Mike Matthews
Buzz vs Tape
Fans warmer than rivals
His own fans are far more bullish than the rival fanbase.
Eric Cain breaks down the TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS' quarterback decision, highlighting Joey Aguilar’s impressive growth during training camp. The discussion covers the VOLS' offensive strategy, including their strong running game and potential…
— Locked On Podcast Network
Also worth knowing:
Mike Matthews
Wins underneath on volume and route precision. This is his second year in the same receiving corps at Tennessee. The receipt on tape: 118 rec yds, 6 receptions against Mississippi State, Week 5, 2025.
Low coverage — composed from the verified record.
- positional archetype classification
- seasons on the roster
- game log
Career Arc
2025 snapshot
Season context · Team result + system
Splits & context
Supporting Cast · Scheme
Staff and system around the player
Head Coach
Josh Heupel
Career stats
Signature game
SIGNATURE GAME · Week 2 · 2025
W 72–17
vs East Tennessee State
6 rec · 111 yds · 1 TD
Dominant 55-point win at home against East Tennessee State.
How he plays
Play style
Runs precise routes in tight quarters. Volume player who keeps chains moving.
CFB Index positional classification
2026 Outlook
Tennessee
2026 Depth chart
Projected starter
Wide receiver · Tennessee
Returning around him
- 22% of 2024 offensive production back (Heavy turnover)
- 5 Tennessee players drafted to NFL
- Transfer portal: -8 net (21 in / 29 out)
2026 Award watch
No preseason watch lists yet (most drop June 15 – July 15)
Tennessee · Last season: 8-5 (AP #18) · Talent rank #16 · 2026 recruiting class #8
DNA match
Player DNA
Slot Technician
Runs precise routes in tight quarters. Volume player who keeps chains moving.
His 2025 production profile sits closest to Javon Baker’s 2022 season.
Matches Javon on
Differs from Javon on
Through 2 college seasons, his career arc tracks closest to Dallas Dixon’s path through Central Michigan.
Cary Angeline
Matches Dallas on
As a sophomore, his production profile tracks closest to Ryan Williams's sophomore season at Alabama (2025).
Matches Ryan on
Differs from Ryan on
Player DNA
Players who play like Mike Matthews
Development
Development Trajectory · receiving yards
2024–2025+803%
Up 803% from first season to most-recent.
Background
CAREER HONORS 2025 Fall SEC Academic Honor Roll 2024 Fall SEC Academic Honor Roll CAREER One of the SEC’s top returning receivers and a go-to playmaker for the Vols ... Signed with Tennessee as one of the top recruits in the nation in the Class of 2024 and enters his third season with the program...