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ESPN published a list of top newcomers each program in its way-too-early top 25 on Wednesday.
Tennessee earned the No. 16 spot on on ESPN’s offseason ranking for 2024. According to ESPN’s Billy Tucker, the Vols’ most impactful newcomer for 2024 is 5-star receiver Mike Matthews.
Matthews is one of two 5-star prospects in Tennessee’s 2024 recruiting class, and the only one to enroll early. He was the No. 24 overall player and the No. 3 receiver in the country for his class, per 247Sports Composite rankings.
Here’s some analysis from Tucker on what to expect from Matthews this season:
Matthews should rise up the depth chart and become Nico Iamaleava’s top slot target by midseason. Matthews’ versatility to play outside should garner even more targets. The sample size this spring has been impressive. He’s gotten bigger, stronger and more explosive to beat contested matchups while retaining his excellent skills when the ball is in the air. He’s confident and competitive, which is necessary for a true freshman in the SEC.
By all accounts, Matthews had a tremendous spring and is expected to have a role in Tennessee’s offense this fall. Led by Squirrel White and Bru McCoy, the Vols are expected to have one of the deepest wide receiver rooms in the SEC this season.
Tennessee’s passing offense will hope to take a big step forward this year with Nico Iamaleava taking over as the team’s starting quarterback. Iamaleava is also a former 5-star recruit and had an excellent showing in his first career start in Tennessee’s bowl win at the end of the 2023 season.
Tennessee will open up the 2024 campaign with Chattanooga on Aug. 31.
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Spenser is a news editor for Saturday Down South and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.
