Matthew Golden — 2026 Fantasy Outlook

Golden spent his first two college seasons at Houston, making 17 starts across 19 games in 2022 and 2023 and putting up back-to-back quiet receiving years (38/584/7 and 38/404/6). His freshman year was more explosive on a per-catch basis, averaging 15.4 yards per reception compared to 10.4 as a sophomore. A foot injury cost him three games in his second season.

The transfer to Texas unlocked his best college campaign (58 catches for 987 yards and nine touchdowns across 16 starts, averaging an impressive 17.0 yards per reception). He also contributed as a returner throughout his college career, bringing back 28 kickoffs for 722 yards and two scores at 25.8 yards per return.

As a route runner, Golden has work to do at every level of the field. He needs to sharpen his ability to sell routes and show more urgency and physicality at the top of his stem. His timing can be inconsistent, leading to poor hand positioning when the ball arrives faster than he anticipates. His speed is legitimate; a 4.29 40-yard dash at the Combine puts him among the fastest receivers in his class.

With Texas, Golden was frequently targeted well down the field, but Quinn Ewers rarely put the ball in a position where he could run under it in stride, forcing him to make difficult back-shoulder and contested catches rather than showcasing his speed in open space. With the ball in his hands after the catch, he hasn't shown the vision or instincts to maximize his athleticism, despite his success as a kick returner, suggesting he has some of those tools available.

As a first-round draft pick in 2025, Golden gained 410 combined yards with 29 catches on 44 targets. He failed to reach the end zone in the regular season. Green Bay gave him three targets or fewer in nine of his 15 matchups. His best professional game (4/84/1) came in the postseason. Golden missed three games with shoulder and wrist issues.