The Tennessee Volunteers have struck gold in the recruiting game once again, flipping a key 2025 prospect from one of their biggest competitors in the college football world. Last night, 4-star recruit and former Ohio State commit, wide receiver Jayden Matthews, announced his decision to join the Tennessee Volunteers, solidifying his commitment and declaring himself “Fully Locked In” for the 2025 season.
This major recruiting win is yet another example of head coach Josh Heupel’s growing influence in attracting top-tier talent to Knoxville. For Tennessee, it’s not just about landing another highly-ranked player—it’s about the program’s continued resurgence as a powerhouse in the SEC and on the national stage.
Hailing from Charlotte, North Carolina, Matthews is regarded as one of the most dynamic wide receivers in the 2025 class. Standing 6-foot-1 and weighing 185 pounds, he combines elite speed, sharp route running, and an impressive catch radius that has made him a nightmare for opposing defensive backs.
Matthews had originally committed to Ohio State earlier this year, drawn by the Buckeyes’ reputation for developing NFL-caliber receivers. However, as Tennessee surged on the field and in the recruiting rankings, the Volunteers entered the conversation and made a compelling case for why Knoxville should be his future home.
Matthews is ranked as the No. 8 wide receiver and the No. 42 overall prospect in the 2025 class, according to 247Sports. His ability to stretch the field and make contested catches fits perfectly within Josh Heupel’s high-octane offensive system, which has become one of the most explosive in college football.
In his announcement, Matthews shared why he decided to flip his commitment to Tennessee.
“Tennessee just feels like home,” Matthews said in an interview. “From the coaching staff to the fan base, everything about Knoxville is special. Coach Heupel has shown he knows how to use receivers in his offense, and I believe I can thrive here and help bring a championship to Tennessee.”
Heupel’s track record with wide receivers likely played a significant role in Matthews’ decision. Under his leadership, the Volunteers have produced some of the most prolific offensive performances in the country, including the development of standout wideouts like Jalin Hyatt, Cedric Tillman, and Bru McCoy.
The connection Matthews built with Tennessee wide receivers coach Kelsey Pope was also a major factor. Pope’s ability to develop young talent and his vision for Matthews in Tennessee’s offense were critical in securing the commitment.
With Matthews now on board, Tennessee’s 2025 recruiting class continues to build momentum. The Volunteers have already landed commitments from several highly-ranked players, including 5-star quarterback Caleb Jenkins, who could form a lethal duo with Matthews in the future.
Matthews’ commitment also serves as a statement to other recruits in the class: Tennessee is serious about competing for championships. Flipping a prospect from a powerhouse like Ohio State underscores the Vols’ growing reputation as a destination for elite talent.
For Ohio State, losing Matthews is undoubtedly a blow to their recruiting efforts. The Buckeyes have consistently recruited at an elite level, particularly at the wide receiver position, but Tennessee’s ability to pry away a coveted prospect highlights the increasing competition for top talent in the NIL era.
This flip also reflects Tennessee’s growing national presence as a program capable of going toe-to-toe with traditional powers like Ohio State, Alabama, and Georgia.
With his commitment fully locked in, Matthews will now focus on preparing for his senior season in high school and working to make an immediate impact when he arrives in Knoxville. The Vols, meanwhile, will look to build around their newest weapon, ensuring the 2025 recruiting class continues to rise in the national rankings.
For Tennessee fans, Matthews’ decision is cause for celebration. As the program continues its rise under Josh Heupel, landing players like Matthews is another step toward reestablishing Tennessee as a dominant force in college football.
In the words of Matthews himself: “Tennessee is on the rise, and I’m ready to be a part of it. Let’s make history.”
With this latest commitment, the Volunteers are one step closer to doing just that.