Nephew of NFL Star Tyrann Mathieu Commits to HBCU Football

Tyrone Mathieu III will join the reigning SWAC champions at Prairie View A&M.

Feb. 11, 2026 at 5:23pm

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The nephew of former NFL star Tyrann Mathieu, Tyrone Mathieu III, has committed to play football at Prairie View A&M University, an HBCU in Texas. Mathieu III was a standout defensive player at St. Augustine High School in New Orleans and looks to make an impact on Prairie View A&M's stout defense, which was one of the best in the SWAC last season.

Why it matters

Mathieu III's decision to attend an HBCU continues a growing trend of top high school football prospects choosing to play at historically Black colleges and universities, which have seen a surge in interest and talent in recent years. His uncle, Tyrann Mathieu, was a star in the NFL, so Mathieu III has big shoes to fill as he looks to make a name for himself at the collegiate level.

The details

Mathieu III was a defensive anchor for St. Augustine High School in New Orleans, playing cornerback and free safety. He helped lead the Purple Knights to a 12-2 record and a spot in the 2025 LHSAA Division I Select State Championship game. At Prairie View A&M, Mathieu III will join a defense that was the top unit in the SWAC last season, leading the conference in scoring defense, total defense, and passing defense under head coach Tremaine Jackson.

  • Mathieu III committed to Prairie View A&M on February 11, 2026.
  • Prairie View A&M won the SWAC championship in the 2025 season.

The players

Tyrone Mathieu III

The nephew of former NFL star Tyrann Mathieu, Mathieu III was a standout defensive player at St. Augustine High School in New Orleans.

Tyrann Mathieu

Tyrone Mathieu III's uncle, Tyrann Mathieu was a star in the NFL before his retirement.

Tremaine Jackson

The head coach of the Prairie View A&M football team, which had the top defense in the SWAC last season.

St. Augustine High School

The high school in New Orleans where Tyrone Mathieu III played, leading the Purple Knights to a 12-2 record and a state championship appearance.

Prairie View A&M University

The HBCU in Texas that Tyrone Mathieu III has committed to play football for, joining the reigning SWAC champions.

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What’s next

All eyes will be on how Mathieu III adjusts to HBCU football and if his uncle, Tyrann Mathieu, shows up to a couple of Prairie View A&M games to support him.

The takeaway

Mathieu III's decision to attend an HBCU continues a growing trend of top high school football prospects choosing to play at historically Black colleges and universities, which have seen a surge in interest and talent in recent years. His uncle's NFL success sets a high bar, but Mathieu III has the opportunity to make a name for himself at the collegiate level.