Mario Cristobal battles Texas A&M for homegrown phenom Mark Matthews as the nation’s top offensive tackle prepares for a high-stakes visit to Coral Gables this May.
Miami, FL. – The Miami Hurricanes’ 2027 recruiting class could hang in the balance of one homegrown high school prospect. They landed a highly nationally ranked five-star offensive tackle in Jackson Cantwell during the previous cycle, who is now officially on the roster, looking to repeat the success with Mark Matthews. The Fort Lauderdale native has an opportunity to stay close to home, but other intriguing offers present themselves.
A player of Matthews’ caliber is likely to receive significant finances in N.I.L. According to multiple reports, the Texas A&M Aggies are in the lead to land him. However, the Hurricanes aren’t going to give up without a fight. The Coral Gables program is reportedly set to host an official visit with Matthews on Friday, May 29.
The five-star offensive tackle is ranked sixth nationally, the best among the position and in the state of Florida, according to Rivals Industry Rankings. He has received interest and scholarship offers from numerous programs, including the Florida Gators, Florida State Seminoles, South Florida Bulls, Oregon Ducks, Alabama Crimson Tide, Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Nebraska Cornhuskers, Oklahoma Sooners, Ole Miss Rebels, Ohio State Buckeyes, and Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, among several others.
Matthews currently attends St. Thomas Aquinas High School, a private institution located in Broward County. He has recorded snaps on both sides of the field, playing at tackle. Matthews logged 28 pancake blocks and 21 total tackles.
Five-star recruit is listed at 6-6, 300 pounds, and can play on either side at the line of scrimmage. He went from a sophomore left tackle to a junior right tackle.
The Hurricanes have established an identity of dominating matchups in the trenches since coach Mario Cristobal took over in 2022. This past season, the starting unit of left tackle Markel Bell, right guard Anez Cooper, center James Brockermeyer, and All-American Francis Mauigoa ranked among the best in the nation. As a whole, the Hurricanes only allowed 20 total sacks, 16th-fewest in the Football Bowl Subdivision.
Matthews has an opportunity to join a program with a successful track record in developing offensive linemen, plus play under a head coach who once played in the trenches.
The official visit could end up playing a pivotal role in the highly-touted prospect’s recruiting process.
The Hurricanes currently have nine hard commits as part of the 2027 recruiting class, including four-star wide receiver Nick Lennear, four-star offensive lineman Sean Tatum, and four-star quarterback Israel Abrams. The addition of Matthews would elevate the group within the top-10 of national rankings.
As a decision is looming, the official visit will be important for the program to maximize the opportunity.
Join the Community! Don't miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news! It's completely free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our RoundTable writers, and chat with fellow members.
Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!
More Miami Hurricanes News: