Five-Star 2026 Ohio State Target and Maryland Commit Shuts Down Recruitment
In a significant twist to the recruiting saga surrounding one of the top defensive prospects in the nation, five-star defensive end Zion Elee, a 2026 Ohio State target, has officially shut down his recruitment. The highly sought-after prospect, who had committed to the University of Maryland just a few months ago, announced on social media that his recruitment is now closed. This unexpected decision sends shockwaves through the recruiting world, particularly in Columbus, Ohio, where Elee had been heavily pursued by the Buckeyes.
Zion Elee, currently ranked as the number one recruit in the 2026 class, made the statement public on February 21, 2025, as he declared, “My recruitment is closed.” This marks the end of speculation regarding his future and solidifies his commitment to the University of Maryland, where he had originally pledged his loyalty in December 2024. With this move, Elee has sent a clear message to the college football world that he is fully invested in his future with the Terrapins, turning down overtures from several top-tier programs, including Ohio State.
The Rise of Zion Elee
Zion Elee’s rise to prominence has been nothing short of meteoric. At just 6-foot-3 and 220 pounds, the defensive end out of St. Frances Academy in Baltimore, Maryland, has quickly established himself as one of the most dynamic pass-rushers in the country. His quickness, agility, and ability to disrupt offensive schemes have earned him national attention and made him a target for several major college football programs. His versatility and physicality have made him an essential player for St. Frances Academy, a program known for producing high-level talent.
Elee’s exceptional skills on the field have contributed to his status as the consensus number one overall recruit in the 2026 class. With a strong season of production, including multiple sacks and tackles for loss, his stock only continues to rise. His ability to dominate at the high school level has caught the eyes of many college coaches, who have clamored for the opportunity to add such a force to their defensive line.
However, despite being pursued by an array of elite programs, including Ohio State, Elee shocked many when he announced his commitment to Maryland. This decision was seen as a pivotal moment for the Terrapins, as it is rare for top-tier local talent to stay home and play for their in-state program.
Elee’s Commitment to Maryland
Elee’s commitment to the University of Maryland in December 2024 was a major win for head coach Mike Locksley and the Terrapins. For years, Maryland had struggled to consistently land high-profile in-state recruits, with many of the top players choosing to leave the state for more traditional football powerhouses. Elee’s decision to stay home was seen as a potential turning point for the program, which had struggled to compete with the top-tier teams in the Big Ten and beyond.
By committing to Maryland, Elee not only demonstrated his loyalty to his home state but also showed confidence in the direction that the program was heading under Locksley. The Terrapins had made strides in recent years, particularly in recruiting, and Elee’s commitment was seen as evidence that the program was starting to take its place among the upper echelon of college football teams. With a talented coaching staff and improved facilities, Maryland appeared poised to make a bigger splash in the Big Ten, and Elee was expected to play a key role in that rise.
However, even with his commitment firmly in place, Elee was still a highly sought-after target for several other programs. This led to speculation that his recruitment might not be completely settled, especially considering that he had planned several official visits to schools like Ohio State, Auburn, Penn State, Texas A&M, and South Carolina. His visits to these schools were highly anticipated, with many believing that the Ohio State Buckeyes, in particular, had a good chance to flip him from Maryland.
The Ohio State Pursuit
Ohio State, one of the most successful programs in college football over the last decade, was particularly aggressive in its pursuit of Elee. The Buckeyes, under head coach Ryan Day, have consistently been at the top of the recruiting rankings, and landing a five-star talent like Elee would be a major coup for the program. Ohio State’s defensive line has been a key strength for the team, and adding a player like Elee would have only made them more formidable.
Elee’s athleticism and ability to rush the passer were seen as a perfect fit for Ohio State’s defensive scheme, which has been known for producing elite defensive ends who wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks. The Buckeyes were planning to host Elee for an official visit on June 20, 2025, and many analysts believed that this could be the pivotal moment that turned the tide in their favor. However, with Elee’s recent announcement that he is shutting down his recruitment, the Buckeyes are now forced to refocus their efforts on other defensive prospects.
Elee Closes the Door on Other Programs
Zion Elee’s decision to shut down his recruitment and stay committed to Maryland is significant not only for the Terrapins but also for the broader college football landscape. By choosing to end his recruitment process early, Elee is sending a message to other programs that he is fully committed to the Terrapins and has no intentions of exploring other options. His official visits to other schools, including the much-anticipated trip to Ohio State, have been canceled, and Elee has made it clear that he will not be swayed by other offers.
This move takes the pressure off Elee, allowing him to focus solely on preparing for his future at Maryland. It also solidifies Maryland’s position as a rising power in the college football recruiting scene, as Elee’s commitment sends a clear signal that the Terrapins are a legitimate contender for top-tier talent. The Terrapins now have one of the most highly touted players in the country as the cornerstone of their 2026 recruiting class.
Implications for the Future
While Elee’s recruitment process may have come to a close, the impact of his decision is far from over. For Maryland, securing the number one overall recruit in the 2026 class is a monumental achievement that will undoubtedly have long-term effects on the program’s recruiting efforts. Elee’s commitment not only strengthens the Terrapins’ defensive line but also provides them with a high-profile ambassador for their program. As other top recruits see Elee’s commitment to Maryland, it could encourage more high-profile players to consider the Terrapins as a legitimate option.
For Ohio State, the loss of Elee represents a setback in their ongoing efforts to land elite defensive talent. While the Buckeyes have numerous other talented players in their sights, including several five-star defensive ends, Elee was viewed as one of the top targets in the 2026 class. With the closure of his recruitment, Ohio State will now turn its attention to other prospects, including those on their current list of targets for the 2026 class.
For Elee, the decision to stay committed to Maryland is a significant one. He has made his choice, and it will likely shape the trajectory of his career. While many expected him to be lured away by the power programs like Ohio State, Elee has instead opted to carve his own path and stay home. His commitment to the Terrapins