Zion Elee Commits to Maryland, Cancels Other Visits

Zion Elee, a five-star edge rusher from St. Frances Academy in Maryland, has officially shut down his recruitment and will no longer take planned visits to schools such as Ohio State and Auburn. His decision, announced via X, underscores his commitment to Maryland, where he had previously pledged in December. Elee, ranked as the top player in the 2026 class, represents a significant recruiting victory for Maryland coach Mike Locksley, particularly after a challenging 4-8 season. Although Elee's commitment is a strong indication of loyalty, experts warn that in the current NIL landscape, his status could still be subject to change. Elee’s performance in high school has been impressive, with 64 tackles and 13 sacks as a sophomore, and he aims to maintain that success as he transitions to college football. Maryland's ability to retain Elee will be crucial for the program's future prospects.