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In what could become one of the pivotal recruiting moments of the summer, four-star cornerback Samari Matthews is set to announce his college decision this Friday.
The talented defensive back from Weddington High School in Matthews, North Carolina, has been heavily recruited by top programs across the nation, but his final choice appears to be down to a handful of schools South Carolina, Tennessee, and North Carolina being the top contenders.
Matthews, ranked as a top-20 cornerback nationally by On3 and 247Sports, has built a reputation as a physical, instinctive defender with elite speed and high football IQ.
Standing at 6-foot-0 and weighing 175 pounds, he possesses both the size and athleticism that college coaches covet in a modern-day defensive back.
His ability to blanket receivers in man coverage, combined with strong tackling in open space, has made him a key target for SEC and ACC programs.
The South Carolina Pitch The Gamecocks, led by head coach Shane Beamer and defensive coordinator Clayton White, have made Matthews a top priority. South Carolina’s recent success in developing defensive backs—most notably Cam Smith and **Darius Rush, both now in the NFL—has been a critical selling point in their recruitment pitch.
Matthews visited Columbia officially in June, where he was impressed by the Gamecocks’ facilities, player development track record, and the close-knit culture within the team.
He has also forged a strong bond with defensive backs coach Torrian Gray, who has a proven track record of preparing players for the next level. Sources close to the program say Matthews felt “at home” during his visit and appreciated the family-oriented approach Beamer promotes.
The Competition Despite South Carolina’s momentum, Tennessee has surged in recent weeks. The Volunteers’ defensive staff has emphasized Matthews’ potential to make an early impact in Knoxville, especially with their growing emphasis on rebuilding the secondary through top-tier talent.
The Vols hosted Matthews for a visit in early July and are believed to be in close contention. **North Carolina** remains the local favorite and has long been in Matthews’ recruiting orbit.
The Tar Heels offer proximity to home and a chance to play in front of family and friends. Defensive coordinator Gene Chizik and DB coach Jason Jones have been actively pursuing Matthews for over a year, highlighting the opportunity to become a defensive cornerstone in Chapel Hill.
A Crucial Decision As Matthews’ decision nears, recruiting insiders suggest the race is extremely tight between South Carolina and Tennessee, with UNC still in the mix. Matthews has remained relatively quiet on social media, heightening the anticipation around his Friday announcement.
He’s expected to reveal his choice via a live stream or post on his social platforms. A commitment from Matthews would mark a major win for South Carolina’s 2025 recruiting class, which is steadily climbing the national rankings.
Landing a blue-chip defensive back from the Carolinas would further cement Shane Beamer’s strategy of building from the Southeast and reinforcing the program’s defensive identity.
What’s Next? Regardless of the outcome, Samari Matthews’ recruitment reflects the growing intensity of battles between SEC and ACC schools over elite Southeastern talent.
The winner of this sweepstakes won’t just be gaining a top-tier athlete—they’ll be securing a cornerstone player with All-Conference and NFL potential.
Stay tuned Friday, as all eyes in Columbia, Knoxville, and Chapel Hill will be watching closely. The future of one defense could change dramatically with just one decision.
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