Maxwell is a polished route runner who wins with detail and timing. He doesn’t waste movement and is reliable in structured passing concepts. Maxwell had 1,088 yards 14 total touchdowns and 61 receptions.

Maxwell is a sharp and instinctive receiver who consistently finds ways to make plays and create opportunities for his team. He reads coverage well, using angles, timing, and body positioning to get open and give his quarterback a reliable target.

He excels at catching the ball in traffic, showing strong hands and excellent concentration to secure difficult passes. Maxwell also demonstrates awareness after the catch, using vision and agility to gain extra yardage and keep plays alive.

With strong hands and a giant catch radius, Nichols is dynamic down the sideline and over the middle of the field for the Vols’ offense. Maxwell also showcases his elite (10.8 100m) speed on the field, beating defensive backs before and after the catch. After the catch, Nichols weaves in and out of running lanes with little wasted movement and great field vision. He is also a great route runner at all levels and thrives at finding the creases in zone coverages. Thanks to just under 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns so far this season, Maxwell has recently picked up offers from Texas State and UTEP. He will play a big role in a potential deep playoff push for the Vols.

Nichols proved to be a big-play target with 7 catches for 159 yards and 2 touchdowns. His speed, strong hands, and crisp route running made him nearly unguardable all night.

Nichols is another young playmaker making noise early. In Week Two alone, he hauled in 11 passes for 115 yards and a touchdown. His quickness, reliable hands, and ability to separate make him a quarterback’s best friend. Already holding an offer from San Diego State, Nichols is positioning himself as a breakout candidate in the 2027 class with a ceiling that should attract more recruiting attention.