On3 Expert Predicts Five-Star WR Mike Matthews To Land At Tennessee

On3 national recruiting insider Josh Newberg has put in a prediction for 2024 five-star wide receiver Mike Matthews to land with the Tennessee Volunteers.

2024 five-star wide receiver Mike Matthews has seen his recruitment surge in recent weeks. There's been mention of Georgia, Clemson, Alabama, and others, but one consistent name surrounding the Georgia native is the Tennessee Volunteers. The Vols have long been a contender in this recruitment but are now poised as one of his top teams.

On3 national recruiting insider Josh Newberg spent time with Matthews at the On3 NIL Elite Series in Nashville, Tennessee, and immediately following decided to put in a prediction for Matthews to land with the Volunteers. There's been a lot of smoke between Matthews and the Vols, but this is one of the first times that a national insider has gone public with the claim. He has scheduled four official visits this summer, though that number could increase when the NCAA removes the five official visits per recruit limitation on July 1. For now, this is what his summer schedule looks like.

• Clemson: June 2
• Georgia: June 9
• USC: June 17
• Tennessee: June 23

After hanging out with 5⭐️ WR Mike Matthews… I dropped a Recruiting Prediction in favor of Tennessee 🍊 pic.twitter.com/YfBGThidzE

— Josh Newberg (@josh_newberg) May 30, 2023

The Alabama Crimson Tide have surged in this recruitment and they may end up getting an official visit. Even after Matthews makes his decision, the same schools will keep calling up until his signs a national letter of intent. It seems that Tennessee is in the driver's seat, though, and largely due to Matthews's relationships with the coaching staff. Head coach Josh Heupel and wide receivers coach Kelsey Pope have made him feel important, and Knoxville's atmosphere solid itself to him during an earlier unofficial visit this spring.

Volunteer Country Evaluation

"While most evaluations require complex research and breakdowns, Matthews's talent is obvious even to those who don't watch football. He is a rare athlete that can do everything and will be a significant difference-maker at the next level. The elite traits are apparent, but Matthews always appears in control. He seamlessly glides across the field in quick, compact strides before abruptly attacking either the football or the ball carrier. Matthews has some of the most natural hands of anyone in the southeast. He routinely plucks the ball out of the air with one hand, making it look quite easy. His sophomore tape even showcases some multitasking, securing the catch with one hand while working the sideline."

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