On3 Recruiting Machine projects new team to land Jacoby Mathews

Ponchatoula (La.) safety Jacoby Mathews is one of the few top-100 prospects still uncommitted, and his recruitment has largely come down to a battle between Texas A&M and LSU.

Alabama, Florida and Texas have also been in the mix, but the Aggies have been considered the favorites for a few months now after the coaching change at LSU. That appears to have flipped, though, according to the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine (RPM).

Texas A&M had a 67 percent chance of landing Mathews just three weeks ago, but that has dropped to just below 36 percent now. Taking the lead with a 56 percent chance is none other than the home-state Tigers, who have made an impression since Brian Kelly was hired last month.

Mathews is the No. 33 prospect in the 2022 class, according to the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He ranks as the nation’s No. 1 safety and the No. 2 prospect in Louisiana this cycle.

A big part of that swing came from a prediction by BengalTiger.com’s Billy Embody, who is now projecting that the Tigers will land Mathews.

Strong connections to LSU

And according to On3 Director of Recruiting Chad Simmons, LSU looks the favorite as of right now.

“Jacoby Mathews almost committed at the Under Armour All-America game, but held off,” Simmons wrote late last week. “If he did commit, most felt it would have been to Texas A&M. But that would have been premature he said, because his mind is still far from made up. Alabama, Florida, and LSU are still very much in this. Texas is still being listed by Matthews as well.

The Gators will have Matthews on campus this weekend, and his connection with defensive backs coach Corey Raymond is real. LSU is still viewed as the favorite for me. He is a one-time LSU commit, he grew up in a family that loves the Tigers, and Brian Kelly has come in and made him a priority. Alabama can never be ruled out, and Florida and Texas A&M will not go away, but LSU, the home-state school, will likely be tough to beat. Alabama and LSU will receive official visits late this month.”

Jacoby Mathews Scouting Summary

“High-end natural athlete with size and a thick build as a safety prospect. Explosive vertical athlete with high-end change of direction. Plays faster than he tests due to instincts and eye discipline. Covers ground, and closes angles with instinct. Plays with a physical mentality. Has maintained a safety build with the frame to carry over 220 pounds. Has been a jack-of-all-trades at times for Ponchatoula High playing multiple spots including quarterback, but settling in at safety as a senior. Started on both sides of the ball as a freshman. Was also an All-District level basketball player that played well above the rim.” — On3 Director of Scouting and Rankings Charles Power