Auburn WR commit Jase Mathews is new Rivals 5-star: 'There's still a lot of work to do'

The spotlight on Jase Mathews keeps getting brighter. The 6-foot-2, 180-pound wide receiver from Leaksville (Miss.) Greene County has been elevated to five-star status in the updated Rivals300, cementing his place as one of the premier prospects in the 2026 class.

He is now the No. 13 prospect in the country and Mathews has been around athletics for as long as he can remember. He started playing football at age five, but also balanced basketball, soccer, and baseball. Over time, the focus narrowed.

“I loved basketball and I was good at it, but as I got older, football just felt different,” Mathews told Rivals. “Going to camps, getting offers — I knew football was the route to go. I was 100 points away from getting to 1,000 in basketball, so it was hard to give it up, but I know I made the right decision.”

For Mathews, football is different.

“Football is not like any other sport. In others, you can finesse your way around. In football, your will matters — and I want it more. Football is about putting your will on someone else and I love that.”

At receiver, he thrives on the opportunity to make a difference.

“What I love about playing receiver is being able to get in the end zone, help the team, and make plays,” Mathews added.

It all starts with family for Mathews

Behind his work ethic is a deeper motivation tied to family.

“Where I come from and my grandparents drive me,” Mathews said. “They wanted me to be the best I can be. I do it for them. They’ve played a big role in who I am and how I work. I am close to the ones that are still here and even closer to those who have passed away. They taught me so much. They gave me structure.”

That perspective shapes how he views his new five-star status.

“I’m very blessed,” he said. “I’ve worked hard for it, but there’s still a lot of work to do. Now I work that much harder. This will push me.”

Mathews is committed to Auburn, but schools are not giving up

Earlier this summer, Mathew committed to Auburn over LSU, Ole Miss, and Texas A&M. That commitment remains strong.

“I’m feeling great about Auburn — I’m loving it,” Mathews said. “I was there for the Ball State game and I’ll be back soon. The staff makes me feel at home. Witnessing a night game at Auburn, I can’t even explain it. The atmosphere is electric. Auburn is different. You can’t compare it to anywhere else.

“I am 100% committed.”

Despite his confidence in Auburn, schools haven’t backed off. Ole Miss and LSU continue to pursue the five-star, and future visits are possible. Still, Auburn has positioned itself strongly.

As for what he’s seen from the Tigers on the field this fall, Mathews likes the direction.

“They’re definitely on the rise,” he said. “The offense is very versatile. They can run, they can throw, and they’ve got threats all over.”