Texas Football Soars! Four-Star CB Samari Matthews Chooses Longhorns

Charlotte, NC, USA - The Texas Longhorns have made quite the splash in the recruiting world, welcoming the commitment of four-star cornerback Samari Matthews from Huntersville, North Carolina. This exciting news comes as Matthews chose Texas over several other prominent programs, including South Carolina, Florida State, and Miami. His decision has pushed Texas up in the Rivals Industry Team Recruiting Rankings, landing them at No. 14 nationally and No. 6 in the SEC, as reported by On3.

Samari Matthews is highly regarded, listed as the No. 70 overall prospect and the No. 9 cornerback in the nation. Standing at 6 feet 1 inch and weighing 195 pounds, he is well-equipped for the challenges that lie ahead. He expressed his enthusiasm about joining what he refers to as a „championship program,“ believing Texas is on the cusp of building a winning team. After an impressive official visit on June 13, Matthews noted the strong camaraderie among players and staff, which further cemented his decision to don the burnt orange.

A Strong Recruitment Class

The Longhorns‘ 2026 recruiting class is shaping up nicely, now boasting a total of 18 commitments. This includes the earlier addition of five-star quarterback Dia Bell, who is ranked No. 4 overall nationally. Bell’s influence has been notable, attracting top recruits to Texas, a testimony to the program’s allure. Recent commitments alongside Matthews include five-star EDGE Richard Wesley and several other four-star talents like offensive linemen John Turntine and Max Wright, along with linebacker Kosi Okpala and wide receiver Chris Stewart, as detailed by SI.com.

The emphasis on strengthening the secondary is clear, as Matthews joins fellow defensive backs, including five-star athlete Jermaine Bishop Jr. and cornerback Hayward Howard Jr. This renewed focus is vital, especially considering that Texas had only two defensive back commits in this class prior to Matthews‘ announcement. His commitment is, therefore, a significant boost for the Longhorns, who have faced some recruiting challenges in recent years. Analysts had predicted Matthews‘ choice would fall in favor of Texas, largely due to a strong relationship with cornerbacks coach Mark Orphey, who previously worked at Rutgers, enhancing the chances of landing this prized recruit.

Turning the Tide in Recruiting

The landscape of recruiting at Texas has been competitive, and Matthews’ decision is seen as a potential turning point for the Longhorns. With South Carolina considered the biggest competitor in this race, Matthews’ choice could signal a shift in momentum for Texas as they look to enhance their roster and solidify their standing as a top program. You can’t help but feel that there’s something to be said for the fresh energy Matthews brings—not just as a player, but as a symbol of Texas‘ commitment to reclaiming its place among the nation’s elite.

As the Longhorns continue to build their 2026 class, the excitement around Matthews and his fellow recruits is palpable. With the right mix of talent and determination, they could well be on their way to making waves in the upcoming seasons and beyond. The commitment of Samari Matthews is just the beginning of what might be an incredible journey for the Longhorns, and fans can undoubtedly look forward to what this promising class will bring.