 stations. But let’s be real, nobody memorizes 60 station call signs. Most people just need to know the big ones in the major hubs.
In Nashville, you’re looking for WGFX-FM 104.5 (The Zone). They carry the full slate. If you’re in Memphis, tune your dial to WMFS-FM 92.9 or 680 AM. Down in Chattanooga, the go-to is WGOW-FM 102.3.
Quick Dial Guide for Major Cities:
- Nashville: 104.5 FM (The Zone)
- Memphis: 92.9 FM / 680 AM
- Chattanooga: 102.3 FM
- Tri-Cities (Kingsport/Johnson City): WQUT 101.5 FM or WJCW 910 AM
- Cookeville: 106.9 FM (The Light)
Basically, if you’re within the state lines, you’re never more than a few clicks away from hearing the "Voice of the Vols."
The New Voice: Mike Keith Takes the Mic
It still feels a little weird, doesn't it? After decades of Bob Kesling, and the legendary John Ward before him, we have a new captain at the helm. Mike Keith officially took over as the "Voice of the Vols" for the 2025-26 season.
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Keith isn’t a stranger to us. We’ve heard him for nearly 30 years calling Tennessee Titans games. His "Music City Miracle" call is burnt into the collective memory of every sports fan in this state. Bringing him back to Knoxville to call the Vols was sort of a "homecoming" that most fans embraced immediately.
He’s joined by Ramon Foster, the former Vol and Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman, in the football booth. For basketball, Keith works with a rotation that includes John Wilkerson, Chris Lofton, and Steve Hamer. Hearing Lofton—the greatest shooter in SEC history—break down a game is a treat you just don't get on the TV broadcast.
Digital Alternatives: When the Radio Fails
Sometimes the static is too much. Or maybe you're out of state, trying to explain to someone in California why you’re wearing orange in January.
You can always find the game on the Tennessee Athletics App (the "Varsity Network"). It’s free. It’s clean. It doesn’t fade out when you go under a bridge.
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SiriusXM is another solid bet. They usually have the Tennessee feed on one of the SEC channels (often Channel 190, 191, or 192). Just check the "College Sports" section of the SiriusXM app on game day.
Why the Radio Broadcast Is Often Better Than TV
Honestly, the TV announcers are fine. But they don't know the Vols like the local guys do. National announcers might pronounce "Gatlinburg" weird or miss the nuance of a specific rivalry.
The Vol Network team lives and breathes this stuff. They know the depth chart by heart. They know which freshman had a great week of practice. Plus, there’s a certain magic to hearing a game called on the radio—the way the crowd noise swells and the way the announcer’s voice cracks when a touchdown is scored. It’s visceral.
Actionable Steps for the Next Kickoff
Don't wait until the ball is in the air to find your station. Here is how you should prep for the next game:
- Download the Tennessee Athletics App: Even if you prefer the radio, keep this as a backup. It’s the most reliable way to stream when you’re out of range.
- Save the Frequency: If you live in Knoxville, Nashville, or Memphis, program the local affiliate into your car’s "Preset 1."
- Sync the Audio: If you’re watching on TV but want to hear Mike Keith, try using a radio delay app. TV broadcasts are usually 10-20 seconds behind the live radio feed, so you’ll need to pause the radio (or use an app like "TunedIn") to match the picture.
- Check the Schedule: For mid-week basketball games or baseball regionals, always check UTsports.com about two hours before start time. They always post the exact station for that specific event.
Next time you’re wondering what radio station is the tennessee vols game on, just remember: 99.1 in Knox, 104.5 in Nashville, and the Varsity app everywhere else. It’s really that simple. Go Vols.