Austin, TX – In an unexpected twist that sent ripples through the college football recruiting world, five-star wide receiver Mike Matthews has decommitted from his previous school and flipped his commitment to the Texas Longhorns. Matthews, widely regarded as one of the top wide receiver prospects in the country for the 2026 class, shocked fans and analysts alike with his decision to choose Texas over national powerhouses Alabama and Florida State.
A Stunning Turn of Events
Matthews, a 6-foot-1 speedster out of Parkview High School in Lilburn, Georgia, had been committed to the University of Alabama for several months. His commitment to the Crimson Tide had been viewed as a significant coup for Nick Saban’s program, as Matthews was regarded as a dynamic playmaker with elite speed and incredible route-running ability. However, after careful consideration and talks with his family, Matthews made the stunning decision to reopen his recruitment, sending shockwaves through the college football world.
The news of his decommitment came on the heels of an official visit to the University of Texas, where Matthews had the chance to connect with head coach Steve Sarkisian and experience the Longhorns’ program up close. The visit seemed to play a major role in his ultimate decision, as Matthews announced his flip to Texas just days later.
“I just felt like Texas was the right place for me,” Matthews said in an exclusive interview following his announcement. “The coaching staff, the atmosphere, the facilities—everything about the program just felt like home. Texas is a program on the rise, and I believe I can make a huge impact here. I’m excited to be a part of the Longhorns family.”
A Huge Win for Texas Recruiting
Matthews’ commitment to Texas is a massive win for head coach Steve Sarkisian and the Longhorns, who have been making significant strides in recruiting over the past couple of years. The addition of Matthews, who is ranked as the No. 2 wide receiver in the 2026 class by 247Sports, gives Texas a major weapon for their offense down the line.
Known for his blazing 4.4-second 40-yard dash speed and his ability to create separation from defenders with ease, Matthews has long been considered one of the most explosive players in the 2026 class. His ability to stretch the field and make big plays in both the passing and return games gives him the potential to be an instant game-changer for Texas when he arrives on campus.
“Mike is an exceptional talent, and we’re thrilled to have him join our program,” said Coach Sarkisian in a statement following the announcement. “He’s got everything you want in a wide receiver—speed, hands, route-running ability. We can’t wait to get him here and watch him develop as a player. He’s going to be a difference-maker for us.”
Why Texas Over Alabama and Florida State?
While Matthews had long been committed to Alabama, his decision to flip to Texas was not without consideration. The Longhorns had to fend off stiff competition from other top programs, including Florida State, who had also been in the mix for Matthews’ services.
Both Alabama and Florida State were heavily involved in his recruitment, with Alabama offering the tradition of its powerhouse program and the chance to play for a coach in Nick Saban who has developed numerous NFL-caliber wide receivers. Florida State, meanwhile, had built a strong relationship with Matthews and had showcased its up-and-coming program under head coach Mike Norvell.
However, it was Texas’ unique combination of factors that ultimately tipped the scales in the Longhorns’ favor. According to sources close to the situation, Matthews was drawn to Texas’ offensive philosophy under Sarkisian, who has a reputation for developing top-tier wide receivers. The Longhorns’ ability to showcase a clear path to early playing time, combined with the energy and growth of the program, made the difference for Matthews.
“Texas has the right staff in place to help me reach my full potential,” Matthews said. “Coach Sarkisian knows how to use guys like me, and I know I’ll get the chance to make an impact early.”
The Future of Texas’ Offense
With Matthews now committed, Texas’ already strong recruiting class for 2026 has taken another step forward. The Longhorns are already positioning themselves as one of the top programs in the country, and Matthews’ commitment adds to their already impressive list of recruits.
In addition to Matthews, Texas has secured other key commitments for 2026, including a highly-ranked quarterback and several offensive linemen, which will help solidify the Longhorns as a top contender in the years to come.
“Getting a talent like Mike is a huge boost for our program,” said Sarkisian. “This is a young man who can come in and make an immediate impact for us, and he’s the kind of player who will help us compete for championships in the future.”
The Road Ahead for Mike Matthews
With the recruiting drama behind him, Matthews can now focus on his final years of high school football as he prepares to make his mark at Texas. He will be one of the most highly-anticipated recruits in the 2026 class, and all eyes will be on him as he develops into one of the premier wide receivers in college football.
As for the Longhorns, Matthews’ commitment further strengthens their reputation as a rising power in the college football world. Fans in Austin are already excited to see the speedy wide receiver don the burnt orange and make big plays for Texas in the coming years.
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