Sarkisian Turns to Freshman Samari Matthews at Cornerback
Texas coach Steve Sarkisian may start true freshman Samari Matthews if cornerbacks Kade Phillips and Graceson Littleton are unavailable against Missouri.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Football
Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian called on true freshman Samari Matthews to play cornerback after Kade Phillips and Graceson Littleton were listed as questionable for Saturday's game against Missouri. Matthews totaled a career-high 39 snaps in the last game and has played 55 snaps across three games for the Longhorns.
Why it matters
The Longhorns' secondary depth is being tested as their top two cornerbacks have carried heavy workloads, with both logging 50 or more snaps in each of the last four games. How Texas fills the cornerback spots could determine how the defense holds up against Missouri.
Matthews was the No. 153 overall prospect in the Rivals Industry Rankings and allowed one catch for eight yards on two targets while converting both of his tackle opportunities. Whether Littleton and Phillips will be available against Missouri remains unresolved as of Wednesday's SEC availability report.
The players
Steve Sarkisian
Steve Sarkisian is the head football coach at the University of Texas, known for his offensive background and his leadership of the Longhorns program.
Samari Matthews
Samari Matthews is a true freshman cornerback at Texas and a North Carolina native who was ranked No. 153 overall in the Rivals Industry Rankings coming out of high school.
Kade Phillips
Kade Phillips is a Texas cornerback who has been a regular starter and logged 50 or more snaps in each of the last four games.
Graceson Littleton
Graceson Littleton is a Texas cornerback who has been a regular starter and logged 50 or more snaps in each of the last four games.
The details
Phillips and Littleton were sidelined for most of the second half of the last game, forcing Bo Mascoe to move inside and Warren Roberson to shift outside to fill the secondary. Sarkisian's Thursday comments point to Matthews as a possible first-time starter if the veteran corners remain out.
Timeline
Last weekend: Phillips and Littleton combined for 37 snaps in Texas's previous game.
Wednesday: The SEC availability report listed Littleton and Phillips as questionable.
Thursday: Sarkisian addressed the cornerback situation and Matthews's role.
Saturday: Texas faces Missouri, with Matthews possibly making his first start.
Season Trajectory
Texas's defensive depth at cornerback is becoming a central question as the Longhorns move deeper into the SEC schedule with a thin reserve group. How the staff manages this stretch will shape whether the defense can keep pace in conference play.
If Matthews starts, fantasy and depth-chart watchers should track his snap count and matchup performance against Missouri. A healthy Littleton or Phillips would restore the usual starting corner rotation and move Mascoe back to his regular role.
The takeaway
Depth at cornerback often decides how a defense handles a conference grind, and Texas's freshman-backed plan will show whether that depth holds. Readers tracking the Longhorns should watch the availability reports closely before Saturday's kickoff.
What happens next
Texas faces Missouri on Saturday, when the availability of Kade Phillips and Graceson Littleton will be confirmed and Samari Matthews could make his first start.
Further reading
Find more on Texas defensive personnel in our Football section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by On3.
