Five-star OT Mark Matthews Drawn to Georgia's 'Aura'

Top 2027 recruit plans official visits to Aggies, Hurricanes, and Bulldogs

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Mark Matthews, the nation's No. 1 offensive tackle in the 2027 recruiting class, has a shortlist of schools he plans to officially visit, including Texas A&M, Georgia, and Miami. The Fort Lauderdale, Florida native says the 'aura' and winning tradition of the Georgia Bulldogs program stand out to him, and he was impressed after meeting with head coach Kirby Smart and offensive line coach Phil Rauscher.

Why it matters

Landing elite offensive line talent like Matthews is crucial for top college football programs looking to maintain a competitive edge. Georgia, in particular, has built a reputation as an 'offensive line university' under Kirby Smart, making Matthews' interest in the Bulldogs program significant.

The details

Matthews, a five-star recruit from St. Thomas Aquinas High School, named Texas A&M, Georgia, and Miami as the three schools he plans to officially visit, though he noted the Hurricanes will always have a 'special place' in his heart as the hometown team. During his visit to Georgia, Matthews met one-on-one with head coach Kirby Smart and new offensive line coach Phil Rauscher, who reviewed Matthews' film and provided feedback on areas for improvement. Matthews was impressed by the 'winning feeling' and 'aura' he felt on Georgia's campus, citing the program's legacy and Kirby Smart's leadership as key factors.

  • Matthews spoke with UGASports at the Rivals Miami Elite Camp on February 16, 2026.

The players

Mark Matthews

The No. 1 offensive tackle in the 2027 recruiting class, a five-star prospect from St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Kirby Smart

The head football coach at the University of Georgia.

Phil Rauscher

The new offensive line coach at the University of Georgia.

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What they’re saying

“Got to talk to Coach Kirby [Smart], you just get that feeling at Georgia, it's a winning program, you get that winning feeling when you step on campus.”

— Mark Matthews (on3.com)

“It's Georgia, and Coach Kirby, it's just the name, the legacy. Not to be weird, but the aura they have, Georgia's a good place.”

— Mark Matthews (on3.com)

What’s next

Matthews plans to officially visit Texas A&M, Georgia, and Miami in the coming months as he continues to evaluate his college options.

The takeaway

Georgia's reputation as an 'offensive line university' and the 'aura' surrounding the program under Kirby Smart's leadership have made a strong impression on elite 2027 recruit Mark Matthews, who is now seriously considering the Bulldogs as a potential college destination.