Defensive end Zion Elee, regarded as one of the top prospects in the 2026 high school football class, recently altered his stance on his commitment to Maryland. Elee, who had previously declared that he would not take any more visits, attended a game at South Carolina this past Saturday, where he watched the Gamecocks face the highly ranked Alabama Crimson Tide. This change in behavior has sparked discussions about his commitment status.
Earlier this year, Elee had firmly stated, “I ain’t taking no more visits. It’s unnecessary,” during a conversation with The Baltimore Sun following Maryland’s season opener, a decisive 39-7 win over Florida Atlantic. His sudden visit to South Carolina has raised eyebrows, particularly since both SEC schools have extended scholarship offers to him. Alabama secured a thrilling 29-22 victory against South Carolina, but the focus has shifted towards Elee’s recruitment.
Maryland head coach Michael Locksley addressed Elee’s visit during an interview on “The Sports Junkies” on 106.7 The Fan. He expressed no immediate concerns regarding Elee’s recent trip to the SEC, hinting that Elee may have received compensation for his attendance. “Those guys, you know they get paid to go take those trips now,” Locksley remarked. “Why would I be mad for Zion to make ($5,000 to $10,000) to go down to South Carolina?”
While Locksley clarified he was uncertain whether Elee had accepted such an arrangement, he noted that many prominent programs often provide financial incentives disguised as NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong relationship with Elee, stating, “He’s been one of those guys that has been really loyal to this area. He’s been loyal to me and the program that we’ve created.”
Elee, who plays for St. Frances Academy, is viewed as a potential impact player at the collegiate level, particularly as an edge rusher. His recruitment is vital for Maryland, as he represents the highest-rated commitment in the program’s history, surpassing the ratings of notable NFL players like Stefon Diggs and Vernon Davis, according to 247 Sports. His talent suggests he could develop into an NFL player, possibly even a top draft pick.
Locksley remains optimistic about Elee’s commitment, but he also acknowledged the possibility that if Elee determines that Maryland is not the best fit for him, the program would move forward. “In the end, if he doesn’t think it’s the best situation for him, we’ll go find somebody else,” he said, although the challenge of replacing such a highly-rated recruit is considerable.
As Maryland navigates a challenging season, currently on a three-game losing streak and yet to secure a winning record in Big Ten play during Locksley’s tenure, retaining Elee’s commitment would provide a much-needed boost. The Terps’ 2025 roster shows promise, featuring talented underclassmen like freshman quarterback Malik Washington. Elee’s addition in 2026 could be pivotal for Maryland in a competitive conference landscape.
While some fans may have felt anxious about Elee’s visit to South Carolina, Locksley maintained that effective communication is key and asserted, “If I have great communication with a kid, I can’t operate out of fear.”
As the recruitment process continues, Maryland’s coaching staff will be keeping a close eye on Elee’s decisions while striving to build a stronger program for the future.
