‘Pathetic… Pathetic’ – Matthew Golden has been one of the biggest risers in the 2025 NFL Draft, but we may have just found his biggest weakness

In the 2025 NFL Draft class, there hasn’t been a bigger riser in the wide receiver class than Texas star Matthew Golden. After a solid career with the Houston Cougars, Golden transferred to the Longhorns prior to the 2024 college football season. After a slow start, Golden proceeded to lead the team with 987 yards […]

Ryan Roberts — National College Football Writer

Apr 8, 2025 10:55 AM EDT

In the 2025 NFL Draft class, there hasn’t been a bigger riser in the wide receiver class than Texas star Matthew Golden. After a solid career with the Houston Cougars, Golden transferred to the Longhorns prior to the 2024 college football season. After a slow start, Golden proceeded to lead the team with 987 yards and nine touchdowns on 58 receptions.

The 5-11, 191-pound pass catcher has now put himself into the conversation to be the first wide receiver selected at the end of April. The things that stand out most about him are his combination of savviness, consistency, and incredible feel as a route runner. There is a deceptiveness to Golden's game that is pretty rare. Once he ran the forty-yard dash in 4.28 seconds at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine, most believed he had a chance to continue to vault up the board. 

There just generally speaking, isn't too much not to like about Golden. He is one of the few wide receivers without a massive flaw. It is the collective solidness that really makes him stand out in a class mired by those flaws. It appears, however, that Golden isn't good at everything.

In a recent interview on the A to Z Sports Film Room YouTube channel, former UCLA pass rusher Femi Oladejo joined the crew to speak about his draft process so far. As they were discussing his skills in the Madden video game, Oladejo was asked about the best and worst players that he has gone against. Golden didn't receive the best of reviews.

"The worst I’d probably say is Matthew Golden," Oladejo said. "He’s trash. He’s so bad. He’s so bad. This is on NCAA, the college football game. Pathetic…pathetic, I couldn’t believe it. It’s all love. They’re great dudes. I had the chance to train with them in Dallas. Great people."

In a process of negativity, including medical and character concerns, some light humor is never a bad thing. Golden's skills on the sticks will not have any relevance in his draft stock heading toward the big day, but it was still a funny little shoutout. Golden is clearly a player you want on your favorite NFL team, except when you are getting ready for a Madden or NCAA 25 tournament. 

Maybe let him sit that one out.

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