Story by
Why Mike Matthews didn't leave Tennessee football despite transfer portal temptation
- Story by
- Why Mike Matthews didn't leave Tennessee football despite transfer portal temptation
Mike Matthews considered entering the transfer portal this offseason, but the Tennessee football player seemed to breathe a sigh of relief on Tuesday when recalling his decision to stay.
"It was definitely stressful because that one moment can make a lot (of difference) in terms of your future," the wide receiver said during his first media appearance of spring practice.
Advertisement
"I backed away from everything and talked to my family a lot. That was the best thing I could do. But it was definitely tough just thinking about doing that. My family and the coaching staff and all my teammates helped me make my decision (to stay at Tennessee)."
Matthews, a former five-star recruit, made seven receptions for 90 yards and two touchdowns as a freshman last season. He wanted to play more, so he considered his options.
On Dec. 28, Matthews decided to explore the possibility of entering the transfer portal. That was the deadline to request paperwork to enter the portal, but he never appeared in the database. By Jan. 3, he made it clear that he was staying with the Vols .
On Tuesday, Matthews didn't say how close he came to leaving. But things were definitely tense for UT fans during those six days of uncertainty.
Advertisement
Aside from his brief explanation about that time, it seems like a distant memory. Matthews admits his shortcomings from his freshman season, and he's eager to become a prime target for quarterback Nico Iamaleava in 2025.
"(My route-running) wasn't to the standard of Tennessee," Matthews said of his freshman season. "But I want (Iamaleava) to perceive me as a guy that he knows he can go to. In any situation, I want him to think that he's got someone out there that thinks like him and can make plays."
How Mike Matthews feels about pressure of five-star rating
Matthews arrived at UT with a lot of hype. He was ranked the No. 6 wide receiver in the 2024 recruiting class by 247Sports Composite .
Advertisement
But a five-star rating doesn't equal immediate stardom, and Matthews became the latest UT player to learn that hard lesson in patience.
"(A five-star rating) is at least not (a burden) to me. I feel like all the politics stuff, it's good and all for your name," Matthews said. "But at the end of the day, are you going to be able to go out and play on a high level and compete?
"You can be a five star, but it doesn't really mean anything if you can't play."
Iamaleava was a five-star recruit in the 2023 class, but he didn't start until the Citrus Bowl to end his freshman season. Edge rusher Jordan Ross was another five-star recruit in the 2024 class, but he mostly played special teams as a freshman.
Advertisement
Offensive tackle Lance Heard was a five-star recruit in LSU's 2023 class. But it took transferring to Tennessee for him to crack the starting lineup in 2024.
David Sanders , the No. 1 ranked offensive tackle in the 2025 class, is the latest five-star recruit for the Vols. He is competing in spring practice in hopes of playing as a freshman.
Waiting to play was difficult for Matthews. But now approaching his sophomore season, he is trying to see the benefit of those growing pains.
"It was definitely a tough situation that I had to go through. But in life, you always have to go through challenges," Matthews said. "And those challenges build you for the next moment. So I'm just looking forward to the future and planning on making a big impact."
Advertisement
This was missing from Mike Matthews' game
Matthews admitted he was frustrated with limited playing time last season. He appeared in 11 games and played 199 offensive snaps.
But he said he now understands why he was behind veteran receivers like Bru McCoy and Dont'e Thornton, who are now preparing for the 2025 NFL Draft.
"High school route running and college route running are totally different," Matthews said. "You're having to sell everything because the defender going against you is just as good as you, so your technique has to be really equipped to what you do."
Advertisement
Offensive coordinator Joey Halzle said Matthews has greatly improved the "technical" part of his game, and he's ready to make an impact as a sophomore.
Mike Matthews is a veteran compared to Tennessee receivers
Matthews is essential to UT's receiving corps, which is thin and inexperienced.
Chris Brazzell is the most seasoned of the group, making 29 receptions for 333 yards and two TDs last season. Matthews had seven receptions, and Braylon Staley had three catches as a freshman last season.
No other UT receivers have made a catch in college. Alabama transfer Amari Jefferson took a redshirt last season.
Advertisement
NICO IAMALEAVA: How Tennessee wants QB to take charge in 2025 season
Freshmen Travis Smith and Radarious Jackson are debuting in spring practice as early enrollees, and freshman Joakim Dodson will join them this summer.
Adam Sparks is the Tennessee football beat reporter. Email adam.sparks@knoxnews.com . X, formerly known as Twitter @AdamSparks . Support strong local journalism by subscribing at knoxnews.com/subscribe .
Get the latest news and insight on SEC football by subscribing to the SEC Unfiltered newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox.
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Mike Matthews: Why Tennessee receiver didn't enter transfer portal
