Two tantalizing Texas recruits set to announce their commitment this week

Blue-chip defensive players Jamarion Carlton and Samari Matthews are officially announcing their collegiate plans on Thursday and Friday.
Dec 21, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns defensive passing game coordinator Terry Joseph against the Clemson Tigers during the CFP National playoff first round at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Dec 21, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns defensive passing game coordinator Terry Joseph against the Clemson Tigers during the CFP National playoff first round at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Temple (TX) 4-star DL Jamarion Carlton and Hough (NC) 4-star CB Samari Matthews are set to officially announce their commitments on Thursday and Friday, respectively.

Both players are ranked extremely high on the Longhorns' 2026 recruiting board, mostly because they have the talent and size to play early on in their Texas careers.

Carlton is currently ranked as the No.3 overall defensive lineman in the class, and the 4th-ranked player in the state of Texas according to 247sports.com. At 6'4.5" and 260 pounds, he already has the length and size to contribute at multiple spots for the Longhorns. It's still undecided as to where he'll settle in at, defensive end or defensive tackle, because he has the frame of a defensive end but the strength of an interior defensive lineman.

As a junior in 2024 he totaled 57 tackles, 11 TFL, 5 sacks, 3 pass breakups, and 1 forced fumble for Temple High School. He also competes in Track & Field and basketball for his school. Though he was recently crystal-balled to Baylor, the Longhorns are still very much in the running for the intriguing defensive lineman.

Matthews is currently ranked as the No.12 overall cornerback in the class, and the 7th-ranked player in the state of North Carolina. He has a long, game-ready frame that's rare to find at the high school level. Texas DC Pete Kwiatkowski gravitates to field-corners with Matthews' size and play style because they're usually adept at the press/box-out element of coverage, which is what he likes to do on the outside.

Matthews was lockdown in coverage last season, totaling 19 tackles and 2 interceptions as a junior for Hough High School.

Clemson has seemingly gained ground on the Samari Matthews recruitment train, but the Longhorns coaching staff hopes that their consistent contact and relationships made plays a significant role on luring the blue-chip CB to a Texas commitment on Friday.