Priority South Carolina CB target Samari Matthews moves up decision date

Fresh off his South Carolina official visit and with his entire slate of visits now in the books, Huntersville (N.C.) Hough class of 2026 four-star cornerback Samari Matthews has locked in his announcement date.

Matthews, who was originally set to announce in August, will now do so on July 11, he told Rivals’ Sam Spiegelman on Monday.

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“The visit to South Carolina went well,” Matthews told Spiegelman on Sunday “I had a really good time. Every time I go back, they show so much love to me. It’s definitely a reason why they are in my top four and have been there for a while.”

Multiple Gamecocks staffers have played a player major role in this recruitment, led by defensive backs coach Torrian Gray and head coach Shane Beamer.

“I feel great about my fit,” he told Spiegelman. “My comfort level is high as well. They are trending in the right direction and is something I can see myself being part of. South Carolina has been doing what that always have – making me feel like a priority. The message to me was what it’s always been – that they really want me to be a Gamecock.”

MORE: Insider returns on South Carolina final summer OV weekend

Miami, Florida State, and Texas have also landed official visits from Matthews throughout the summer. Now that this last OV is complete, the next step is to hash out a final choice.

“My visits are done and now I can sit with the family and discuss where home will be,” he told Rivals.

Matthews is the No. 71 overall prospect and No. 12 CB 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.

Chris Clark contributed to this report.

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