The Tennessee football has experienced a great deal of attrition in the transfer portal this offseason. Many of those losses come at the wide receiver position.
The Vols saw six pass catchers enter the portal at season’s end. It seems one five-star player has reversed course.
Mike Matthews had reportedly planned to hop in the portal on the final day of the transfer window. The news came after the program had already seen star wideout Squirrel White do the same.
White’s decision set off a domino effect of drama that soon included players like Nico Iamaleava and five-star offensive lineman David Sanders, too.
What was interesting about Matthews’ decision, however, was his immediate response to the transfer decision. As we’ve seen often in the age of social media, the receiver archived any and all of his Instagram posts that related to the Tennessee football team.
Shortly thereafter, he reloaded those same posts with the Vols, including one that advertised his decision to transfer. The activity was confusing to most. Some believed he’d had second thoughts.
In the end, that appears to be the case! On Friday, it was announced that Mike Matthews intended to stay at Tennessee.
The pass catcher was a five-star headliner in the 2024 class. He was considered the 6th-best player at his position by On3 Sports. He’ll immediately factor into the starting lineup as a sophomore given the attrition seen in the wideout room.
Tennessee football fans can let out a sigh of relief in this instance after holding their breath on Mike Matthews’ decision. Keeping the talented playmaker in Knoxville was a huge win for Josh Heupel. The receiver should build on his 2024 season which saw him haul in seven catches for 90 yards and two scores.
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