Maryland has landed its first blue-chip prospect of the 2026 cycle as St. Frances (MD) five-star edge Zion Elee has announced his pledge to stay home.
Elee, a 6-foot-4 edge who transferred in from Joppatowne (MD), committed to Maryland with Oregon, Ohio State and Penn State in the mix. Elee becomes the fourth pledge alongside TE Damon Hall, CB Khmari Bing and DE Brian Harris.
Elee, who transferred into St. Frances from Joppatowne (MD) ahead of his junior season, was a top target for Maryland with the 2026 class coming into focus alongside local five-star offensive tackle Immanuel Iheanacho. While Oregon and Ohio State carried the early buzz in his recruitment, Elee needed time to come around and become receptive to staying close to home in college. And that happened thanks to the Terps' local recruiter leading the way.
Led by assistant Aazaar Abdul-Rahim, Elee visited for the win vs. USC and explained why the hometown team “changed his perspective” on staying home.
“I like the atmosphere, that was great to see. For the most part of the game, I was watching how their edge rushers play and how they desperately need a pass rusher which was what most of the coaches were telling me,” Elee told IBG after visiting for the USC game. “And I’ve seen it.”
Zion Elee is rated a five-star and the top prospect in the 2026 cycle. He becomes the highest-rated prospect to commit to Maryland, doing so just days after head coach Mike Locksley inked a 20-man class led by four-stars Malik Washington, Jaylen Gilchrist, Messiah Delhomme and Zymear Smith among others.
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