South Carolina CB target Samari Matthews set to commit today
Decision day is here for Huntersville (N.C.) Hough four-star cornerback and South Carolina recruiting target Samari Matthews.
The class of 2026’s No. 9 cornerback will announce his decision Friday night at 7:30 among finalists South Carolina, Texas, Florida State, and Miami.
247Sports will carry the announcement live on its YouTube page.
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The 6-foot, 180-pounder took official visits to all four finalists.
Texas is currently the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine favorite with Matthews, affectionately known as “Smoke,” with an 81.1 percent chance to land the Blue Chip prospect.
Former Gamecocks graduate assistant and defensive analyst Mark Orphey is heading up Matthews’ recruitment for the Longhorns.
“Coach O was key,” Matthews told Rivals’ Chad Simmons a couple of weeks ago. “I was going to visit Rutgers if he didn’t leave for Texas. He helped Texas get in this and now I feel really good about them. I loved my two visits out there and Austin is a great place. They have great coaches, a great fan base and they are one of the top programs out there.”
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Multiple South Carolina staffers have played a player major role in this recruitment, led by defensive backs coach Torrian Gray and head coach Shane Beamer.
“The visit to South Carolina went well,” Matthews told Sam Spiegelman following his official visit to the school. “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.”
“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.”
Matthews is the No. 70 overall prospect and No. 9 CB in the 2026 cycle, according to the Rivals Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He’s also the No. 6 player in North Carolina.