The recruiting trail is heating up, and a massive commitment is set to shake up the 2027 class later this week. Five-Star Plus+ offensive tackle Mark Matthews, widely regarded as the top tackle in his cycle, has announced he will reveal his college decision this Friday, May 15.
Matthews, a standout from Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) St. Thomas Aquinas, is the No. 1 offensive tackle in the 2027 class and ranks as the No. 6 overall prospect, according to the Rivals Industry Ranking—a weighted average of all major recruiting media outlets. The 6-foot-5, 285-pound trench monster has narrowed his choices to four powerhouse programs: LSU, Miami, Georgia, and Texas A&M.
This announcement comes as a surprise twist in a recruitment that has seen several shifts in recent weeks. Earlier this month, Matthews told CaneSport's EJ Holland that he planned to wait until after his official visits before making a decision. However, it appears the elite lineman has seen enough to pull the trigger early, signaling that one of these programs has made a lasting impression.
Miami and Texas A&M have been battling for momentum in Matthews' recruitment this spring, but the competition remains fierce with LSU and Georgia also in the mix. Matthews brings an impressive blend of size, athleticism, and raw potential to the table. According to Rivals' scouting reports, he boasts a 4.98-second 40-yard dash and a 4.69 short shuttle, showcasing the movement skills that make him a nightmare for defenders. Despite being relatively new to football—he first played as a freshman—Matthews quickly rose to become a starting left tackle at South Florida powerhouse St. Thomas Aquinas as a sophomore before shifting to the right side as a junior.
With his combination of elite physical tools and rapid development, Matthews projects as a future cornerstone for any offensive line. As the countdown to Friday begins, fans of these four programs will be watching closely to see which school lands this game-changing prospect.
