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Tennessee WR Travis Smith Jr's huge goal for 2025 and thoughts on playing with Nico Iamaleava will get Vols fans fired up

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Zach Ragan | Last updated Jan 7, 2025 4:14 PM ET

Tennessee Vols 2025 wide receiver signee Travis Smith Jr, a 6-foot-3/200 lb four-star recruit who was rated as the No. 12 wide receiver in the nation, is determined to make a big impact as a true freshman next fall.

Smith, who enrolled early at Tennessee and made the trip to Columbus for the Vols' College Football Playoff game against Ohio State, recently joined Najeh Wilkins on a YouTube livestream to discuss a variety of topics.

The Atlanta native told Wilkins that he's hoping to start as a true freshman at Tennessee, while pointing out what he can bring to the Vols' offense.

"Contested catches, all the way," said Smith when asked what he can add to Tennessee's offense. "It's a 90/10 ball with me. Just going deep, catching everything, and then just making plays."

"A/B honor roll, being on time everywhere," continued Smith when asked about his goals for the 2025 season. "On the field, I definitely want to start. I want to set the bar high. I'm going to say over 1,000 yards and 10 [touchdowns]. I don't care about receptions, just throw it up. On the field, I'd say those are my goals, for real. Over 1,000 yards, 10 [touchdowns], and starting."

One reason why Smith thinks he can accomplish those goals is because he'll be playing with Vols quarterback Nico Iamaleava.

"That boy Nico, he's dangerous," said Smith. "He's something else. Having a quarterback like him that can sling it, it's a dream come true for real. So I'm excited to start catching balls from him. I'm in a great position right now."

Smith, who said he's already been studying Tennessee's offensive playbook so he can be ready this fall, should have an opportunity to see some early playing time for the Vols thanks in part to numerous wide receivers recently leaving the UT program.

Tennessee's top wide receivers for 2025:

Mike Matthews -- Sophomore
Braylon Staley -- Sophomore
Chris Brazzell -- Redshirt Junior
Travis Smith Jr -- True Freshman
Boo Carter -- Sophomore (primarily a defensive back)
Amari Jefferson -- Redshirt Freshman
Radarious Jackson -- True Freshman
Joakim Dodson -- True Freshman

Smith also noted that he's excited that Mike Matthews is returning to Tennessee in 2025 after the former five-star recruit briefly flirted with the idea of entering the NCAA transfer portal.

"Mike, so, I'm not going to speak on everything because I don't know myself," said Smith when asked about Matthews and the transfer portal. "There's a lot of guys entering the portal. It's a lot of stuff going on. I try to stay out of it because it ain't my place. I just gotta keep my head focused on me and what I can do to help Tennessee. I'm glad Mike came back, though. Mike's going to be a huge part of this offense coming up. So I'm glad he stayed."

Tennessee's wide receiver room will be younger in 2025, but it will undoubtedly be more talented, too. The Vols' youth movement at the wide receiver position should help Tennessee's offense take a big step forward next fall.

And if Smith is able to get anywhere close to his goal of 1,000 yards, it will likely mean that Tennessee's offense is one of the most explosive in the nation.

2024 didn't end the way Vols fans were hoping, but there's plenty of reason for fans to be fired up for the 2025 season.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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