This was the last thing the Tennessee Vols football team wanted to see ahead of the transfer portal closing. There have been several players who have decided to leave Knoxville and play elsewhere for the 2025 campaign. However, the latest news is the biggest blow yet.
Late Saturday night, Hayes Fawcett reported that 5-star Tennessee freshman Mike Matthews had a change of heart and he's now planning to enter the transfer portal. Once his paperwork is submitted, he'll become the sixth WR to transfer this offseason. However, with his monster potential, this is a gigantic loss for head coach Josh Heupel.
Tennessee WR Mike Matthews is planning to enter the transfer portal
Did anyone see this coming? Throughout the season, it'd be easy to understand why maybe Matthews was a bit frustrated with his lack of targets and receptions, but it felt like a breakout 2025 with the Vols was going to be on the way for him.
However, after a disappointing first year with the program, Matthews and his family decided that it's best for him to continue his college career elsewhere. In his lone fall with Tennessee, the 6-1, 195-pounder finished with only seven receptions for 90 yards, while adding two scores.
Coming out of Parkview High in Georgia, Matthews was ranked a 5-star prospect and the No. 6 wide receiver in the country for the 2024 class. He signed with the Vols over additional offers from USC, Georgia, Clemson, Alabama and many others. Tennessee and Heupel won a major recruiting battle to land him.
As soon as he got on campus, people across the state were hyped up to see what he'd be able to get done for Heupel. Unfortunately, this will now turn into a case of, 'What could have been:?' for the youngster with UT. This offseason, the Vols have lost receivers Squirrel White, Kaleb Webb, Chas Nimrod, Nathan Leacock, Nate Spillman and now Matthews. This is all quite eye-opening, to say the least.