You know that moment in recruiting when everything goes eerily quiet, and then—boom—a single quote, a social post, or a visit sends the entire college football world into a frenzy? That’s exactly where we are right now. One of the top defensive backs in the 2026 class just made a move that speaks volumes without saying much at all. Yeah, even Steve Sarkisian and the Texas crew made a run at him, with their cornerbacks’ coach Mark Orphey putting an offer on the table for this seriously talented player. But he seems to be leaning toward another SEC program instead.

Samari Matthews, a top-100 prospect and one of the most sought-after cornerbacks in the country, has quietly dropped a major clue about where his college football future could be headed. The four-star cornerback out of North Carolina has no shortage of suitors—over 43 programs have been in the mix—but one school has consistently stood out above the rest. According to On3’s Chad Simmons, Matthews hasn’t just been flirting with South Carolina—he’s practically living in Columbia.

“South Carolina is definitely a top dawg. I get the family feel every time I visit, and I’ve been a priority for them since I was a freshman,” Matthews said a couple of months ago. And more recently? “It feels like my second family,” he added during his latest interview with Simmons in April. That kind of consistency—both from the coaching staff and the recruit—is rare in today’s whirlwind recruiting scene.

South Carolina has played the long game here, and it’s paying off. Matthews has made more visits to Columbia than any other school in his top four (South Carolina, Florida State, Clemson, and Oregon), and the connection he feels with the Gamecocks staff is becoming impossible to ignore.

Let’s not forget: this isn’t just any recruit. Matthews, standing at 6’1″ and 190 pounds, has elite tools and top-tier instincts. With a 247Sports Composite rating of 93.07, he’s ranked as the No. 136 overall prospect in the country, the 12th-best cornerback nationally, and the 9th-best player in North Carolina. His on-field production backs it up, too—over 33 high school games, Matthews has racked up 58 solo tackles, 4 interceptions, 3 tackles for loss, and 1 pass deflection. He’s not just a lockdown corner—he’s a playmaker.

And that’s why the competition for this William Amos Hough CB is heating up fast….

Samari Matthews’ recruitment: A tight race

The buzz around Matthews’ recruitment has officially turned white-hot, with heavy hitters like Texas jumping in full force. Clemson is lined up for an official visit on May 30, Florida State is getting him back on campus on June 6, and Texas will host him on June 13. Then, on June 20, South Carolina will get another chance to roll out the red carpet and solidify their long-standing connection.

The Gamecocks aren’t just battling local rivals—they’re fending off national powers with deep pockets and even deeper recruiting networks. Matthews has already visited Florida State twice and Tennessee twice. Texas is making a serious push. NIL opportunities are a real factor now, and the pressure is mounting. Still, amid the noise, South Carolina continues to hold its ground—because of one simple thing: relationships.

In the wild world of modern recruiting, NIL deals, flashy pitches, and national brands matter. But at the end of the day, most elite players want to feel like more than just a number. They want to trust that staff has their back—not just as athletes, but as young men. And for Matthews, South Carolina seems to check that box every single time.

Yes, there are other contenders. Yes, more twists are coming. But the vibes? They’re leaning toward Columbia. So where does it all go from here? That’s the million-dollar question. Matthews’ recruitment is far from over. One visit, one post, and even one emoji could change the entire storyline. But as of now, one thing is crystal clear: South Carolina has momentum, and everyone else is chasing it.

This race is getting spicy. The SEC is circling. Texas is coming hard. But the Gamecocks might just be sitting on a quiet lead—the kind that flips the script entirely when signing day rolls around.