One of the fastest-rising wide receivers in the 2025 NFL Draft, Matthew Golden is focused on making an impact at the next level. The Houston native closed out his college career with his best season yet.
Golden went for over 950 receiving yards and nine touchdowns, playing a major role in the Longhorns’ run to the College Football Playoff semifinals. The 6’0″ receiver showed up big in the postseason too, racking up 162 yards against Georgia and 149 against Arizona State. The Texas product proved he can take over games when it matters most.
Golden’s Ceiling Still Untapped, Injuries Have Hidden True Potential
Golden joined Kay Adams on her “Up & Adams” show to talk about his path to the NFL and some setbacks along the way.
Adams kicked things off by asking whether Golden has another gear and if he could be even faster than his 4.29 40-yard dash.
Matthew Golden ran a 4.29 on a bum ankle…
But believes he could've ran a 4.1 fully healthy 💨@heykayadams | @matthewgolden_ pic.twitter.com/BpOHaICrkf
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow)
“I think I could have,” Golden said.
Adams joked that she’s never heard a prospect be happy with their combine performance and pressed him on what he thinks he could’ve run.
“I couldn’t tell you, I couldn’t even tell you,” Golden replied. “I wanted to go 4.1, my ankle was still bothering me. I knew once I ran, my agent, he told me take your cleats off, so I’m like alright man. So yeah I just left it out there.”
Golden confirmed he clocked a 4.29 despite dealing with a nagging ankle injury, which led Adams to ask whether he could beat Xavier Worthy’s record-setting time.
“I’m a competitor, so I’m not gonna say I could beat him, I’m not gonna say I’m not,” Golden said. “Whenever we line up, we just gonna see who wins.”
Now in the mix as one of the top three receivers in the draft, Golden is gaining buzz. With Travis Hunter sitting at the top of most boards, the next receiver taken could come down to Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan — or the speedy native of Texas.
Golden Lands With Young, Talented AFC Team in Latest Mock
In his latest 7-Round 2025 NFL Mock Draft, PFSN’s Jacob Infante has McMillan coming off the board two spots ahead of Golden. The 6’4″ McMillan is projected to go to the Seattle Seahawks at No. 18, while Golden lands at No. 20 with Bo Nix and the Denver Broncos.
Infante explained why Denver adding Golden could be a strong move for their young offense.
“The Denver Broncos exceeded expectations in 2024, making the playoffs behind Bo Nix. To help him keep improving, they should continue adding to his supporting cast.
“A coordinated, intelligent route runner with impressive body control attacking the ball in the air, Matthew Golden has been the subject of plenty of buzz in recent weeks. He doesn’t have an elite physical trait, but he’s a well-rounded target who should be a strong complementary starting receiver in the NFL.”
With just a week to go before the 2025 NFL Draft kicks off, it won’t be long before we find out where Golden is headed next.
