Massive win for Texas: 4-Star CB commits to the Longhorns

High-end 4-star cornerback Samari "Smoke" Matthews announced his commitment to the Longhorns on Friday night.
Texas Longhorns edge rusher Colin Simmons (11) celebrates an interception during the game against Clemson in the first round of the College Football Playoffs at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024.
Texas Longhorns edge rusher Colin Simmons (11) celebrates an interception during the game against Clemson in the first round of the College Football Playoffs at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024. | Aaron E. Martinez/American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Elite 4-star cornerback target Samari Matthews officially pledged his commitment to Texas tonight after a long, fruitful recruiting process. The Hough HS (Cornelius, NC) product was ranked as the No.6 cornerback in the nation according to 247Sports composite rankings.

The 6'1", 190-pound corner officially provides Texas with not only their highest-ranked defensive back in the 2026 recruiting class, but their second-highest ranked player from the east coast, right behind 5-star QB Dia Bell.

This is an enormous win for a Longhorn program that's been experiencing a lull in the recruiting category as of late, losing out on the likes of OT Felix Ojo, DL Jamarion Carlton, and LB Brayden Rouse over the past two weeks.

It's great to see Texas "win one" here, and Matthews' commitment will hopefully become a catalyst for a nice streak of pledges over the next couple of weeks.

Matthews is undoubtedly the type of player who can come in and compete for playing time from day one as a true freshman for Texas in 2026.