Instead of using the transfer portal, wide receiver Mike Matthews rejoins Tennessee football.

Mike Matthews, a wide receiver for the Tennessee football team, intends to remain with the Vols in 2025 instead of using the transfer portal.

Matthews made the decision to access the site on December 28. He never showed up in the database by the deadline for requesting documentation to use the portal.

Former five-star prospect Matthews made the decision to stay on the team. The Vols, who have already lost five wide receivers to the portal—Kaleb Webb, Chas Nimrod, Nathan Leacock, Squirrel White, and walk-on Nate Spillman—will greatly benefit from this.

According to 247Sports Composite, Matthews was regarded as the sixth-best wide receiver in the 2024 class. However, as a freshman in 2024, he played a small part behind UT’s seasoned receivers. In 11 games, he caught seven passes for 90 yards and two scores.

Who will be the wide receivers for Tennessee in 2025?
In 2025, Matthews is expected to be quarterback Nico Iamaleava’s preferred receiver; nevertheless, the Vols still need to replenish their receiving corps via the portal.

After Bru McCoy and Dont’e Thornton have used up their eligibility and White enters the portal, UT will replace all three of its starting wide receivers.

TENNESSEE TRANSFER TRACKER: Who is departing the 2024 Vols?

In 2025, Chris Brazzell returns as well. A year ago, after transferring from Tulane, he recorded 29 receptions for 333 yards and two touchdowns. As a freshman, Braylon Staley took a redshirt after three receptions for 21 yards in four games.

Wide receiver Mike Matthews has made the decision to rejoin Tennessee football rather than transfer to another university via the much-discussed transfer portal. For Matthews and the Tennessee Volunteers, this decision is a major step forward. Matthews’ decision to remain with his current team instead of pursuing a transfer to another school says a lot about his relationship with the program and his future goals in the world of college football, where the transfer portal has become a more significant feature in reshaping rosters and player careers. His return will be significant for the Volunteers because it gives Tennessee the opportunity to bolster its roster with a guy who has already demonstrated promise and potential.

The transfer portal has become a central topic in college football, as more and more players seek to explore their options and find better fits for their skills and development. While many athletes have taken advantage of this opportunity to move between programs, Matthews’ decision to forgo that route and remain at Tennessee highlights his commitment to the team and the bond he has with the coaching staff, teammates, and the university as a whole. In an era when player movement is becoming more common, Matthews’ choice reflects a deeper sense of loyalty and determination to succeed within the current program, despite the lure of starting over somewhere else.

Matthews, a highly regarded wide receiver, has been part of Tennessee football for some time now, and his decision to rejoin the Volunteers is seen as a win for the program. Tennessee, like many other teams, has been navigating a period of roster changes, with players entering and exiting through the transfer portal. However, Matthews’ decision to stay and continue his career at Tennessee offers a sense of stability and continuity. His familiarity with the team’s offensive schemes, coaching staff, and expectations gives him an advantage over potential newcomers, and his experience can be an asset in terms of leadership within the wide receiver group.

Matthews’ decision to stay also speaks to the culture and environment that Tennessee football has cultivated. College football is not just about the x’s and o’s on the field; it’s about building relationships, trust, and a sense of belonging. Matthews’ return suggests that he feels confident in the direction the program is heading and believes that his continued development will best occur in the environment that Tennessee provides. Whether it’s the coaching philosophy, the player development opportunities, or the camaraderie within the locker room, Matthews’ decision to remain with Tennessee is indicative of a positive experience and a desire to contribute to the team’s future success.

In addition to his on-field contributions, Matthews’ return is a victory for the coaching staff, who now have the opportunity to work with a player they know well and can continue to develop. Recruiting through the transfer portal brings in new players who may need time to adjust to the team’s culture and playbook. In contrast, retaining a player who has been with the program offers a smoother transition, as Matthews already understands the expectations and the dynamics of the team. His familiarity with the staff and the system can lead to more immediate results, as he is able to hit the ground running, rather than having to acclimate to a new environment. This sense of continuity benefits not just Matthews but the entire team, as they work together to achieve shared goals.

For Matthews personally, his decision to stay with Tennessee likely reflects his confidence in his own development and future prospects within the program. He has the opportunity to further refine his skills under the guidance of Tennessee’s coaching staff, who are invested in developing him into a top-tier player. Matthews is not just a wide receiver with talent; he is a player who has shown potential for growth and improvement. By choosing to stay, he is signaling his belief that he can achieve greater success at Tennessee, whether that means excelling in the upcoming season or preparing for opportunities beyond college football. His return allows him to continue to showcase his abilities while also setting himself up for a successful future.

The decision to rejoin Tennessee football also has a ripple effect within the program. Players like Matthews, who have experienced both the highs and lows of college football, serve as valuable mentors to younger teammates. His experience, combined with his skills on the field, makes him a natural leader within the wide receiver group and the broader team. Matthews’ decision to remain with Tennessee not only strengthens the team’s roster but also provides an example of commitment and loyalty that can resonate with other players. In a time when many athletes are constantly seeking new opportunities, Matthews’ choice reinforces the importance of dedication to a team and the pursuit of success together.

In the broader context of college football, Matthews’ decision also speaks to the growing trend of players who are choosing to remain loyal to their original programs rather than jumping to new schools. While the transfer portal has provided more options for players to find new homes, Matthews’ return to Tennessee highlights the idea that a player’s journey within a program is not always linear, and there is value in continuing to develop in the environment where they started. By staying with Tennessee, Matthews is contributing to a shift in the culture of college football, one where commitment, loyalty, and long-term development can be just as important as the immediate benefits of transferring.

Mike Matthews’ decision to rejoin Tennessee football instead of entering the transfer portal represents a significant moment for both the player and the program. His choice to stay signals his belief in his continued growth within the Volunteers’ system, while also providing the team with continuity and stability at a key position. Matthews’ return highlights the importance of loyalty, commitment, and development, both for the individual player and the team as a whole. As Tennessee looks toward the future, Matthews’ decision ensures that the program remains on solid footing and well-positioned to compete at a high level in the Southeastern Conference. His return is a win for Tennessee, and a testament to the value of sticking with a program that believes in you.