Tennessee wide receiver Travis Smith Jr. is receiving high praise from the coaching staff after a few months on campus. Following the departure of six wide receivers to the NFL and the transfer portal, Tennessee’s passing offense, which underperformed last fall, is looking for new weapons to support quarterback Nico Iamaleava in what could be his final season.
With veterans like Chris Brazzell II and young talents like Mike Matthews and Braylon Staley already in the mix, the Vols are also counting on freshman Travis Smith Jr. to step up. A highly touted prospect, Smith ranked No. 83 overall and No. 10 at his position in the 2025 class, having chosen Tennessee over top programs like Alabama, Auburn, and Georgia. He had an impressive senior season with 64 catches for 1,312 yards and 13 touchdowns, earning all-state honors.
Despite true freshmen typically facing a steep learning curve in coach Josh Heupel’s fast-paced offense, Smith has stood out. While it usually takes time for freshmen to adjust to the offense’s unique demands, Smith has already showcased his physical skills and football IQ. In a recent scrimmage, Smith earned glowing reviews from Heupel, who praised his maturity, accountability, and ability to adapt quickly. Heupel highlighted Smith’s size, competitiveness, and ability to perform under pressure, noting his impressive performance on the field.
Leave a Reply