Knoxville, TN – May 15, 2025 — The Tennessee Volunteers are reloading for the 2025 season with a promising mix of talent and potential, headlined by an elite trio of wide receivers in their incoming recruiting class. This offensive firepower is paired with the addition of transfer quarterback Joey Aguilar, who is set to join a highly anticipated quarterback competition that could define the trajectory of Tennessee’s season.
Elite WR Trio Headlines 2025 Class
Head coach Josh Heupel and his staff have assembled one of the most dynamic wide receiver classes in the nation, landing three top-100 prospects:
•Malik Bryant (5-star, FL): A physical outside receiver with elite body control and speed, Bryant has drawn comparisons to former Vols standout Jalin Hyatt.
•Treyvon Carter (4-star, GA): Known for his precise route running and reliable hands, Carter is expected to immediately compete for snaps in the slot.
•Jalen Matthews (4-star, TN): The homegrown talent is a deep-ball threat with excellent vertical ability and high football IQ.
Together, this trio brings explosiveness, versatility, and depth to a wide receiver room that has seen turnover due to NFL departures and graduation. Their arrival is expected to inject new life into Tennessee’s high-octane offense and provide new weapons for whoever wins the quarterback job.
Joey Aguilar Enters the Quarterback Mix
Making headlines alongside the receivers is former Appalachian State quarterback Joey Aguilar, who transferred to Tennessee this spring. Aguilar brings with him a year of starting experience and impressive statistics, including over 3,500 passing yards and 30 touchdowns in 2024.
Aguilar’s experience, composure, and arm talent make him a legitimate contender in Tennessee’s open quarterback battle, where he’ll compete against redshirt sophomore Nico Iamaleava and rising star freshman Jake Merklinger. While Iamaleava has the edge in system familiarity, Aguilar’s ability to adapt quickly and push the ball downfield makes him a strong fit for Heupel’s aggressive, vertical offense.
Immediate Impact Expected
With a retooled offense that now includes a veteran quarterback and a fresh crop of elite wideouts, Tennessee is aiming for a bounce-back season and to remain competitive in an evolving SEC landscape. Sources close to the program say the coaching staff believes the 2025 class could rival the productivity of the breakout 2022 squad that led the SEC in scoring.
Early signs point to the coaching staff planning to use these new weapons early and often. Spring workouts have already showcased the chemistry building between Aguilar and the incoming freshmen, particularly in red zone drills and intermediate passing routes.
Looking Ahead
As Tennessee moves through summer workouts and into fall camp, all eyes will be on how quickly the new offensive core gels. With a tough SEC schedule ahead, early cohesion could be the key to a fast start and a potential push toward a New Year’s Six bowl.
Whether it’s Aguilar under center or one of the younger QBs, one thing is clear: Tennessee’s passing game is poised to evolve, and the 2025 WR class will be at the heart of it.