Five-star edge Zion Elee says Maryland interest 'heavy' after visit​

Zion Elee, who is the No. 2 player in the 2026 class, goes in-depth about his Maryland visit.​

A change in five-star Zion Elee's visit schedule two weekends ago had big ramifications for Maryland last weekend.

The coveted class of 2026 Baltimore St. France's standout visited Tennessee a week earlier instead of for the game against Alabama,
which allowed him to be at SECU Stadium for Maryland's homecoming win against USC.

And according to the 6-foot-3 1/2, 220-pound Elee, it elevated the Terps in his recruitment.

"This visit, in general, changed my view of Maryland," said Elee, who is the No. 2 player in his class. "From the coaches, the events, and the game, I now have heavy interest in Maryland and it's one of my top schools."

Elee, who also visited Oregon this season and he is slated to be at Auburn on Nov. 2, received priority treatment.

He met with members of the coaching staff, including coach Mike Locksley before the game, and felt a connection to the program.

"He really talked about how he wanted me to stay home," Elee said. "How they are trying to build something with the local guys."

The Terps rallied from a 14-point deficit with 13 minutes left for the win, and it made an impact on Elee.

"The atmosphere of Maryland was so intense," he said. "It was such a great game. Stadium was packed out and it was really a battle till the end."

The way the Terps use their edge rushers appealed to him.

"I like how the defense I play is similar to Maryland's so it wouldn't be much new," Elee said.

COLLEGE PARK, MD – Maryland Athletics announced an exclusive line of merchandise produced with Under Armour to benefit One Maryland Collective (1MC), the super-collective that supports NIL opportunities for all Maryland student-athletes.

Under this initiative – the first of its kind in collegiate athletics – Under Armour will produce limited edition merchandise available exclusively for new members of the One Maryland Collective. The merchandise features a vintage logo that will be exclusive to Under Armour.

The “Terrapin Throwback” initiative was inspired by Coach Mike Locksley, who last year started wearing one-of-a-kind hoodies featuring vintage marks. The unique hoodies were quickly noticed on social media and message boards, and demand quickly mounted.

“My love of Maryland runs deep,” said Coach Locksley. “And I am thrilled to bring these vintage marks back to market to benefit the One Maryland Collective. This is a great way for Maryland fans to own something truly unique and help our Maryland Football team at the same time.”

Maryland fans can get a special t-shirt by joining the 1MC at the $25/month level, a heavyweight hoodie at the $50/month level, and both at the $100/month levels and above. Limited quantities are available now at www.OneMarylandNIL.com.

“From the beginning of the NIL era, Maryland Athletics has been a leader in driving opportunities for our student-athletes,” said Brian Ullmann, Deputy Athletics Director. “Together with our partners at Under Armour, the Terrapin Throwback initiative is yet another example of how we are building value for our fans and for our athletics program.”

“When Under Armour extended our partnership with the University of Maryland, we made a commitment to each other to do things differently than before,” said Catherine Marquette, Director of Sports Marketing and Head of Collegiate Partnerships at Under Armour. “When Maryland approached us about the opportunity for its collective to leverage Coach Locksley’s preference for vintage MD logos into a new apparel collection, we of course said yes. This is reflective of our desire to support Maryland and its athletes, current and future, and we’re proud to provide this new opportunity for fans to join in on the support as well.”

“As we continue to build innovative pathways for supporting our student-athletes, Terrapin Throwback stands as a testament to the power of collaboration between Maryland Athletics, Under Armour, and the One Maryland Collective,” said Chris Weiner, Executive Director of One Maryland Collective. “This initiative offers fans an exclusive opportunity to wear their Maryland pride while directly contributing to the success of our student-athletes.”

Maryland football's comeback win over USC came in front of a load of big-time recruits​

The Maryland football team picked a good day to pull off an exciting win. A large crew of big-name recruits were at SECU Stadium to watch their 29-28 comeback win against USC.​

The Maryland football team picked a good day to pull off an exciting win. A large crew of big-name recruits were at SECU Stadium to watch their 29-28 comeback win against USC. Here's the scoop ...

Maryland's staff expected some of the biggest names on its list to be in the stadium for homecoming. They've made a habit of having big recruiting weekends during which they invite most of their top targets and commits, and this was the latest example. Between the big-name opponent, the weather and the homecoming festivities, it made sense.

Mike Locksley doesn't have much room left in the 2025 class, so there haven't been many visitors. But they did host a few.

The biggest name on the list of expected senior visits was Good Counsel (Md.) safety Faheem Delane, the No. 1 player in Maryland and No. 42 player in the Composite. He'll be very tough to flip, but Locksley's pulled off a few stunners from Good Counsel over the years. Another committed prospect from their early-cycle efforts, Hayfield (Va.) running back Jeff Overton Jr. (Virginia Tech) was expected at the game along with another Hokies commit, DeMatha linebacker Noah Chambers.

Stephon Stivers is a new name on the list. The monstrous 6-4, 365-pound defensive lineman from Tennessee is committed to Georgia. Maryland's top position of need is probably the defensive line, so it makes sense they're trying to flip him. Romero Ison, a USC commit at standout receiver at Milford Mill in Baltimore, was there to watch the Trojans.

Martels Carter, a four-star safety from Kentucky who's committed to UK, was in attendance. Another receiver: Jalil Hall, a WVU commit from Drexel Hill, Pa.

Asaiah-Allan Hamond, one of few original local targets in 2025 still uncommitted, was back on campus along with his brother. More on them here.

2026 Targets​

The big name on the 2026 list was Zion Elee, the five-star edge from St. Frances Academy ranked the No. 2 player in the 2026 class nationally. Elee will be a challenge and has offers from all of the heavy hitters, but Maryland's been having success at Frances lately. Another 2026 five-star: Immanuel Iheanacho, the blue-chip offensive tackle from Georgetown Prep, who is seriously considering Maryland.

2027 Targets​

In the 2027 class, Maryland had a couple of blue-chippers on campus for repeat visits. Jamier Brown of Wayne (Ohio), the No. 1 receiver and No. 7 player in the 2027 class, was back after visiting earlier this season. Maxwell Hiller of Coatesville, Pa., the No. 20 player and No. 3 offensive tackle.

I'll have more on the visitors soon. The full list of their expected visitors yesterday:

Targets
Stephon Shivers (DT) - 2025

Asaiah-Allan Hammond

Alijah Hammond

Martels Carter

Romero Ison

Jalil Hall

Gavin Crawford

Faheem Delane

Noah Chambers

Jeffrey Overton Jr

Zion Elee

Carter Meadows

Tyson Harley

Zyntreacs Otey

Koby Sarkodie

Chaston Smith

Dreien "Dre" Otey

Jarvis Strickland

Paducah Tilghman

Richard Thigpen

Terry Wiggins

Joel Wyatt

Tyler Duell

Maxwell Hiller

Immanuel Iheanacho

Darrell Carey

James Pace

Oscar Sloan

Amare Patterson

Shavane Anderson Jr

Yendor Mack

Julius Fuentes-Bream

Rashad "Junior" Saunders

Larry Moon II

Jance Henry

Sanir Brooks

COMMITS

Malik Washington

Bryce Jenkins

Justin DeVaughn

Delmar White

Jayden Shipps

Travares Daniels

Lamar Williams

Zymear Smith

Amory Hills

Iverson Howard

Sidney Stewart

Bud Coombs

Ben Beymer

JT Taggart

Jaylen Gilchrist

CJ Smith

Messiah Delhomme

Brian Harris

Have confirmed report that Cam Edge will enter the transfer portal. No surprise here at all. Big, strong-armed kid who is definitely talented, but Maryland just not the best fit at the moment.

Honestly, I think it is extremely likely there will be other QBs that enter the portal this offseason. Billy has been pretty good, Morris is probably a better fit for what Locksley likes to do and Washington is the future.