After five seasons in the Josh Heupel era at Tennessee, the program has developed a clear identity as one that consistently puts up points and operates one of the most explosive offenses in the nation. The Vols have produced running backs, wide receivers, quarterbacks, and linemen who have gone on to the NFL under Heupel, and the foundation of big plays has served them well.
Tennessee suffers major recruiting blow as a 4-star DL slips away
That said, to make big plays you need speed. Tennessee has made it a focal point of their offense to build around a combination of size, toughness, and speed. That raises the question: who is the fastest player on Tennessee’s roster?
EA Sports CFB 27 has released its speed ratings, and the highest on Tennessee went to wide receiver Mike Matthews, who came in with a 94 speed rating.
Mike Matthews is the fastest Vol in CFB 27 with a 94 speed rating pic.twitter.com/rqw4Y7NSRg
— Joey Petersen (@joeypetersen8) June 24, 2026
Mike Matthews is the fastest player on Tennessee in CFB 27
This didn't come as a major surprise, as Matthews was clocked in high school at a 4.40 40-yard dash, so it makes sense that he is even faster now. I also think Braylon Staley has a chance to give him a run for his money, as he's someone who hovers around that same range as well as a former five-star. You don't get that kind of recruiting hype if you're slow.
Ultimately, Matthews is an elite athlete who shows it on tape with what he’s able to do. While he is not yet the most polished route runner and is still working on refining that part of his game, he is electric with the ball in his hands. He makes plays after the catch and can stretch the field as a wide receiver. Last fall he put up 813 yards, and with him becoming the No. 1 receiver in the offense this season, 1,000 yards doesn’t seem crazy at all.
One thing that could hold him back is if Tennessee doesn’t get good quarterback play. The Vols will likely lean more on running back DeSean Bishop next fall and the run game with a freshman signal-caller. On the other hand, Matthews could be the reason they pass more if he can become a reliable safety valve and is just too good not to give the ball to.
Overall, speed kills, and the roster has a lot of it, so it’s cool to see Matthews get the highest rating because he’ll be fun to play with in the game and watch in real life. He’s a true speed demon out there.
Add us as a preferred source on Google