4-star CB Samari Matthews names top four schools

Huntersville (N.C.) William Amos Hough four-star cornerback Samari Matthews is down to four schools in his recruitment, he told On3’s Hayes Fawcett on Friday.

After naming a top eight of Alabama, Clemson, FSU, Georgia, North Carolina, Penn State, South Carolina and Tennessee at the end of November, Matthews is now focused on the Tigers, Ducks, Seminoles and Gamecocks.

He visited Tallahassee earlier this month and also received visits from South Carolina head coaches Shane Beamer and Dan Lanning, as well as a handful of other coaches.

NEWS: Four-Star CB Samari Matthews is down to 4 Schools, he tells me for @on3recruits

The 6’0 189 CB from Charlotte, NC is ranked as a Top 5 CB in the ‘26 Class (per On3 Industry)

Where Should He Go?👇🏽https://t.co/za2ZeaqLZ7 pic.twitter.com/gnEx6rRHsw

— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) January 31, 2025

He told On3’s Chad Simmons after his trip to FSU that the ‘Noles were at the top of his recruitment.

“This visit most definitely made an impact on me,” Matthews said. “I loved it. It was a great visit and Florida State is a top contender now.”

South Carolina has been one of the most consistent schools pushing for him as well. He’s taken multiple visits to Columbia and has held the Gamecocks in high standing.

“They are another school that will be there to the end,” Matthews said about the Gamecocks. “Out of all the schools right now, they have been in contact with me probably the most. I have a great relationship with the whole staff, but especially Coach Gray and Coach Beamer.”

The 6-foot, 180-pounder is the No. 51 overall prospect and No. 4 corner in the 2026 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He’s also the No. 7 player in North Carolina.