Imagine this: you’re building a team of superheroes, and just when you think your team is set, a few members decide to leave. Now you’re scrambling to find new heroes to fill those spots and make sure your team stays strong. That’s exactly what’s happening with the Tennessee Volunteers football team and their wide receiver group.
This week, Tennessee fans got some good news. Mike Matthews, one of the team’s brightest stars, decided he’s staying in Knoxville for the 2025 season. At first, there was concern he might leave through the transfer portal, but he surprised everyone by committing to stick around.
For fans, it was like a sigh of relief—a key player isn’t going anywhere. But while Matthews’ return is a huge boost, there’s still a lot of work to be done to rebuild the wide receiver room.
The challenge for Tennessee is clear. Five wide receivers left the program during the offseason, leaving a big hole in the team’s offense. Losing that much talent in one position group is tough, even for a program as strong as Tennessee. To make up for these departures, the coaching staff needs to bring in fresh talent, and the transfer portal is one of their best tools to do it.
One name that has Vols fans buzzing is Malik Benson. Benson is a wide receiver with an impressive resume. He started his career as an Alabama signee, later transferred to Florida State, and now he’s one of the hottest names in the transfer portal.
Standing at 6’1” and weighing 195 pounds, Benson is known for his speed, reliable hands, and ability to make big plays. In the 2024 season, he recorded 25 receptions for 311 yards and one touchdown with the Seminoles. Those stats might not jump off the page, but his potential is undeniable.
Right now, Tennessee is one of three schools in the running to land Benson. Oregon and Kansas State are also in the mix, and Benson is currently visiting the Ducks in Eugene. For Tennessee, the hope is that Benson will choose Knoxville as his new home. The Vols’ coaching staff, led by Josh Heupel, is working hard to make that happen.
But Benson isn’t the only option for Tennessee. Another name to watch is Zachariah Branch. Branch is a highly sought-after wide receiver who could bring a dynamic presence to the Vols’ offense.
However, it seems unlikely that Tennessee would be able to land both Benson and Branch. With neither player having visited Knoxville yet, the coaching staff is doing everything they can to bring them in for a visit soon.
Then there’s Amari Jefferson, another wide receiver prospect who has caught the attention of Tennessee’s recruiters. Jefferson, who is currently committed to Alabama, could be a game-changer for the Vols if they can convince him to flip his commitment. While landing Jefferson is a long shot, Tennessee fans are holding out hope.
So why is all this effort to rebuild the wide receiver group so important? It’s because Tennessee’s offense relies heavily on talented pass-catchers to succeed. With Mike Matthews returning and Boo Carter expected to play on offense next season, the team already has a solid foundation.
Matthews is a former five-star recruit with incredible potential, and Carter brings versatility and playmaking ability. But to compete at the highest level, the Vols need more depth and more weapons for quarterback Nico Iamaleava to work with.
Iamaleava, the Vols’ rising star quarterback, is set to take the reins in 2025. Having a strong group of wide receivers around him will be crucial to his success. That’s why the coaching staff is leaving no stone unturned in their search for talent. Whether it’s through the transfer portal or flipping commitments, Tennessee is determined to give Iamaleava the tools he needs to thrive.
Looking ahead, the 2025 season holds a lot of promise for Tennessee. The return of Mike Matthews provides stability and leadership for the wide receiver group.
If the Vols can add a player like Malik Benson, Zachariah Branch, or Amari Jefferson, they’ll be in an even better position to compete. The goal is to not only replace the players who left but to upgrade the position and take the offense to new heights.
Tennessee’s wide receiver situation is like a puzzle. With Matthews and Carter in place, a few key pieces are already set. Now it’s up to Heupel and his staff to find the missing pieces and complete the picture.
It won’t be easy, especially with other programs like Oregon and Kansas State also vying for top talent. But if there’s one thing Tennessee fans know, it’s that their team doesn’t back down from a challenge.
The excitement surrounding Tennessee football is palpable. With a young and talented quarterback, a strong coaching staff, and a committed fan base, the Vols are building something special.
The wide receiver group is just one part of the puzzle, but it’s a critical one. How the coaching staff navigates the next few weeks will play a big role in determining the team’s success in 2025.
For now, all eyes are on the transfer portal and the recruiting trail. Tennessee fans are waiting eagerly to see who will join the team and help carry the Vols to new heights. With Mike Matthews leading the way and the possibility of new stars joining the roster, the future looks bright in Knoxville. The only question is, who’s next?