Zion Elee Commits to Maryland, Boosting 2026 Class

Zion Elee, a consensus five-star edge rusher and top-ranked recruit in the 2026 class, has committed to the University of Maryland over offers from top programs like Oregon, Alabama, and Penn State. Elee, a 6'4" defensive prospect from Baltimore's St. Frances Academy, cited Maryland's strong academic environment and the coaching staff's early belief in his potential as key factors in his decision. This commitment marks a significant win for Maryland's recruiting efforts, as Elee is the program's highest-rated commit since Stefon Diggs in 2012 and their first five-star recruit in the class of 2026. Elee joins a promising recruiting class for Maryland, which includes other local talents such as Khmari Bing and Damon Hall. Maryland's recruiting class is now ranked 13th by On3 and 22nd by ESPN, reflecting the program's growing momentum.