Cornerback Samari “Smoke” Matthews from Cornelius, N.C., is regarded as one of the nation’s top cover corners in the 2026 class.
Opposing coaches hold Samari “Smoke” Matthews in high regard, as evidenced by their reluctance to target him. Last season, quarterbacks threw his way only seven times, and he intercepted two of those passes.
Matthews highlighted what coaches admire about his game: “They definitely say the length and the physicality I play with,” he said. “Being able to hold people up at the line and being fine when you’re by yourself with no safety help—that’s something both staffs and pretty much all the coaches say they like. They say I’ve got the size to play in any conference in college football.”
Matthews (6-1, 185) has narrowed his focus to a top four of South Carolina, Clemson, Florida State, and Oregon, though programs like Georgia and Penn State remain in contention. USC head coach Shane Beamer and secondary coach Torrian Gray identified Matthews as a top prospect early in his career, giving them a head start in his recruitment.
“South Carolina offered me pretty early, like my freshman year,” Matthews said. “They’ve always been among the frontrunners just because of that. I have the longest relationship with them. I kind of see Coach Beamer as just like one of my best friends. I talk to him so much, and he comes up to my school so often, you might not even think he’s the head coach at South Carolina—you might think he works at Hough, that’s how many times I’ve seen him. Coach Gray, that’s another guy I love talking to, whether it’s about football, life, or really anything. That’s the case with the entire South Carolina staff—you get more than football; you get a family atmosphere every time you’re there.”
Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney and cornerbacks coach Mike Reed took a bit longer to extend an offer to Matthews due to Swinney’s structured recruiting process. While this initially put them behind other programs, the Tigers have since made up ground.
“It’s kind of like the same thing,” Matthews said. “Coach Swinney—I obviously talked to him later than Coach Beamer because of their little rule about offering juniors and all that. Even with that, the first time I talked to him, it felt like I’d been talking to him my whole life. Me and him connected real fast. He’s definitely a great coach. And Coach Reed, he’s like my best friend, too. I talk to him pretty much every week about random stuff, not even about football. We can talk about anything under the moon you can think of. He’s a great coach. Both staffs are kind of similar, and that’s what makes the decision so hard.”
Matthews has visited South Carolina more than any other school and plans to return for a spring visit, with an official visit scheduled for June 20. He also visited Clemson last year and made a trip just before the dead period began. He will return to Clemson for their junior day on March 8. Additionally, he is considering spring visits to Florida State, Oregon, Georgia, Penn State, and other programs. Matthews sees both his spring and official visits as key factors in his decision-making process.
“Definitely just looking for the overall relationship with the coaches,” Matthews said. “Of course, I’ve been building it throughout my years in high school, but I think with the official visits, I’ll get to know the coaches more as people. That’s really it—just more relationship stuff.”
Matthews said he doesn’t have a set timeline for his decision, and the process could extend into his season since no clear front-runner has emerged. “Nah, I don’t know right now,” Matthews said. “I wouldn’t say there’s a clear favorite. I’d say it changes every week.”
South Carolina
Beamer brought in Jamil Walker from Arkansas as his assistant strength and conditioning coach in June 2023.
Now, two years later, Beamer is recruiting Walker’s son, Julian, for South Carolina’s 2026 class. Julian Walker (6-6, 265) is a rising defensive end at Dutch Fork who had an outstanding junior season, shining in the playoffs as he helped the Silver Foxes secure another state championship.
Beamer extended an offer to Walker during the season, and he has since received offers from Kentucky, Wake Forest, N.C. State, Missouri, North Carolina, Syracuse, Virginia Tech, Coastal Carolina, and Appalachian State. While it might seem like South Carolina is the obvious choice, Walker isn’t far enough along in the process to make a final decision just yet.
“Just because I’m still in the early stages of my recruitment, there’s not really a favorite yet, but you can definitely feel the love from all the schools that have reached out to me,” Walker said. “I’m definitely going to keep an open mind in my recruitment. Everybody has a fair chance to come and talk to me. But Beamer and the staff, Coach (Travian) Robertson—they show a lot of love to me. They communicate with me. Since I’ve been here, they’ve always shown a lot of love, and I really appreciate that from them. It’s great over there.”
Walker naturally has more access to the USC program than the average recruit, having spent considerable time at games and recruiting events. He’s had a firsthand look at what Beamer, his father, and the rest of the staff have built over the past few years.
“Beamer is building a great culture over there,” Walker said. “Being able to see them in the weight room and meetings—every time I walk in the building, there’s lots of love from everybody. He’s putting together a great team at South Carolina. It’s been a pleasure to see that growth from my first year here to the second. He’s really building something special at South Carolina.”
Coach Walker will certainly offer his insights and answer any questions his son has during the recruiting process. However, Julian noted that his dad is giving him the space to make his own decision. He also stated that he doesn’t plan to commit until after his senior season.
“He’s handling it really well,” Walker said. “He’s really letting me go through the process. He’s there for me as a parent. It’s a great family process. He’s allowing me to keep an open mind about the schools I like. He’s really taking on the parent role in this recruitment, and I appreciate that we have the ability to do that.”
In January, coaches from USC, Clemson, Georgia, Missouri, and N.C. State visited Walker at his school. Through his conversations with them, he gained a clear understanding of how they view him as a potential college player.
“Usually, coaches talk to me about the defensive front they run, and they mention that they could see me playing the three-technique in pass rush situations while also working off the edge,” Walker said. “Everyone is open to me playing both inside and outside. When I talk to coaches, they often say they like the relentlessness I play with, my passion, physicality, and the way I move. They emphasize the urgency I bring to the game, and I appreciate that. There’s only one way to play the game—the right way—and that’s something my father preaches to me every day at home.”
Walker said he didn’t take any visits in January but plans to attend junior days and spring practices. While he hasn’t scheduled his official visits yet, he mentioned that he intends to visit USC, N.C. State, Missouri, Syracuse, and North Carolina.
South Carolina defensive line coach Travian Robertson extended an offer to defensive tackle Darius Simmons (6-3, 306) of Cairo, Ga., in January. The next step is getting Simmons on campus for his first visit, which is expected to take place during spring practice. Their relationship is still in the early stages of development.
“It’s a pretty good relationship,” Simmons said. “I love the D-line coach there. We talk every other day—he checks on me, and I check in with him. He started recruiting me around midseason after finding me on my X account, and we’ve been texting ever since. He came out to my weight room, and that’s when he finally offered me.”
Last season, Simmons recorded 50 tackles, including five sacks and 10 tackles for loss. He also forced and recovered five fumbles. Robertson was undoubtedly impressed with his performance on film.
“He likes my aggressiveness,” Simmons said. “I play with a lot of intensity. It takes two to block me—otherwise, you’re not stopping me at all.”
Simmons is eager for his first visit to USC, where he hopes to learn more about the program and the school. So far, his impression of the Gamecocks is based solely on what he has seen on TV and in videos.
“I like the atmosphere, and they produce pretty good D-linemen,” Simmons said. “Right now, they’ve got some great guys up there. It just feels like a family atmosphere, and I can see that through the videos they’ve sent me.”
Simmons intends to schedule an official visit with the Gamecocks while also considering Memphis, Georgia State, Troy, and Cincinnati for potential visits. He has additional offers from Western Kentucky, Arkansas State, Florida A&M, and USF. On Feb. 1, he visited Florida. He plans to take his time with his decision, potentially announcing it on his Senior Night.
Clemson
Clemson and offensive lineman Grant Wise (6-3, 310) of Milton, Fla., share a longstanding connection, and their interactions will continue in the coming months. Clemson offensive line coach Matt Luke and assistant Carson Cramer plan to host Wise on campus at least twice more before he makes his college decision ahead of his senior season.
Wise has been in regular contact with Clemson’s coaching staff, speaking with Coach Luke and Coach Cramer nearly every week. “I talk to Coach Luke and Coach Cramer just about every week,” Wise said. He has plans to return to campus for Clemson’s Elite Day on March 8 and has scheduled his official visit for the first available weekend.
“I feel really good about Clemson. I’ve liked them since Day 1. I’m just ready to get back on campus and keep building a relationship, and maybe one day it might feel like home,” Wise added.
Wise added that the interest level between him and Clemson is very high, with both sides making it clear how much they like one another. His strong connection with the coaching staff and frequent communication indicate that Clemson remains a top contender in his recruitment.
Wise emphasized that his relationship with Clemson has grown through multiple visits, including attending three games, a summer camp, and a junior day. He feels a strong connection with the coaching staff and is eager to continue building on that bond as he moves through the recruiting process.
Wise is keeping his top schools private for now but has a strong list of programs he’s considering. Along with Clemson, he’s looking at spring visits to LSU, Florida, Florida State, Miami, and possibly Tennessee and Oregon. While he hasn’t scheduled additional official visits yet, Miami, Tennessee, Alabama, and Oregon are among the schools in the mix.
Wise has been active in his recruitment process, attending junior days at Texas A&M, Alabama, and Tennessee, along with a visit to Florida earlier this year. With multiple spring visits still planned, he aims to make his college decision before his senior season begins.
Notes
Pouncey is a highly sought-after prospect with offers from top programs across the country. His recruitment is heating up, with an official visit to Miami scheduled for May 30. Clemson’s offer adds another intriguing option for the Winter Park, Fla., cornerback as he evaluates his choices among schools like LSU, Michigan, Georgia, Florida State, and more.
Burroughs is a talented wide receiver with growing interest from top programs. His official visit schedule includes Clemson on May 30, along with trips to Florida, Texas, and USC. His recruitment will be one to watch as he weighs his options among these powerhouse programs.
Kaden Gebhardt, a highly regarded safety from Lewis Center, Ohio, has lined up key official visits, starting with Clemson on May 30, followed by Ohio State on June 6 and Penn State on June 13. His strong interest in Clemson is evident, having already visited on Feb. 1 and planning to return for their junior day on March 8. His recruitment battle between these three Big Ten and ACC programs will be an intriguing storyline to follow.
Joey O’Brien, a 6-4, 185-pound safety from Glenside, Pa., has mapped out an extensive official visit schedule, showcasing interest from several top programs. According to On3, O’Brien will visit Penn State on May 16, Clemson on May 30, Notre Dame on June 3, Oregon on June 6, Tennessee on June 13, and Ohio State on June 20. He also made an unofficial visit to Clemson in January, signaling strong interest in the Tigers as he navigates his recruiting process.
Wide receiver Cederian Morgan of Alexander City, Ala., has scheduled several key official visits as he navigates his recruiting process. He will visit Georgia on May 16, Clemson on May 30, Florida on June 6, Auburn on June 13, and Alabama on June 19. In addition to these trips, Morgan also plans to visit Colorado, further expanding his list of potential landing spots.
Defensive end Kamhariyan Johnson (6-2, 250) of Muscle Shoals, Ala., is set to visit Clemson for its junior day on March 8. In addition to Clemson, he is planning spring visits with Ole Miss, Florida, Auburn, and Tennessee as he continues to explore his college options.
Defensive end Dre Quinn of Norcross, Ga., has scheduled an official visit with Clemson for May 30 and plans to attend their junior day on March 8. Additionally, he has set a visit with Georgia for June 6 and recently received an offer from North Carolina.
Wide receiver Connor Salmin of Purcellville, Va., has scheduled an official visit with Clemson for May 30 and will visit Penn State on June 6.
Offensive tackle Leo Delaney of Charlotte has scheduled his official visit with Clemson for May 30 and will also attend their junior day on March 8. This spring, he plans to visit N.C. State, Tennessee, Michigan, and Penn State, while also considering trips to North Carolina and Wisconsin.
Offensive tackle Ekene Ogboko of Garner, N.C., will attend Clemson’s official visit weekend on May 30. He also plans to take official visits to Georgia and Alabama.
Offensive guard Canon Pickett (6-4, 310) of Tampa, Fla., has Clemson in his top 10, along with Georgia, Alabama, Florida State, Florida, Oklahoma, Auburn, Miami, Vanderbilt, and LSU.
Offensive tackle Chancellor Barclay, a Clemson target, has scheduled an official visit to Oklahoma for June 20.
Offensive tackle Carter Scruggs, a Clemson target, has scheduled an official visit with Michigan for June 6.
Offensive tackle Zaden Krempin (6-5, 275) of Prosper, Texas, has scheduled official visits with LSU on May 30, SMU on June 6, Texas on June 13, and Michigan on June 20. Clemson has also shown interest, and he plans to visit this spring.
Clemson cornerback commit Shavar Young has received offers from Florida State and Georgia Tech. He remains set for his official visit to Clemson on May 30.
Clemson defensive tackle target Kameron Cody of Savannah has scheduled official visits to Arizona State on April 4 and Indiana on June 13. He holds offers from Tennessee, Kentucky, North Carolina, Vanderbilt, Virginia Tech, LSU, UCLA, Missouri, Georgia Tech, Southern Cal, and others.
Offensive tackle Drew Evers of Flower Mound, Texas, who holds a Clemson offer, has scheduled an official visit to Penn State for June 13. He also has visits set with SMU and Texas A&M.
Offensive tackle Micah Smith plans an unofficial visit to South Carolina on March 28. He also has spring visits scheduled to Ohio State, Miami, Alabama, Tennessee, and UCLA.
Wide receiver Travis Johnson of Chesapeake, Va., who holds an offer from South Carolina, has scheduled an official visit with Indiana.
Offensive tackle Darius Gray, a target for both USC and Clemson, has scheduled official visits with Georgia on May 16 and Auburn on June 10. He had previously set official visits with Clemson, USC, Tennessee, LSU, Virginia, and Penn State.
Running back Carsyn Baker, a target for both South Carolina and Clemson, has received an offer from Syracuse.
LB commitment from South Carolina Oklahoma State made an offer to Keenan Britt. On June 6, he is scheduled to make an official visit to USC.
On May 30, Durham, North Carolina, DT Noah Clark scheduled an official visit with Duke. In addition, he has NC State on June 20, Virginia Tech on June 13, and South Carolina on June 6. On Monday, Maryland made him an offer.
On Sunday, North Carolina made an offer to CB Justice Fitzpatrick of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, who already has an offer from South Carolina. Michigan just made an offer as well.
TE DJ Howerton, who has received an offer from South Carolina, has scheduled official visits to N.C. State on June 20 and Rutgers on May 30.
Peyton Dyer, a CB from Duluth, Georgia, who is committed to South Carolina, has scheduled an official visit to Georgia for June 13. In between trips to USC and Southern Cal.
Nashville, Tennessee, quarterback Jared Curtis, a target for South Carolina, is now in Georgia and Oregon and has no plans to make any further formal visits.
With the exception of Maryland, South Carolina target DE Zion Elee has canceled all other scheduled visits and is remaining true to his commitment with the Terps.
Clemson’s goal is DE Alabama was Jamarion Matthews’s pledge.
SAF in the Northwestern In addition to his two previously planned official visits to Georgia on June 6 and USC on June 20, Tamarion Watkins added an official visit to Texas A&M on June 12.
Rodney Colton, a former South Carolina commitment, has scheduled six official visits to Missouri, Tennessee, Colorado, SMU, UCLA, and Penn State.
Baseball
Andrew McLaughlin, a 6-3, 225 RHP from Ashley Ridge High School and Florida Southwestern JC, made a commitment to South Carolina. He is 3-0 with a 2.63 ERA and 17 strikeouts in 132/3 innings in his first four outings of the season.
