Top OT Recruit Narrows College Options to Three

Mark Matthews, the nation's No. 1 offensive tackle, is focusing on Miami, Texas A&M, and Georgia

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Mark Matthews, the top-ranked offensive tackle recruit in the 2027 class, has narrowed his college options down to three major programs: Miami, Texas A&M, and Georgia. The 6'6", 310-pound standout from St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Florida has received around 30 offers from top college football teams, but has indicated these three schools are currently leading the race for his commitment.

Why it matters

Landing the nation's top offensive line recruit is a major priority for these three elite college football programs as they look to build championship-caliber rosters. Matthews' decision will have a significant impact on the future trajectory of the programs he chooses between.

The details

According to recruiting analyst Chad Simmons, while Miami is near the top of Matthews' list, he has not declared them the outright leader. The Aggies and Bulldogs have also made strong pitches, with Texas A&M telling Matthews he could start right away, and Georgia emphasizing their winning culture under coach Kirby Smart. Matthews plans to take all five of his official visits before announcing his commitment, leaving two more schools a chance to get involved.

  • Matthews and St. Thomas Aquinas High School finished the 2025 season 14-1 and won their seventh straight Florida state championship.

The players

Mark Matthews

The nation's top-ranked offensive tackle recruit in the 2027 class, hailing from St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Florida.

Chad Simmons

A recruiting analyst who has been closely following Matthews' recruitment process.

Mike Elko

The head coach of the Texas A&M Aggies football program.

Kirby Smart

The head coach of the Georgia Bulldogs football program.

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What they’re saying

“A&M wants to bring me in as a guy who can start early. That's what they've told me from the jump and that's something I want to do.”

— Mark Matthews, Top OT Recruit

“Just a winning team. I come from a very blessed winning school. Going from a really good head coach to another really good head coach...they want to go work every day and that's what we do here.”

— Mark Matthews, Top OT Recruit

What’s next

Matthews plans to take all five of his official visits before announcing his college commitment, leaving the door open for two more schools to potentially get involved in his recruitment.

The takeaway

The race to land the nation's top offensive line recruit is heating up, with Miami, Texas A&M, and Georgia emerging as the frontrunners for Matthews' signature. Whichever program secures his commitment will be adding a potential game-changing talent to their roster for the 2027 season.