2025/26 Transfer Portal Thread

[CAVPUT]

Also per Basilio, MM is wanting a huge raise. We’ll see if we meet the price, negotiate, or let him walk.

Well, it is Basilly-o so...

Matthews had some huge drops this year and frankly, I'm tired of his flirtation and threats(if true) regarding the portal. We've seen guys who seem to live with a foot out the door before. Get them gone. You're either in the boat or you're not.

I said earlier that Matthews and Gibson likely would hit the portal. They've tip toed around it before. Those types usually end up jumping in. Personally, he's not worth the money IMO.

 

[CAVPUT]

Ahhh ol stone hands wants another raise



Pretty sure he dropped a pass in every game. He left a good 250-300 yards on the field just in drops. That actually might be light bc a couple were bombs right in his hands.

No mas! No mas!

 

[CAVPUT]

Basilio (huge grade of slaw, obviously) says Colton Hood has seen his value tank from where it was early on in the season, and he is getting day 3 grades from NFL feedback people. Allegedly, many at Tennessee now expect him to return to school with an obvious pay bump.

IF true, I think it is huge to have Hood, Gibson, and Redmond at the CB and Nickel positions in Knowles's defense. Great head start with some guys with major frontline experience in the secondary.

I had seen Hood in one mock draft just in the last week as a late 1st rounder, so not sure how accurate Basilio's info is, or if the ESPN guys are just way off operating with old information.

Regardless, you go get more. Injuries always hit us at positions we're thinnest at.

 

[WebbCobb]

Well, it is Basilly-o so...

Matthews had some huge drops this year and frankly, I'm tired of his flirtation and threats(if true) regarding the portal. We've seen guys who seem to live with a foot out the door before. Get them gone. You're either in the boat or you're not.

I said earlier that Matthews and Gibson likely would hit the portal. They've tip toed around it before. Those types usually end up jumping in. Personally, he's not worth the money IMO.

Would rather keep him but, at the end of the day, he was the team’s third best WR this year

 

[CAVPUT]

He would’ve hit the portal but he dropped the papers

 

[CAVPUT]

On Mike Matthews:

-AP

Fools gold. No faith in this kid. Zero. The last thing I think of when I hear the name Mike Matthews is consistency and dependability.

 

[CAVPUT]

Yea we need 2 cb’s now,

must have:
-2 safeties
-2 corners
-1 qb
-1 DT
-1 DE

Definitely need for depth help
- 1 additional safety
-1 additional corner
- 1 additional DT

Could use, but not urgent
-rb
-lb

We need a lot more than one DL. plus, we need a solid LB or two as well.

 

[RiseToTheTop]

Yea we need 2 cb’s now,

must have:
-2 safeties
-2 corners
-1 qb
-1 DT
-1 DE

Definitely need for depth help
- 1 additional safety
-1 additional corner
- 1 additional DT

Could use, but not urgent
-rb
-lb

Prob need ab 4 DL

 

[Jackcrevol]

Prob need ab 4 DL

this

 

[Jackcrevol]

Let’s be cool about Mike

Dude deserves a raise

I’m sure Staley is getting similar

100%

 

[Jackcrevol]

Seriously, this was always a high possibility. Sure staff knew it. Now you have to get a CB. Gonna have to go crazy in porthole.

 

[Checker_the_Shire]

On Mike Matthews:

-AP

I have no issues with raises to MM and Staley, they both proved their worth.

 

[LittleVol]

Exactly! And he’s the most physical WR we have had since Jauan. We need that physicality. Pay him and keep him in orange!

Or….let him walk.
Give Radarius Jackson a chance as well as Smith and the super talented 5 star Tristen Keys.

Also let’s keep throwing the ball to Ethan Davis

 

[LaagerVol]

Fools gold. No faith in this kid. Zero. The last thing I think of when I hear the name Mike Matthews is consistency and dependability.

If only it were possible for players to improve and develop…..

 

[LittleVol]

Fools gold. No faith in this kid. Zero. The last thing I think of when I hear the name Mike Matthews is consistency and dependability.

He had many drops and also crucial drops.
He catches that 3rd and 10 against UGA then we probably win.

He catches that TD against Vandy, we go up and maybe keep the momentum (idk because our defense sucked).

He still had a good year, he’s not even the number one WR on our team

 

[Outofmyvolcanmind]

Those saying let MM walk are crazy. Staley and Matthews put fear into every opponent next year. Only Ohio State can claim a better returning WR room. You take care of both Staley and Matthews period. Staley has Ekbuka vibes and MM reminds me of DJ Moore. Both have had drops, and both make plays.

 

[Outofmyvolcanmind]

MM could’ve had the same number’s Brazzell had this year had he not had the drops, clean that up next year and he can be a 1st round pick. With him being the top outside option I expect a big year from him.

Brazzell had drop issues in 2024. MM and Staley will both improve next year.

 

[Lloyd_Christmas]

Fools gold. No faith in this kid. Zero. The last thing I think of when I hear the name Mike Matthews is consistency and dependability.

Hope these overreactions make you feel better. Matthews is no different than most players on the roster when it comes to NIL...it's a yearly discussion. Each player is actively discussing pay for next season...that doesn't mean they're making threats to leave and causing any issues with the team.

You're acting like he's pulling some Boo Carter BS and he isn't. The guy has given his full effort on the field. He's been a great teammate. No cryptic social media posts. No crazy parent on talking trash about Tennessee on social media. Literally nothing to warrant trashing the guy. Despite a few drops, the guy also made big plays and is poised for a big 2026. I hope he isn't reading stupid sh** like what you and some others have posted.

 

[nashvol1]

I have no issues with raises to MM and Staley, they both proved their worth.

Agree. Folks said the bad thing about Robert Meachem back in the day. Had an amazing junior season. Let it play out.

 

[Memphisvol87]

I just don’t think Joey can get us to the playoffs. He is a good QB, but makes too many costly mistakes with his less than average arm strength.

I agree he made some weird mistakes but for a one year dude who started in summer? He was stellar. With a good defense we are in the playoffs is my point. The offense was not the issue holding us back this year.

 

[volinbama256]

Also per Basilio, MM is wanting a huge raise. We’ll see if we meet the price, negotiate, or let him walk.

No way... kid almost regressed this season... yes, he had some great highlights and helped the team, but he also dropped plenty of needed passes that he should have, and could have, caught... now he wants a raise!? Ehh...

 

[csheaton]

Yes everyone knows this. And it is completely irrelevant given he won't play for the team he transfers to this season.

It is a 3-4 month rehab time so it doesn't even matter to spring schedule.

Oh, I had no idea. Lol

 

[Jackcrevol]

I have no issues with raises to MM and Staley, they both proved their worth.

they bright MM here to be the lead dog, not he and Staley were it. there isn't anything else to it. How we feel matters nothing. we pay out they walk.

 

[Jackcrevol]

Also per Basilio, MM is wanting a huge raise. We’ll see if we meet the price, negotiate, or let him walk.

so, just guessing... like the rest of us.

 

[AllVol11717]

Hope these overreactions make you feel better. Matthews is no different than most players on the roster when it comes to NIL...it's a yearly discussion. Each player is actively discussing pay for next season...that doesn't mean they're making threats to leave and causing any issues with the team.

You're acting like he's pulling some Boo Carter BS and he isn't. The guy has given his full effort on the field. He's been a great teammate. No cryptic social media posts. No crazy parent on talking trash about Tennessee on social media. Literally nothing to warrant trashing the guy. Despite a few drops, the guy also made big plays and is poised for a big 2026. I hope he isn't reading stupid sh** like what you and some others have posted.

Yeah if people want to get upset, they should direct it towards the current semi-legit/semi-under the table framework of NIL.

Every team is dealing with this to some degree. Ole Miss is getting ready to play a playoff game and there’s a commercial with their QB parodying the transfer portal.

Players that contribute are going to be in constant re-negotiation while things are as they stand currently. It’s nonsensical to get upset at the player unless they’re really causing larger problems with it (i.e. Nico and Boo situations).