AUSTIN (KXAN) — Texas football now has 18 recruits in the class of 2026 set to join the Longhorns. According to 247 Sports, eight of their top 10 players in the class play on the defensive side of the ball.
That defensive unit just got a big addition with Samari Matthews announcing his commitment to Texas. The four-star cornerback is from Cornelius, NC and chose the Longhorns over programs like South Carolina, Florida State and Miami.
Matthews is listed at just over six feet and 190 pounds. He’s the 119th-ranked player in the class of 2026 according to 247 sports. Texas’ class now ranks ninth in the country.
Matthews joins defensive back Hayward Howard, Jr. in the Longhorns’ class. And the defensively focused Longhorns class is anchored by quarterback Dia Bell.
Texas football is set to preview the 2025 version of the team Tuesday in Atlanta at SEC Media Days. KXAN will have coverage from the event.