Texas Gains Momentum: Four-Star Cornerback Samari Matthews Chooses Longhorns

North Miami, USA - In a significant turn of events for college football recruiting, four-star cornerback Samari Matthews has officially committed to the Texas Longhorns, leaving schools like Miami, Florida State, and South Carolina in the dust. This decision, as reported by caneswarning.com, has boosted Texas’s national standing, propelling it to No. 14 in the 2026 class rankings according to Rivals.

At 6 feet 1 inch and weighing in at 195 pounds, Matthews hails from Charlotte, North Carolina, and plays for William Amos Hough High School in Huntersville. Although his high school stats feature modest numbers—19 tackles and 2 interceptions as a junior, and 25 tackles with 1 interception as a sophomore—his talent has been widely recognized. He has earned accolades as both a third-team all-state member in his sophomore year and a first-team selection as a junior.

Shifting Dynamics in College Football

Matthews initially considered offers from powerhouses like Clemson and Oregon before narrowing his focus to the Longhorns and Miami. His commitment not only marks a significant win for Texas but also exemplifies the intense competition taking place in college football recruiting circles. According to hornsports.com, Matthew’s skills include exceptional press man coverage and a physical tackling style that positions him well for a bright future in Texas’s defensive lineup.

This commitment is Texas’s second cornerback for its 2026 class, now featuring 18 commitments. Matthews’s ability to disrupt routes using strength and advanced eye discipline indicates a player who could make an immediate impact. With his signing, Texas inches closer to securing a top 10 recruiting class.

The Broader Recruiting Landscape

Meanwhile, the recruiting landscape is rapidly evolving. The recent Fourth of July recruiting week saw significant shifts in the 247Sports Composite Team Recruiting Rankings, with over a dozen Top247 recruits making their choices. Notably, Alabama has solidified its position with four five-star commitments this cycle, now leading the pack. 247sports.com details how Ohio State, Notre Dame, Clemson, and even Miami faced declines in rankings as other schools surged forward.

As it stands, Miami retains a current position at No. 10 in the recruiting race, eagerly awaiting decisions from other promising defensive back recruits. The competition is fiercer than ever, and with Matthews choosing Texas, Miami’s efforts to secure the next wave of talent will be thoroughly tested in the coming weeks.