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Ryan Sylvia

Ryan Sylvia

@ryantsylvia.bsky.social

650 followers 320 following 2.4K posts

Covering the Vols and Lady Vols for Rocky Top Insider 🍊 | UTK Alum | @RyanTSylvia on everything | rockytopinsider.com

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Ryan Sylvia @ryantsylvia.bsky.social · Jul 1

I am thrilled to announce that I will continue my coverage of all things Tennessee Athletics with Rocky Top Insider going forward!

I'm excited to join the great team at RTI with football season right around the corner!

🔗: rockytopinsider.com

Ryan Sylvia @ryantsylvia.bsky.social · 19h

Vols Fr. Nate Ament stands at 6-foot-10, but he's not sure he's done growing...

"I got the X-ray, they said my growth plates were still open, whatever that means. I think I’m still growing. I hope I can maybe grow some facial hair coming in here soon."

www.rockytopinsider.com/2025/10/23/t...

Tennessee Basketball 6-foot-10 Freshman Nate Ament Says He Thinks He's Still Growing | Rocky Top Insider

Tennessee football's five-star freshman Nate Ament stands at 6-foot-10 already, but may not even be done growing.

www.rockytopinsider.com

Ryan Sylvia @ryantsylvia.bsky.social · 20h

Tennessee HC Josh Heupel on playing Kentucky:

"This is a great, great game. Border war. I know it means a lot to our fan base. Was a trophy game. There’s a lot of history to it. This game historically has been played down to the end."

www.rockytopinsider.com/2025/10/23/w...

What Tennessee HC Josh Heupel Said on 'The Mike Keith Show' to Preview Kentucky | Rocky Top Insider

Transcript of Tennessee football coach Josh Heupel speaking on 'The Mike Keith Show' to preview the Vols' game at Kentucky.

www.rockytopinsider.com

Ryan Sylvia @ryantsylvia.bsky.social · 22h

The Lady Vols boast a stacked roster with assistant coach Gabe Lazo (@CoachGabeLazo) playing a big role in landing the talent.

Don't just label him as a 'recruiter', though. He's much more than that.

"You’ll know if Gabe’s not in the building."

www.rockytopinsider.com/2025/10/23/g...

Gabe Lazo, an Architect of the Lady Vols' Stacked Roster, is Much More than a 'Recruiter' | Rocky Top Insider

Gabe Lazo, an Architect of the Lady Vols' Stacked Roster, is Much More than a 'Recruiter'

www.rockytopinsider.com

Ryan Sylvia @ryantsylvia.bsky.social · 1d

Kim Caldwell and the Lady Vols are clearly excited about the addition of Janiah Barker, and it's not hard to see why.

However, Tennessee was a phone call away from not landing the coveted transfer.

"Kim got on the phone with her and did some magic."

www.rockytopinsider.com/2025/10/23/j...

Janiah Barker was a Phone Call Away from Not Committing to Lady Vols Basketball | Rocky Top Insider

Lady Vols basketball forward Janiah Barker was about to commit elsewhere, until Kim Caldwell got her on the phone.

www.rockytopinsider.com

Ryan Sylvia @ryantsylvia.bsky.social · 1d

I simulated Tennessee football's trip to Kentucky on the College Football 26 video game.

Here are the results, including a two-interception and one-touchdown game from Boo Carter ⬇️

www.rockytopinsider.com/2025/10/23/i...

I Simulated Tennessee at Kentucky on the College Football 26 Video Game | Rocky Top Insider

The results of simulating Tennessee football's road trip to play Kentucky on the EA Sports College Football 26 video game.

www.rockytopinsider.com

Ryan Sylvia @ryantsylvia.bsky.social · 1d

Tennessee football's initial availability report vs. Kentucky:

OUT:
- DB Jermod McCoy
- DB Rickey Gibson III
- WR Travis Smith Jr.

QUESTIONABLE:
- LB Arion Carter
- TE Ethan Davis
- WR Radarious Jackson
- LB Ben Bolton

www.rockytopinsider.com/2025/10/22/t...

Tennessee Football at Kentucky: Wednesday Availability Report | Rocky Top Insider

A look at the initial availability report for the game this weekend between Tennessee football and Kentucky.

www.rockytopinsider.com

Ryan Sylvia @ryantsylvia.bsky.social · 1d

- Zee Spearman's 3-point shot looks good
- Talaysia Cooper backing up preseason honors
- Freshmen standouts

Lady Vols practice notes ⬇️

www.rockytopinsider.com/2025/10/22/l...

Lady Vols Basketball Practice Notes and Observations: Oct. 22 | Rocky Top Insider

Notes and observations from my time at the Lady Vols basketball's open portion of practice on October 22, 2025.

www.rockytopinsider.com

Ryan Sylvia @ryantsylvia.bsky.social · 1d

Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops on Tennessee:

"I think just a very good defense, very well-coached, but extremely disruptive. Up front, very dominant, very aggressive up front."

www.rockytopinsider.com/2025/10/22/w...

What Kentucky Football HC Mark Stoops Said on SEC Teleconference Before Playing Tennessee | Rocky Top Insider

Transcript of Kentucky football head coach Mark Stoops meeting with the media on the SEC Coaches Teleconference before playing Tennessee.

www.rockytopinsider.com

Ryan Sylvia @ryantsylvia.bsky.social · 1d

What Lady Vols coach Kim Caldwell said at media day today ⬇️

www.rockytopinsider.com/2025/10/22/e...

Everything Lady Vols Basketball Coach Kim Caldwell Said at Media Day | Rocky Top Insider

Transcript of Lady Vols basketball head coach Kim Caldwell discussing her second season at the head of Tennessee.

www.rockytopinsider.com

Ryan Sylvia @ryantsylvia.bsky.social · 1d

Tennessee AD Danny White on rumors of baseball's money being moved to the Lady Vols:

"I think we all should collectively apologize to Kim Caldwell and our women’s basketball program because that’s factually incorrect. Never happened."

www.rockytopinsider.com/2025/10/22/d...

Danny White Dispels 'Factually Incorrect' Rumor that Lady Vols Basketball Took Baseball's Money | Rocky Top Insider

Tennessee Athletic Director Danny White wants everyone to apologize to Lady Vols coach Kim Caldwell for a false rumor.

www.rockytopinsider.com

Ryan Sylvia @ryantsylvia.bsky.social · 1d

Why Tennessee baseball should stay in house and hire associate head coach Josh Elander as its full time head coach.

No one can be Tony Vitello, but Elander is the right choice to lead the program forward ⬇️

(from Ryan Schumpert/RTI)

www.rockytopinsider.com/2025/10/22/w...

Why Tennessee Baseball Should Stay In House To Hire Its Next Head Coach | Rocky Top Insider

Why Tennessee baseball should stay in house and hire Josh Elander as its next head coach following Tony Vitello's departure.

www.rockytopinsider.com

Ryan Sylvia @ryantsylvia.bsky.social · 1d

Tony Vitello is headed to San Fransisco to become the new manager of the Giants.

www.rockytopinsider.com/2025/10/22/t...

BREAKING: Tony Vitello Leaving Tennessee Baseball To Become San Fransisco Giants Manager | Rocky Top Insider

Tony Vitello is leaving Tennessee baseball to become the San Fransisco Giants new manager after eight years in Knoxville.

www.rockytopinsider.com

Ryan Sylvia @ryantsylvia.bsky.social · 2d

"(Kentucky) is probably deserving of the No. 16 spot in any SEC power ranking. That’s fair. But they aren’t as bad as the worst team in the SEC usually is and do have the ability to play well at times."

@RowlandRIVALS helps preview Tennessee-Kentucky ⬇️

www.rockytopinsider.com/2025/10/22/c...

CatsIllustrated's Justin Rowland Previews Tennessee Football's Road Trip to Kentucky | Rocky Top Insider

QnA with CatsIllustrated's Justin Rowland to preview Tennessee football's trip to Lexington to play Kentucky.

www.rockytopinsider.com

Ryan Sylvia @ryantsylvia.bsky.social · 3d

Tennessee basketball has +3000 odds to win the national championship, according to FanDuel.

This is tied for the 15th-best mark in the country ⬇️

www.rockytopinsider.com/2025/10/21/w...

Where Tennessee Basketball’s Betting Odds are to Win National Title Heading into 2025-26 Season | Rocky Top Insider

A look at where Vegas has Tennessee baskeball's odds to win the national championship heading into the 2025-26 season.

www.rockytopinsider.com

Ryan Sylvia @ryantsylvia.bsky.social · 3d

The Lady Vols are given +2500 odds to win the national title this year, according to FanDuel. This is the eighth-best mark in the country.

Tennessee will play UConn, South Carolina, UCLA, Texas and LSU this year — the top five teams in title odds ⬇️

www.rockytopinsider.com/2025/10/21/w...

Where Lady Vols Basketball's Betting Odds are to Win National Title Heading into 2025-26 Season | Rocky Top Insider

A look at where the betting odds are for the Lady Vols basketball team to win the national championship ahead of the 2025-26 season.

www.rockytopinsider.com

Ryan Sylvia @ryantsylvia.bsky.social · 3d

Byron Young added 1.5 sacks to his season total on Sunday to reach 9.0 through seven games.

This ties the former Tennessee star for the most in the NFL ⬇️

www.rockytopinsider.com/2025/10/21/h...

How Former Tennessee Football Stars Did in the NFL During Week 7 | Rocky Top Insider

A player-by-player recap of how every Tennessee football player in the NFL did during the week seven slate of games.

www.rockytopinsider.com

Ryan Sylvia @ryantsylvia.bsky.social · 3d

The Lady Vols have offered five-star shooting guard Sydney Savoury.

She ranks as the No. 8 player in the 2027 class, according to 247 ⬇️

www.rockytopinsider.com/2025/10/20/l...

Lady Vols Basketball Offer Top-10 Recruit in Class of 2027 Sydney Savoury | Rocky Top Insider

Kim Caldwell and Lady Vols basketball have extended an offer to top-10 recruit Sydney Savoury in the 2027 class.

www.rockytopinsider.com

Ryan Sylvia @ryantsylvia.bsky.social · 3d

VFL Jason Witten's son, Cooper, is now a top-10 recruit in the 2027 cycle on Rivals.

He ranks as the No. 10 player in the class and No. 1 LB ⬇️

www.rockytopinsider.com/2025/10/20/s...

Son of Tennessee Legend Jason Witten Ranked in Top 10 of Class in 2027 Recruit Rankings | Rocky Top Insider

The son of Tennessee football legend Jason Witten, Cooper Witten, is now considered a top-10 recruit in the 2027 class.

www.rockytopinsider.com

Ryan Sylvia @ryantsylvia.bsky.social · 3d

UK's Mark Stoops on the Vols:

"They're actually throwing it better than they have in some time and that’s saying a lot because they generally throw it very well. But this year, I feel like they’re even taking it to another level with their passing game."

www.rockytopinsider.com/2025/10/20/w...

What Kentucky HC Mark Stoops Said Before Hosting Tennessee Football | Rocky Top Insider

Transcript of Kentucky football head coach Mark Stoops meeting with the media ahead of UK's game vs. Tennessee.

www.rockytopinsider.com

Ryan Sylvia @ryantsylvia.bsky.social · 4d

Tennessee OL snap counts vs. Alabama:

LT...
Heard – 79 snaps
Warren – 6 snaps

LG...
Umarov – 50 snaps
Moe – 35 snaps

C...
Pendelton – 82 snaps
Satterwhite – 3 snaps

RG...
Moe – 50 snaps
Perry – 35 snaps

RT...
Sanders – 49 snaps
Perry – 36 snaps

www.rockytopinsider.com/2025/10/19/h...

How Tennessee Football Split Up Offensive Line Snaps Between Eight Linemen vs. Alabama | Rocky Top Insider

A look at how Tennessee football managed the snap count at each position on the offensive line vs. Alabama.

www.rockytopinsider.com

Ryan Sylvia @ryantsylvia.bsky.social · 6d

Tennessee's captains at Alabama:

- LS Bennett Brady
- LB Arion Carter
- TE Miles Kitselman
- DL Jaxson Moi

www.rockytopinsider.com/2025/10/17/w...

Who Tennessee Football’s Captains are in Game at Alabama | Rocky Top Insider

A look at the four captains Tennessee football has designated for the role in its game at Alabama on Saturday.

www.rockytopinsider.com

Ryan Sylvia @ryantsylvia.bsky.social · 6d

"Coach Barnes and I almost share the same mentality."

2028 forward Joshua Huggins (@joshuahuggins_4) gives his thoughts on his unofficial visit to see Tennessee basketball ⬇️

www.rockytopinsider.com/2025/10/17/2...

2028 Forward Joshua Huggins Talks Tennessee Basketball Visit, Similar Mentality to Rick Barnes | Rocky Top Insider

Tennessee basketball hosted 2028 forward Joshua Huggins on an unofficial visit and he gave his thoughts afterward.

www.rockytopinsider.com

Ryan Sylvia @ryantsylvia.bsky.social · 6d

An Alabama radio show is trying to claim 'Rocky Top' isn't about Tennessee.

The host also claims that 'Dixieland Delight', which the songwriter has explained was inspired by a town in Tennessee, is about Alabama ⬇️⬇️⬇️

www.rockytopinsider.com/2025/10/17/a...

Alabama Radio Show Makes Hilariously Incorrect Statement on 'Rocky Top' Trying to Defend 'Dixieland Delight' | Rocky Top Insider

An Alabama radio show tried claiming 'Rocky Top' isn't a song written about Tennessee ahead of Saturday's matchup.

www.rockytopinsider.com

Ryan Sylvia @ryantsylvia.bsky.social · 6d

What would Alvin Kamara do if he were told the Saints were trading him?

"I’m going to go drink a piña colada somewhere."

The former Tennessee running back clearly doesn't intend to play anywhere but New Orleans ⬇️

www.rockytopinsider.com/2025/10/17/f...

Former Tennessee Football RB Alvin Kamara Insinuates Retirement if Saints Tried to Trade Him | Rocky Top Insider

Former Tennessee football running back isn't having it with any trade rumors about him leaving the New Orleans Saints.

www.rockytopinsider.com

Ryan Sylvia @ryantsylvia.bsky.social · 6d

Tennessee WR Chris Brazzell has been named to an AP Mid-Season All-American team for his strong start ⬇️

www.rockytopinsider.com/2025/10/17/t...

Tennessee Football WR Chirs Brazzell Named to Mid-Season All-American List | Rocky Top Insider

Tennessee football star wide receiver Chris Brazzell has been named to the Mid-Season All-American Team by AP.

www.rockytopinsider.com