The race for elite 2027 offensive tackle Mark Matthews is heating up, and Texas A&M is firmly in the driver's seat as the five-star prospect prepares to make his college commitment this Friday, May 15.

Matthews, widely regarded as the top offensive tackle in the 2027 recruiting class, surprised many when he announced Monday that he would choose between LSU, Georgia, Miami, and Texas A&M—just days after indicating he would take all his official visits before deciding. In today's fast-paced recruiting world, however, plans can shift quickly.

While NIL opportunities are comparable across all four finalists, Texas A&M holds a unique advantage. Offensive line coach Adam Cushing recently saw all four of his 2025 starting linemen selected in the 2026 NFL Draft—a powerful selling point for a prospect who could step into a starting role as a freshman.

Miami isn't backing down, though. Coming off a national runner-up finish in 2025, the Hurricanes have built an impressive 2027 class and are looking to add Matthews after watching former starting guard Francis Mauigoa go 10th overall to the New York Giants in this year's draft.

Still, the momentum appears to be in College Station. According to On3's Steve Wiltfong, Matthews' three-day visit to Texas A&M during the Maroon & White Game, combined with head coach Mike Elko and Cushing's vision for him to contribute immediately, has kept the Aggies in pole position.

"Miami is coming off a huge flip of five-star cornerback Donte Wright from Georgia," Wiltfong noted. "We'll see if the Hurricanes can turn the momentum back to them for Matthews. Right now I like Texas A&M."

If Matthews chooses the Aggies, he would join what is already the nation's No. 1-ranked recruiting class. With Elko and his staff also trending for five-star cornerback Joshua Dobson, Texas A&M could add its fifth and sixth five-star prospects in the coming weeks—a recruiting haul that would send shockwaves through college football.