It’s that time of year when you see more 5-stars on Hayes Fawcett’s timeline than in downtown LA. With National Signing Day 2025 in the rear-view mirror, there’s absolutely no standing-on ceremony. Focus has swiftly pivoted over to the class of ‘26. The latest revelation on the recruitment front pertains to the most intriguing prospect of his entire class. No.1 recruit in the country, EDGE Zion Elee, has just announced 5 schools that he’s got official visits scheduled for.

The D-lineman out of Baltimore is hard-committed to in-state Maryland. That said, it would’ve been borderline delusional for HC Mike Locksley or any fan to think this was set in stone. It never is with a prospect of this ilk. They’d have expected adversaries in their path to landing Zion Elee and are now privy to the exact ones. A mix of Big 10 and SEC schools are preparing to host what’s being touted as the successor to the proverbial throne that Abdul Carter has now vacated. 

The aforementioned Hayes Fawcett of On3 reports that Zion Elee shall be visiting Ohio State, Penn State, Auburn, Texas A&M, and South Carolina. Happy Valley’s inclusion is befitting given their history of developing the front 7. Penn State has seen the likes of Micah Parsons and Abdul Carter don the iconic St1x C1ty #11. James Franklin hoped Zion Elee would be the next in this lineage. Mike Locksley has little to contend with in that regard; however, he does have an advantage with proximity. But will this be enough to fend off some of the biggest blue-chip programs in the sport?

Speaking of which, bluebloods and defending champions Ohio State are also in the mix. The Buckeyes’ inclusion is not going to draw much surprise, if any. Albeit there is a cloud over their position in the hierarchy after losing defensive coordinator Jim Knowles. To their rivals, both in this process and the B1G Penn State, no less. That said, Larry Johnson is as big a pull as any DL coach. 6’3, 220 Zion Elee will be ideal to fill the void left by the NFL-bound Jack Sawyer at the line of scrimmage. Those are the two “biggest” programs Maryland will have to contend with. They sure do seem bigger in the grand scheme of the Big 10. However, don’t sleep on the southeast.

The “Loveliest Village on the Plains” had little love in reciprocation in the 2024 season. Auburn has been a bit of an afterthought amidst the fervor toward the top end of the SEC. However, Hugh Freeze’s Tigers did salvage their season down the stretch. That said, a below .500 season was very real and so is Freeze’s placement on the coaching ‘chopping block’. Despite the negatives, Zion Elee is still not deterred as he plans to visit campus.

South Carolina has also got to be feeling good about themselves. DC Sterling Lucas recently visited Elee in person. Their inclusion in the shortlist is a vote of confidence. That potential tandem between Zion Elee and fellow 5-star EDGE Dylan Stewart is a daunting prospect for QBs across the country. Last, and certainly not the least, come the Texas A&M Aggies. Mike Elko should be quietly confident about his chances with how things are trending.

Zion Elee treated to an extra special tour around College Station

Zion Elee has a visit to College Station imminent, but he’s already had one in January. To contextualize how good it was, Aggies fan and football royalty Drew Brees showed him around campus. That is bound to have left a mark. Now, Brees didn’t go to A&M himself, but that’s not exactly a factor. Just goes to show they weren’t pulling any stops in making sure this visit was a positive one. 

Coach Elko didn’t have a National Signing Day worth talking about, so this news will certainly quell any concern. The Aggies already have as many as 10 commits in the 2026 class. However, Zion Elee will definitely be the crown jewel. If there’s one thing tying together all 5 of these schools for all their distinct advantages, it’s the fact that Maryland is still in the driver’s seat. Which sounds fictitious, but Elee’s comments suggest so.

“I think Maryland is a great school. What made me make the decision is the coaches. They’re really good people, and I really connected with them on an outside level.” said Zion Elee when he committed to the Terps. “I feel like I don’t want to wait…I want to go somewhere and make that connection early.” The most resounding part of his statement was the following. “I put everything aside and thought, what do I actually want to do? I really thought about it, and I wanted to stay home…I’m serious about this commitment,” he said. Mike Locksley is an excellent recruiter when it comes to in-state players. That said, has he got the supporting cast to keep the best prospect in his entire class around? Every visit is going to feel like a tryst with danger for the Terps.