Suddenly, true freshman Mike Matthews is set for an expanded role in the biggest spot of the entire season. The former five-star prospect has flashed here and there this season for Tennessee, most recently with a touchdown catch against Vanderbilt.
Now, thanks to the horrific timing of the transfer portal window, he’s been bumped up a few notches on the depth chart. Tennessee saw reserve receivers Chas Nimrod, Kaleb Webb, Nathan Lecock and Nate Spillman hit the transfer portal over the last couple of weeks. In particular, Webb and Nimrod leaving really hurts the Vols’ depth as they head into Columbus.