After snagging SEC Freshman of the Year honors this past season, Tennessee football redshirt-freshman Braylon Staley is coming back for the 2026 campaign. On Tuesday night, On3’s Pete Nakos reported that Staley has re-signed with the program. The NIL compensation Staley will receive was not disclosed.
During the 2025 season, Staley caught 68 passes for 837 yards and six touchdowns. This was second on the team behind only Chris Brazzell, who is projected to be a relatively high pick in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. His receiving yards mark was also good for eighth in the conference.
As a true freshman in 2024, Staley didn’t reach the game limit and earned a redshirt. He caught three passes for 21 yards and got some experience at Ohio State in the College Football Playoffs.
Staley is from Johnston, South Carolina, where he was a highly-rated recruit. 247 considered him the No. 78 recruit in the country and No. 15 wide receiver.
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Staley plays in the slot for the Vols and is projected to reprise his role. Behind him, Tennessee brings in Oklahoma State transfer Gavin Freeman, who will likely get most of his action as a returner, and four-star freshman Tyreek King. Joakim Dodson also returns after his true freshman year.
On the outside, Tennessee returns Mike Matthews, who started opposite of Brazzell in 2025 as a sophomore. He recorded 813 yards and four touchdowns on 53 receptions this past year.
The other opening on the outside, in the place of Brazzell’s departure, has three main options as the replacement. Radarious Jackson and Travis Smith Jr. got minimal experience a year ago as true freshmen and are set to return. The Vols also bring in five-star Tristen Keys, who is the top-ranked receiver in the class.
