Young Tennessee Vols wide receiver described as a potential ‘superstar’ in spring practice
The Tennessee Vols could have one of the best wide receiver rooms in the nation.
There’s no question who the Tennessee Vols’ top two wide receivers will be in 2026.
Redshirt sophomore Braylon Staley and junior Mike Matthews enjoyed breakout seasons in 2025, with both receivers going over 800 yards.
Staley and Matthews are set to lead the Vols’ wide receiver room in 2026.
But who will be the top option behind those two?
Tennessee has several quality options, including sophomore Radarious Jackson, sophomore Travis Smith, redshirt freshman Joakim Dodson, true freshman TK Keys, and true freshman Tyreek King.
Jackson, specifically, has reportedly turned heads this spring.
Tennessee Vols WR Radarious Jackson described as a potential “superstar”
On3’s Pete Nakos reported this weekend that Jackson has flashed “superstar ability” during spring practice.
“Sources have been impressed this spring with Radarious Jackson, who played in nine games in 2025 as a freshman,” wrote Nakos. “One source told On3 he has ‘superstar’ ability.”
Nakos also noted that Vols fans should expect Keys to see action as a true freshman this fall.
Jackson caught nine passes for 90 yards as a true freshman last season. He missed four games due to a collarbone injury.
The former four-star recruit didn’t see a ton of action last season, but he impressed local reporters with the reps he did receive. VolQuest’s Brent Hubbs, in fact, said last December that he’s “buying stock” in Jackson.
“I am buying stock in that one right now… I am anxious to see what Radarious Jackson does next year, provided he stays healthy,” said Hubbs on Vol Network’s Big Orange Rewind. “Everybody forgets that he missed [time] with a collarbone deal for a good bit of this season. I think when he’s been called upon and asked to play, he’s made plays, really, in every game he’s been asked to do something. I’m big on Radarious Jackson.”
Tennessee has some good competition in its wide receiver room this spring. It’ll be interesting to see who emerges from that group as a key player for the Volunteers in 2026. It certainly sounds like Jackson is the leader in the clubhouse, though, to serve as Tennessee’s No. 3 wide receiver.
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