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Tennessee wide receiver Mike Matthews plans to enter the transfer portal this offseason after wrapping up his freshman year in Knoxville. The former five-star pass catcher played sparingly in his debut campaign, logging seven catches for 90 yards.
News of his transfer portal entry shocked many as he’d been in line to compete for a starting role in 2025. His social media activity after the fact made the decision all the more head scratching.
Matthews archived all Instagram posts relating to the Vols. He then reloaded his account with those same Tennessee posts, including one which noted his portal news.
Mike Matthews has put all his Tennessee pictures back on Instagram.
Take that for what it’s worth 🤷♂️ pic.twitter.com/k1bFUUO8Lz
— Vol Report (@AllVolReport) December 29, 2024
Whispers of Mike Matthews’ return to the Volunteers have circulated since. Some suggested that he’d had a change of heart upon learning that QB Nico Iamaleava would be staying in Knoxville.
Should Matthews opt to leave, he’d be the latest pass catcher in the Tennessee wide receiver room to transfer. The team is set to lose a ton of production, headlined by veteran Squirrel White.
Matthews signed with the Vols over offers from Georgia, Clemson, USC, and Alabama. He was considered a Top 25 player, regardless of position, by ESPN. Now, he could be on his way out.
Not everyone seems happy with the transfer decision. Teammate Chris Brazzell posted some shade on his Instagram story shortly after the news went public. He may not be ready to welcome Matthews back with open arms should he change his mind.
After Mike Matthews entered the transfer portal, Chris Brazzell posted this to his Instagram story. pic.twitter.com/iP7UpvDv4i
— John Sartori (@JohnSartoriTV) December 29, 2024
Time will tell whether or not Mike Matthews stays in the portal or opts to return to Tennessee. He’s done little to provide clarity on the situation. The Vols hope they can convince their five-star pass catcher to stay put.