Last season, there were major questions about the production Tennessee football would get from its wide receiver core. The Vols were relying on second-year players Mike Matthews and Braylon Staley to have breakout years after limited roles as true freshmen.
In response, both put together terrific years, with Staley going on to win SEC Freshman of the Year. He produced 837 yards and six touchdowns on 68 receptions and is now being looked at as a top option on UT’s 2026 offense.
Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel is confident in what Staley can do this year, as well. Heupel said Staley is working on being a versatile piece and is taking his game to ‘another level’.
“A year ago, there were a lot of questions about our wide receiver core, inexperience coming back,” Heupel said. “You look at what Braylon did, Mike did, Chris went on to the NFL. I think we had three out of the top five receivers in yards inside of the league.
“Braylon has continued to take his game to another level. Hyper-focused on how he wants to compete every day, how he takes care of his body, growing an understanding of offensive football, but defensive coverages. He’s a guy that has the ability to play in the slot, on the outside. I think that versatility in our wide receiver room, both him and Mike, some of the young guys that we have, afford us the luxury of doing some unique things within the scope of what we do offensively.”
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The young pieces Heupel mentioned will have to man one of the starting jobs. An outside role is open for the taking, with the job likely between second-year players Radarious Jackson and Travis Smith Jr. and five-star true freshman TK Keys.
As far as Keys, Heupel has also been pleased with what he’s done so far to start his college career.
“I think he came in and went to work immediately,” Heupel said. “High-level recruit with high-level athletic traits. I think the way he’s gone about his work has garnered trust and respect from his teammates. A guy that’s continually growing. Physically, his size, his speed, change of direction, acceleration, the fundamental and technical traits we’re asking of that position and his overall football understanding, specifically inside of the scope of what we’re doing offensively. Tremendous athlete that competes at a really high level. Really excited that we get an opportunity to compete and get better during the course of training camp.”
Tennessee will get fall camp started on August 5 as it looks to figure out some of its position battles. Then, the season opens against Furman at home on September 5 in Neyland Stadium.
