Samari Matthews, one of the nation’s top cornerback prospects in the 2026 class, has narrowed his recruitment to four powerhouse programs: Clemson, South Carolina, Florida State, and Oregon. With a 247Sports Crystal Ball prediction favoring the Tigers, Matthews has spent significant time in Clemson over the past season, building strong ties with the coaching staff. As his decision nears, the elite 6-foot, 180-pound defensive back continues to weigh his options among these top contenders.
Throughout his recruitment, Matthews has garnered attention from numerous top-tier programs, accumulating offers from over 30 Power Five schools. In November 2024, he narrowed his list to eight schools: Alabama, Clemson, Florida State, Georgia, North Carolina, Penn State, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
Recently, Matthews has been focusing on four programs: Clemson, South Carolina, Florida State, and Oregon. He has been particularly impressed with Clemson’s family atmosphere, stating that it positions them as a top contender in his recruitment.
As of now, recruiting analysts have projected Matthews to commit to Clemson, citing the program’s strong relationship with him and the appealing family environment. His decision is highly anticipated, as he continues to evaluate his options among these top programs.
In his sophomore season, Matthews showcased his skills with 19 total tackles over 10 games, contributing to his high ranking and making him a priority target for several Power Five schools.
As Matthews approaches his final decision, the recruiting world eagerly awaits to see which program will secure the commitment of this elite cornerback prospect.