Here is the thing: without how easy “flipping” a player from another team has become, it makes you wonder – Does the commitment from your 5-star prospect even mean anything? Let’s talk about Maryland. The Terrapins had what we call a “lukewarm” season. 8 big losses and 4 wins that mean next to nothing (other than the Trojans game, of course). Now, how in the world do you make sure that you climb out of that “17th in the Big Ten” bracket and make a splash? Well, top-tier recruitment is the answer. But what if that recruitment hinges on the shoulder of 5 other big-time programs not pulling a sneaky trick? In a nutshell, you get the Zion Elee situation.

“He said he’s just taking his trips with so many prospects have done,” Steve Wiltfong pointed out on On3. Now, what Elee is doing isn’t exactly wrong. Building strong relationships with all these other coaches does tend to pay off later on, but it makes you wonder if this move is going to put the Tarps in a pickle. At least, we had thought that someone was going to swoop him away, but after what Steve pointed out, the case could be different. “But he says he’s fully committed to Maryland… Still a lot of love for the Terps. He wants to help influence other guys to go to Maryland,” Wiltfong adds. Like music to Mike Locksley‘s ears. While some people could call the Tarps “irrelevant”, Elee joining the squad changes up the defensive game by a big margin.

See, when Saint Frances won that bloodbath against Valley Christian with 25-24 on the board, we watched how this EDGE star performed, and it truly blew our minds. “One of the most complete edge prospects in recent memory at this stage of the evaluation process,” was something 247Sports had pointed out, and it rings true.

His nature on the gridiron and self-assured demeanor are something we rarely see from a lot of high school prospects. Further, when you pair that with “freakishly” long arms and latent talent, you get a monster who can corner and bring your rusher down with ease.

But a bit of doubt still remains. “But he’s going to take his six officials,” was what Wiltfong had pointed out while talking about Elee’s decision. This rings alarm bells in our heads solely because these remaining 5 visits are with teams that are graded way higher than the Tarps.

5 contenders remaining for the Tarps

We will talk about the biggest threats first: Penn State, Ohio State, and Auburn. Listen for the Bucks; the case is plain and simple: You are getting the 2024 natty winners. Not only that, but pair it up with how Ryan Day managed to make a comeback, and it makes you think about what else this once “hated” Bucks HC is capable of.

Now, Penn State—well, this is a tricky one. See, if you ever wonder how OSU managed to hold the Vols, Horns, and Ducks to around 20 points, the answer lies with Jim Knowles. With the big $3.1 million paycheck that James Franklin and Co. threw in for Jim, the Lions have gained an edge on their defensive talent—how can you top that off? Add the 2026 5-star EDGE player to your roster. Simple.

Finally Auburn. “Chad Simmons pointed to Auburn as a major threat for Elee,” Wiltfong mentioned. Do you see what we mean about the visits being a red flag? Hugh Freeze could go to lengths to grab his first 5-star prospect for his 2026 class, and if Elee flips, then it is game over for the Tarps.

The final 2 contenders aren’t big threats. South Carolina and Texas A&M. There hasn’t been much movement in the water regarding these 2, but don’t just count them out yet. Remember, the moment your prized recruit starts to show such massive potential in the gridiron. It becomes quite hard to keep such a young man committed for a long time—mostly because of all the other offers floating in.