5-Star Offensive Tackle Mark Matthews Decommits From Texas A&M

Texas A&M lost a cornerstone of its 2027 recruiting class when five-star offensive tackle Mark Matthews decommitted from the Aggies, ESPN reported.

The 6-foot-6, 285-pound lineman from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, pulled his pledge on Sunday, November 8, 2026. The decision reopens his recruitment less than a month before the early signing period opens on December 2, 2026.

Matthews is ranked as the No. 6 prospect in the SC Next ESPN 300 and stands as the cycle’s lone uncommitted five-star recruit. He had been committed to Texas A&M since May 15, when he chose the Aggies over Miami, LSU, and Georgia.

The decommitment arrives during a difficult 2026 campaign for Texas A&M and coach Mike Elko. The Aggies fell to 4-5 overall and 1-5 in SEC play following a 17-9 loss to South Carolina on Saturday, November 7, 2026.

That defeat marked the team’s fifth loss in its past seven games, according to reporting by the Star-Telegram. Before the departure, Texas A&M held the nation’s top-ranked recruiting class, but the roster change dropped the Aggies to second in Rivals’ ranking, allowing Miami to move into the top spot, the Star-Telegram reported.

Matthews’ exit leaves the Aggies’ 2027 class with three remaining five-star prospects in safety Kamarui Dorsey, interior offensive lineman Kennedy Brown, and linebacker Kaden Henderson, alongside commitments from four-star offensive tackles Kaeden Scott and DeMarrion Johnson, according to the Star-Telegram.

Miami remained a close runner-up during Matthews’ initial recruitment and stayed in close contact throughout the process, ESPN reported. AOL reported that the Hurricanes, led by Mario Cristobal, maintained their involvement and now stand well-positioned as Matthews reevaluates his options.

Matthews plays as a multi-year starter at left tackle for St. Thomas Aquinas High School, where he has anchored an offensive line averaging 9.5 yards per carry this season, according to AOL.

Texas A&M hosts No. 9 Tennessee on Saturday at 3 p.m. ET on ESPN, needing wins in two of its final three regular-season games to secure bowl eligibility.