Tennessee football received a significant boost for the upcoming 2025 season as wide receiver Mike Matthews confirmed his decision to stay with the Volunteers rather than enter the transfer portal. This decision comes after a brief moment of uncertainty, as Matthews initially expressed interest in entering the portal but never finalized the process.
A Key Decision for the Vols
On December 28, Matthews, a former five-star recruit, requested paperwork to enter the transfer portal, sparking concern among Tennessee fans. However, his name never appeared in the portal database, and he ultimately chose to remain on the Vols’ roster. This decision provides much-needed stability for Tennessee’s receiving corps, which has been hit hard by departures.
Matthews’ choice to stay is particularly important as the Vols have already lost five wide receivers to the portal: Squirrel White, Kaleb Webb, Chas Nimrod, Nathan Leacock, and walk-on Nate Spillman. The departures have left a significant gap in Tennessee’s offense, making Matthews’ commitment to the team a critical factor heading into the new season.
Mike Matthews’ Freshman Season
Matthews joined Tennessee as a highly touted recruit, ranked No. 6 among wide receivers in the 2024 recruiting class according to 247Sports Composite. Despite his impressive credentials, Matthews had a limited role as a freshman, recording just seven receptions for 90 yards and two touchdowns across 11 games. His playing time was largely restricted by the presence of veteran wide receivers who dominated the rotation in 2024.
A New Opportunity in 2025
With the departure of key players like Bru McCoy, Dont’e Thornton, and Squirrel White, Matthews is poised to step into a leading role for the Vols’ offense in 2025. He is expected to become a go-to target for quarterback Nico Iamaleava, who will also be stepping into the spotlight as Tennessee’s signal-caller next season.
The Vols will need to rebuild their receiving corps, and Matthews’ experience and potential make him a cornerstone of that effort. His talent and development will be critical as Tennessee looks to maintain its competitive edge in the SEC.
Who Are Tennessee’s Wide Receivers in 2025?
The Vols’ receiving corps will look significantly different in 2025, with Matthews projected to lead the way. Chris Brazzell, who transferred from Tulane before the 2024 season, will also return after a productive campaign in which he recorded 29 receptions for 333 yards and two touchdowns. His experience will be invaluable as Tennessee retools its offense.
Another promising player is Braylon Staley, who took a redshirt after appearing in just four games as a freshman. Staley managed three receptions for 21 yards and is expected to take on a larger role in the upcoming season.
Reloading Through the Portal
While Matthews’ decision to stay is a significant win for Tennessee, the team still faces the challenge of replacing all three starting wide receivers from the 2024 season. Head coach Josh Heupel and his staff will need to look to the transfer portal to fill out the depth chart and ensure the offense remains potent.
With Iamaleava’s strong arm and Matthews’ breakout potential, the Vols’ offense has the foundation to succeed. However, finding complementary pieces to round out the receiving corps will be a top priority in the offseason.
Looking Ahead
Mike Matthews’ decision to stay with Tennessee is a bright spot for a team navigating a wave of roster changes. As a former five-star recruit, his potential to become a leading playmaker offers hope for the Vols’ offense in 2025. With a mix of returning talent and new faces likely joining through the transfer portal, Tennessee fans can look forward to a dynamic and evolving team next season.