Hough football’s Samari Matthews, top NC cornerback, makes college choice
Samari Matthews is heading to the Lone Star State.
The elite Hough High School cornerback — one of the Top 100 recruits in the nation — committed to Texas on Friday night, choosing the Longhorns over South Carolina, Miami and Florida State.
Matthews made his announcement during a live-streamed event in the Hough gymnasium, surrounded by family, friends and a packed crowd of students and local spectators.
“It feels even better knowing my loved ones are in the stands,” Matthews said. “Without them, I really wouldn’t be where I’m at now. My teammates who were just screaming my name — the village I have around me just makes everything better, so I’m grateful.”
‘He’s ready to hit the ground running’
Beyond his football talent, Matthews is known for being selfless and team-oriented.
A four-star recruit in the Class of 2026, Matthews is ranked No. 57 overall by 247Sports. He’s the No. 6 cornerback nationally and the top-ranked prospect at his position in North Carolina.
Last season, he helped lead Hough to a 12-2 record while anchoring one of the state’s stingiest defenses. He was only targeted seven times all year, recorded one interception and earned first-team All-Observer honors.
Matthews isn’t necessarily the one craving the attention. While his strong personality is evident to anyone who crosses his path, Matthews truly cares about other people — and elite programs took notice of the special person he is.
“The Longhorns are a great blue-chip, blue-blood program,” said his father, Sean Matthews. I’m just so excited to see my son up there on a big stage and showcase his skills. His coaches have done a heck of a job developing him, and he’s ready. He’s a Day 1 kid. He’s ready to hit the ground running.
“He has the IQ, has the size, the total package. I’m excited to see him be able to represent Cornelius and Charlotte on the big-time screens.”
Maybe a bit too much ‘Smoke’
Before entering the gym, guests were greeted with a glowing tribute to Matthews in the school lobby.
Large, light-up letters spelled out his nickname — “Smoke” — flanked by garnet, gold, green and orange balloons representing each of his four finalist schools. A banner behind the display showed Matthews in each team’s uniform.
But the nickname showed up a little too literally.
Moments after the announcement, the fire alarm went off inside the Hough gymnasium as the crowd began to exit. Everyone had to clear the building, and fire trucks arrived on the scene.
One of those fire trucks drove past as Matthews spoke with reporters outside Hough’s football stadium.
“That was the topper of it all,” Matthews said with a laugh. “This wasn’t planned, but I’m glad it happened.
“I could tell the fire truck man, ‘Don’t worry. It was just my name.’”
