Brian Kelly's LSU offers scholarship to four-star CB Samari Matthews to the Class of 2026

Four-star cornerback Samari Matthews, from William Amos Hough High School in North Carolina, has become one of the most sought after recruits in the nation. Brian Kelly's LSU joined his growing list of suitors on Tuesday by offering him for the Tigers' 2026 class.

LSU cornerback coach Eddie Hicks extended the offer to Matthews, and he shared the news on X, writing:

"Humble and Blessed to have received an offer from @LSUfootball. Thank you @CoachEHicks really appreciate it. @HoughFB @DeShawnBaker6 @SC_DBGROUP @ChadSimmons_ @AnnaH247 @TomLoy247 @SWiltfong_ @NPCoachJeff @charlottepreps @pepman704 @BrianDohn247 @RivalsFriedman @samspiegs."

The offer comes amid a competitive recruitment process. Matthews has narrowed his top choices down to 11 prestigious programs: Clemson, South Carolina, Virginia Tech, Florida State, Oregon, Florida, Ohio State, North Carolina, Notre Dame, Tennessee and Penn State.

LSU’s late entry into the race for Matthews’ commitment puts it on the outside looking in. However, with strong recruiting efforts, the Tigers could still secure a visit and potentially sway the cornerback.

LSU 2026 class ranks No. 8 in the nation and No. 4 in the Southeastern Conference with four committed players. Besides Matthews, the Tigers extended offers to multiple linebackers in the cycle, including Davon Benjamin, Zyan Gibson, Caden Harris, Chaston Smith and Ksani Jiles, among others.

Samari Matthews opens up about his recruitment journey

Samari Matthews has received nearly 40 scholarship offers and has received huge attention from top schools like Michigan, Alabama, Georgia and Miami.

“Recruiting is going well," Matthews told SI. "I’m just taking it day by day. It can sometimes be overwhelming, but luckily I have my family that helps me through the process."

Matthews plans to announce his commitment decision before his senior season. He has been making visits to college programs this season and has a goal set in his mind.

“What stands out to me is how I’m treated at the visit,” Matthews told Tigers Net. “Are the coaches/staff making me feel like I’m a priority?”

Current projections favor South Carolina as the frontrunner, with the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine giving the Gamecocks a 26.2% chance of securing Matthews’ commitment. Other top contenders include North Carolina at 17.3%, NC State at 10.1% and Georgia at 8.4%.