Tennessee’s latest Mic’d Up video puts Braylon Staley and Mike Matthews front and center, giving fans a behind-the-scenes look at fall camp and a glimpse of the energy inside Kelsey Pope’s wide receiver room.
The Wednesday morning release spotlights two of the Vols’ starting wideouts from last season, both of whom emerged in a major way and are now looking to carry that production into 2026. Staley finished with 837 yards and six touchdowns on 68 catches, while Matthews posted 813 yards and four touchdowns on 53 receptions.
With Chris Brazzell gone to the NFL this offseason, Staley and Matthews are set to be major pieces of Tennessee’s offense.
Pope said the challenge with players who have already had success is keeping them from settling in too comfortably.
“I think the key to having that edge is not saying what you just said, feeling established,” Kelsey Pope said about Matthews and Staley during fall camp. “At any moment, once they feel like I’ve arrived, that’s the wrong mentality.
And so I think what I’ve got to do as a coach is gauge that, right. If I sense one of them or both of them looking too far ahead or feeling established, I’ve got to nip that in the bud right now, and I think what I’ve got from those guys this camp is two hungry guys that are going to break the strain and compete every single play.
We put Mike up in the team meeting, the offensive unit meeting, for like four plays, and he didn’t touch the ball on either one of them. But it’s his effort and his strain and the way he’s competing without the ball.
Braylon and Mike, both of those guys had success. I’m talking to them about becoming complete receivers.
We ain’t talking about going over 1,000 yards or knocking out 10 touchdowns or these milestones or accolades when it comes to numbers. What we want to focus on is being complete wideouts, and I think all the other things-success, that stuff will come.”
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Morris has also drawn attention because of the way Tennessee views his skill set. In a recent press conference, he and running backs coach DeRail Sims talked about his performance and his ability to do more than just carry the ball, a trait that can matter in a backfield where versatility often decides playing time. For a group still taking shape, Morris is making it harder to ignore the possibility that he can be used in a few different spots. [Read more 🡒]
Tennessee Alabama Rivalry Just Got A Tradition Vols Fans Will Love
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For Vols fans, the timing makes the moment even more notable, since it will be the first time since 1970 that both teams have worn home jerseys in Neyland Stadium. It is the kind of small but meaningful change that gives the rivalry a throwback feel, and it should make an already charged atmosphere look even sharper when the teams meet in Knoxville. [Read more 🡒]
Iowas QB Battle May Be Swinging After One Telling Scrimmage
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One name drawing more attention is Faizon Brandon, the true freshman who has apparently made his case in recent work against George MacIntyre. Recent reporting pointed to Brandon landing several deep throws in a scrimmage, the kind of flash that can speed up a staffs thinking even when the race is far from officially over. If Tennessee is leaning toward getting clarity sooner rather than later, this battle may be nearing a decision point. [Read more 🡒]