The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
2026 Football Roster
Roster
Samari Matthews
- Position:
- DB
- Height:
- 6-1
- Weight:
- 197
- Class:
- Freshman
- Hometown:
- Charlotte, N.C.
- High School:
- Hough
A first-year defensive back from Charlotte, North Carolina ... early enrolled in spring 2026.
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".
