Mats Nilsson is a 4-time male javelin thrower who competed for the University of Alabama (1995–1998), the University of Texas at El Paso (2000–2001), and the Swedish National Team (1991–2004).

He was ranked top-10 in the world as a junior, a perennial medalist at the Swedish Championships, and became Crimson Tide's first NCAA champion in the javelin throw in history.

Mats Nilsson received his PhD in exercise physiology.

[citation needed] He is the younger brother of Joakim Nilsson.