The University of Texas football program has secured commitments from two highly regarded 2026 recruits, linebacker Kosi Okpala and cornerback Samari Matthews. Okpala, a four-star linebacker from Katy Mayde Creek High School in Texas, chose Texas over offers from Penn State, Miami, and Baylor. Praised for his versatility and athleticism, Okpala is regarded as one of the top linebackers in Texas and a valuable addition to the Longhorns' defense under coach Johnny Nansen. Shortly after, Texas landed four-star cornerback Samari Matthews, an ESPN top 100 recruit and ranked No. 13 among cornerbacks nationally. Matthews, who hails from Houston, committed to Texas over South Carolina, Florida State, and Miami. His commitment has helped elevate Texas into the top 10 of the 247Sports team rankings for the 2026 recruiting class. The Longhorns now boast four top 100 pledges for 2026, with Matthews' recruitment credited to new cornerbacks coach Mark Orphey. Both recruits have been the subject of detailed scouting reports and analysis by InsideTexas and other recruiting insiders, highlighting their potential impact on the program's future.