Tennessee sophomore wide receiver Mike Matthews was one of 10 players listed with breakout potential in the 2025 season by On3’s Ari Wasserman this week. Matthews, a former five-star recruit, caught seven passes for 90 yards and two touchdowns as a freshman last season.
“After Tennessee lost to Ohio State in the College Football Playoff’s first round,” Wasserman wrote, “Matthews decided to enter the transfer portal. But he eventually opted to return to Tennessee, presumably because there is an opportunity to emerge as Nico Iamaleava‘s top target in 2025.”
It was reported on December 29 that Matthews intended to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal, but less than a week later he had decided to stay at Tennessee for his second season with the Vols.
‘Tennessee is banking on (Mike Matthews) emerging as a major threat in 2025’
“Tennessee lost seven receivers — including five to the transfer portal — after last year, which is by far the most turnover the team faced at any position,” Wasserman wrote. “Matthews only had seven receptions for 90 yards and two touchdowns a year ago, but Tennessee is banking on him emerging as a major threat in 2025.”
The losses at wide receiver for Tennessee included Dont’e Thornton, Bru McCoy, Squirrel White, Chas Nimrod and Kaleb Webb. McCoy led the team in receptions, with 39, while Thornton led in yards, with 661, and touchdowns, with six.
Matthews caught three passes for 30 yards and a touchdown in the regular-season finale at Vanderbilt, had one catch for 25 yards against UTEP a week earlier and caught two passes for 35 yards and a touchdown against Kent State in September.
Mike Matthews as a recruit: 5-star, No. 26 overall, No. 6 WR
Matthews headlined Tennessee’s 2024 recruiting class as a five-star wide receiver out of Lilburn, Georgia. He was ranked in the On3 Industry Ranking as the No. 26 overall player in the country. He was ranked as the No. 6 wide receiver in the class and the No. 4 overall player in the state of Georgia.
Wasserman listed Matthews alongside Oregon running back Makhi Hughes, Penn State tight end Luke Reynolds, USC wide receiver Ja’Kobi Lane, Texas running back CJ Baxter, Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin, Oregon quarterback Dante Moore, Clemson defensive end Will Heldt, Auburn wide receiver Cam Coleman and Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood.
Others who received consideration for the list were Oregon wide receiver Dakorien Moore, Notre Dame defensive lineman Bryce Young and quarterback CJ Carr, Missouri wide receiver Kevin Coleman, Florida State offensive lineman Andre Otto, Washington quarterback Demond Williams, Georgia safety KJ Bolden and running back Nate Frazier, LSU tight end Trey’dez Green and wide receiver Chris Hilton, Ole Miss quarterback Austin Simmons, Michigan running back Jordan Marshall and Kansas State running back Dylan Edwards.
How did Mike Matthews’ high school performance contribute to his status as a five-star recruit?
Frequently Asked Questions About Mike Matthews
Why is Mike Matthews a breakout candidate for 2025?
Matthews is poised for a breakout season because Tennessee lost seven receivers, including their top three performers, after last season.This creates a meaningful prospect for him to become Nico Iamaleava’s primary target.
How did Matthews perform as a freshman?
Despite limited opportunities,Matthews showed promise as a freshman,catching seven passes for 90 yards adn two touchdowns.
Why did Matthews initially consider transferring?
After Tennessee’s loss in the College Football Playoff, Matthews entered the transfer portal, but ultimately decided to return to the vols.
What were Matthews’ highlights as a high school recruit?
Matthews was a five-star recruit, ranked No. 26 overall in the nation and No. 6 among wide receivers.
