Penn State Recruiting: Maryland Projected to Land PA Star

In the latest updates on Penn State recruiting, one of Pennsylvania’s top talents is expected to choose Maryland.According to Steve Wiltfong from On3Sports, Zahir Mathis, a four-star EDGE prospect from the renowned Imhotep Charter in Philadelphia, is now leaning towards committing to Maryland.

Standing at 6 feet 6 inches and weighing 230 pounds, he is ranked as the fourth-best player in Pennsylvania according to On3, as well as the 16th best EDGE prospect nationally and the 170th overall player in his class across the United States.While most of Mathis’ peers have already committed to their respective schools and some are currently attending college classes, his situation is unique.

SCRAPPED PLANS

Originally, Mathis intended to join Ryan Day at Ohio State. He made his commitment to OSU in January 2024 and remained committed for over nine months. However, in November, he decided to de-commit, which brought smiles to some Penn State fans.
Penn State fans are always pleased when a high-profile recruit de-commits from Ohio State, and this situation is particularly exciting because Mathis is a player that Penn State has been pursuing. However, the current outlook for Penn State securing his commitment doesn’t appear promising. In addition to Wiltfong’s prediction on On3, 247Sports lists three schools as “warm” for Mathis, with Penn State not among them. The leading contenders are Maryland, Florida State, and another Big Ten institution, UCLA.Nevertheless, if Mathis chooses Maryland, past trends suggest that he might still change his mind.

PENN STATE LOOKING TO POACH MARYLAND COMMIT

Despite finishing last season with a 4-8 record, Maryland continues to achieve success in recruiting, with Zion Elee being a notable addition. Penn State is attempting to persuade the five-star EDGE, who is currently committed to Maryland. According to On3, Elee ranks as the third-best player in the Class of 2026, and Penn State head coach James Franklin visited him last week. Even if Elee ultimately signs with Maryland, his player comparison on 247Sports is Chop Robinson, another highly regarded recruit who transferred from Maryland to Penn State after one season.The second and final signing period for the 2025 recruiting cycle concludes on Wednesday, February 5.

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