Miami Hurricanes among early Power Five schools to offer DB Samari Matthews

With Miami Hurricanes coaches on the road across the country identifying the next wave of prospects, the ‘Canes became one of the latest Power Five program to offer rising Huntersville (SC.) Williams Amos High School 2026 defensive back Samari Matthews.

The South Carolina native, who has received offers from the likes of Penn State, Kentucky, South Carolina, Arkansas, Tennessee, North Carolina, and others, was pleasantly surprised after receiving news of the offer from the ‘Canes.

“I felt good getting that offer from Miami because it’s a good defensive school and a lot of big-time NFL players have come out of that school,” Matthews told CaneSport. “I was very excited, and it came as a surprise to me because I just didn’t see it coming.”

Good Morning! Blessed and humbled to have received an offer from @CanesFootball. Thank you @CoachDNic @coach_cristobal . Really appreciate it. @HoughFB @SC_DBGROUP @DeShawnBaker6 @NPCoachJeff @RivalsFriedman @BrianDohn247 @MohrRecruiting @DonCallahanIC @JeremyO_Johnson pic.twitter.com/C0eGG66NIC

— Samari “Smoke” Matthews (@samari_matthews) April 27, 2023

The 6-foot, 172-pounder says he is drawn to the Hurricanes because of their rich tradition and multiple NFL Draft picks who have come out of the program throughout the years.

“I like Miami as a program because of all the big names that have come out of there,” Matthews said. “I’ve been hearing that they are trying to build the old Miami back, and I see they’re getting a big facility, so I like that too.”

According to the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine, a handful of programs, including South Carolina, Tennessee, Appalachian State, and Charlotte, are ultra-early favorites, but at the moment, Matthews is simply enjoying the early stages of the recruiting process.

“It’s sometimes very stressful but really fun,” Matthews said of the recruiting process. “I like the process and interacting with different schools.”

CaneSport’s take

Since the end of the Canes’ spring practices, Miami has been quite active in the 2026 class, and they have not hesitated to offer talent early in the recruiting process. In terms of Matthews, the young defensive back feels the Hurricanes have made a positive first impression on him and hopes to continue learning about the program and developing a solid relationship with the staff.

“I like the school and everything they have done in the past,” Mathews said. “I like the conference and the weather, so it’s just a place I can see myself playing.”

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