The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Samari Matthews - 2026 Football Roster
Roster
Samari Matthews
- Position:
- DB
- Height:
- 6-1
- Weight:
- 197
- Class:
- Freshman
- Hometown:
- Charlotte, N.C.
- High School:
- Hough
- Major:
- Interested in Sport Management
CAREER HIGHS
- Tackles: 2 // vs. Texas State, 9/5/26
- Solo Tackles: 1 // vs. Texas State, 9/5/26
- Tackles for loss: 0.5 // vs. Texas State, 9/5/26
- Sacks: 0.5 // vs. Texas State, 9/5/26
- Interceptions: N/A
- Pass breakups: N/A
- Forced fumbles: N/A
- Fumbles recovered: N/A
- Blocked kicks: N/A
A first-year defensive back from Charlotte, North Carolina ... early enrolled in spring 2026 ... has played in three career games.
FRESHMAN (2026)
Has appeared in three games ... made his collegiate debut vs. Texas State (9/5), logging two tackles (one solo) including 0.5 sack for a loss of a yard ... saw action vs. UTSA (9/19) and No. 7/7 Ole Miss (10/24).
HIGH SCHOOL
Tabbed a four-star prospect by 247Sports, ESPN and Rivals … rated No. 11 cornerback recruit in his class by 247Sports … rated No. 13 cornerback recruit in his class by ESPN … rated the No. 17 cornerback recruit in his class by Rivals … No. 7 overall recruit in North Carolina according to 247Sports … No. 9 overall recruit in North Carolina per Rivals … named North Carolina Mr. Football as a senior, becoming the first defensive player to ever win the award … as a senior, amassed 27 tackles (16 solo), two tackles for loss, two interceptions, three passes defended and two fumble recoveries … returned one interception for a touchdown and returned two kickoffs for 134 yards and one touchdown … as a junior, logged 19 tackles (17 solo), one tackle for loss, two interceptions and two fumble recoveries … as a sophomore, notched 25 tackles (20 solo), one tackle for loss, one interception and one pass defended … as a freshman, totaled 33 tackles (21 solo), one tackle for loss and one interception … also ran track and field at Hough HS … nickname is "Smoke".
