Junior Matt Richardson Commits To Central Michigan University

For Warren G. Harding’s football program, the offseason has been very productive as their works have resulted in several athletes receiving significant interest from an abundance of colleges.  That said, junior Matt Richardson is one of those guys who has yet to really have a true “offseason.” Not only was he a key contributor for the boys basketball team, he currently carries a heavy workload for the track & field program.

Richardson’s time training and constantly competing in various sports has helped transform him into a quality college football recruit who is destined to continue his athletic career beyond the high school level.  On Sunday evening, that officially became the case as he gave his verbal commitment to Central Michigan University, which was the first school to extend a Division I scholarship offer just over a month ago on April 8.

“I’ll always remember CMU being the first school to show me love and take a chance on me,” Richardson said.  “It meant a lot to me.”

Richardson selected the Chippewas over schools the likes of Brown, Princeton, Colgate, Youngstown State, Albany, and Virginia Military Institute.  His decision made him the second current Raider to commit early for class 2027 as just over a month ago on April 1, senior-to-be offensive lineman Zay’vion Smith announced his decision to become a Bearcat for the University of Cincinnati.  

Richardson will also be the first Harding athlete to compete athletically for Central Michigan since Aisha Jackson earned a track & field scholarship there in 2016.  Ironically, she graduated with Justice Richardson, the oldest sibling of Matt who went on to earn a track & field scholarship at Syracuse before eventually competing for Florida A&M University as a graduate student. 

“Family” describes the vibes that Richardson feels at CMU.  

“The coaching staff kept it real with me from the start,” Richardson added.  “They made me believe that this is a place where I can continue to grow as a person and a player.  The connection that I have with them felt genuine from the start.” 

In addition to his five interceptions in 2025, Richardson’s 90-yard kickoff return for a touchdown against Massillon in week 9 is currently tied with 2017 alum Lynn Bowden for the sixth longest kickoff return in Harding history.  He added another score when he returned a punt 44 yards for a touchdown against Erie McDowell in week 6.

I always strive to make an impact whenever I can,” Richardson said.  “I want to earn everything and grow as a player as much as possible.”

Richardson’s father, Harding head coach Matt Richardson, has been developing college football recruits for well over two decades.  Now, all of those years of experience are now coming full circle as he’s successfully prepared his son, the “Heir Apparent” as he likes to call him, to get to the collegiate level as well.

“Very proud of my son,” Coach Richardson said.  “From a very young age, he has witnessed the work ethic that it takes to have a chance to play at the next level. It’s nice to see him benefit from the fruits of his labor.

For Coach Richardson, seeing his athletes succeed beyond the high school level will never get old. That said, while his son’s college decision is now behind him, he still wants all of his players to continue to play with a chip on their shoulder.

“Where we are from, the bar is always high,” Coach added.  We wouldn’t have it any other way.

Young Matt couldn’t agree more.

“My goals for my senior year are to keep improving every part of my game and help my team win as many games as possible,” he added.  “I want to be one of the best players in the state at my position so that when I get to CMU, I’ll be ready to come in and make plays right away.”

Highlight film of some of Richardsosn's stadout plays across the football, boys basketball, and track and field seasons during the 2025-26 school year.