Despite losing star wideout Chris Brazzell II to the NFL draft, Tennessee will return several key contributors for its offense in 2026.

A blend of youthful talent featuring experienced playmakers and a highly touted recruit lead the way for an exciting receiver room in Knoxville next fall.

The most notable departure from the 2025 Vols WR cohort is Chris Brazzell II.

As Tennessee's star player last season, Brazzell recorded team-highs of 62 catches 1,017 yards and 9 TDs.

After quickly becoming quarterback Joey Aguilar's favorite target early on in the season, Brazzell excelled in the Volunteers' offense, posting an incredible junior season, solidifying his spot as a top receiver candidate in the upcoming NFL draft.

With its WR1 on the way out, Tennessee will look to find a new top target to fill the large shoes of Brazzell and the WR1's that came before him.

In addition to the departure of Brazzell, the Vols also lost three receivers to the transfer portal this offseason.

Freshman Braylon Harmon committed to Austin Peay university after entering the portal in early January. Harmon recorded one catch for in 2025 for the Vols, for 41 yards against UAB.

Amari Jefferson also entered the portal in January and is yet to find a landing spot. Also, a freshman, Jefferson only made two appearances for the Vols in 2025 and recorded no statistics.

Rounding out the offseason departures is former Vols junior, Tommy Winton III who recently committed to transfer to ETSU. Winton made three catches for 26 yards in 2025.

Tennessee survived the spring transfer portal by not losing its dynamic duo of Mike Matthews and Braylon Staley.

Both crucial to the offensive success of the Vols last season, these young receivers are primed to step into larger roles next season, with one likely emerging as the new WR1 in Knoxville.

Matthews, a rising junior, recorded 53 catches for 813 yards and four touchdowns last season.

 The older of the duo, Matthews brings poise and experience to a young wide receiver group for the Vols in 2026.

Matthews best performances in 2025 came against ETSU where he recorded 6 catches for 111 yards and a touchdown, and in conference play against Kentucky with 6 catches for 107 yards and a score.

Staley enters 2026 fresh off an electric SEC Freshman of the year season with Tennessee, where he led the team with 68 catches and recorded team second bests of 837 yards and 6 touchdowns.

Staley's quick motor and ability to make plays in both the short game and down the field will only improve next season, as he gains more experience and steps into a larger role for the Vols. 

Against Alabama last season, Staley recorded a season-high 10 catches, with 92 yards and a touchdown to show for it.

Also returning for the Vols next season are receivers, Radarious Jackson, Joakim Dodson, Travis Smith Jr., and Trey Weary.

The most notable of the group, Jackson hauled in nine catches for the Vols last season, totaling 90 yards.

Highlighting the new arrivals to the Volunteers’ wide receiver room is five-star freshman phenom Tristen (TK) Keys of Hattiesburg, Miss.  

The Vols struck gold with Keys as the top-ranked receiver from the class of 2026 brings a 6-foot-2 frame to Tennessee team in need of a tall deep ball-threat similar to Brazzell and former Vols and current Las Vegas Raider, Dont’e Thorton Jr. 

Alongside Matthews and Staley, Keys will make an instant impact with the Vols, forming a three-headed attack, sure to serve as a headache for future opponents. 

Joining Keys in Knoxville is the hometown kid, Tyreek King of Knoxville Catholic high school. 

A four-star prospect and top 15 ranked receiver in the country for his class, King is also the No. 2 recruit in the state of Tennessee according to ESPN.  

Serving as the lone transfer portal acquisition at wide receiver, the Vols signed Idaho State transfer Ian Duarte in early January. 

Duarte, a redshirt junior, doubled as both a wideout and return specialist for Idaho State last season, and played three seasons with the Bengals. 

The new Vol recorded 46 receptions for 521 yards and three touchdowns in the 2025 season with Idaho State and has two years of eligibility left.