Mike Matthews Seeks Fresh Start, Enters Transfer Portal

Former 5-star Tennessee wide receiver Mike Matthews has entered the transfer portal, seeking a fresh start after a tumultuous season in Knoxville. The once-heralded recruit has struggled to live up to expectations on the field, and his off-field behavior has also come under scrutiny.

Disappointing On-Field Performance

Matthews was one of the most coveted wide receivers in the country coming out of high school. He was a 5-star recruit and the No. 1-ranked wide receiver in the 2022 class. However, he has failed to live up to the hype in his two seasons at Tennessee.

In 2022, Matthews caught just 15 passes for 198 yards and two touchdowns. He also had several drops and mental errors. His performance was particularly disappointing given that Tennessee had a high-powered offense that featured several other talented wide receivers.

Off-Field Concerns

In addition to his on-field struggles, Matthews has also had some off-field issues. He was arrested for marijuana possession in March 2023, and he was also involved in a bar fight in October 2022.

These off-field incidents have raised concerns about Matthews’ maturity and commitment to the team. They have also led to speculation that he may not be a good fit for the Tennessee program.

Possible Landing Spots

Now that Matthews has entered the transfer portal, he will have the opportunity to find a new school where he can get a fresh start. There are several schools that could be a good fit for him, including:

West Virginia
Kentucky
Ole Miss
Mississippi State

These schools are all in need of wide receiver help, and they all have a history of developing talented players. Matthews could be a valuable addition to any of these programs.

Conclusion

The decision to leave Tennessee is a difficult one for Matthews, but it may be the best decision for his career. He needs a fresh start, and he needs to find a school where he can be successful both on and off the field.

It is still early in the transfer portal process, but there is no doubt that Matthews will have plenty of suitors. He is a talented player with a lot of potential. If he can get his act together off the field, he could be a star at his next school.