Zahir Mathis commits to Maryland: Terps add Top247 edge rusher, cap strong 2025 class
Zahir Mathis, a four-star edge rusher from Philadelphia, committed to Maryland and broke down his commitment with 247Sports.
Top247 edge rusher Zahir Mathis liked so much about Florida State and Maryland that making a decision became much more difficult than he imagined. So, when it became time to for the highest-rated unsigned edge in the 2025 class to make a decision, the Philadelphia Imhotep prospect looked at defensive usage and his comfort in it.
And for the 6-foot-6, 225-pound Mathis, expanding the way that he is used on the field became a determining factor and led to his Maryland commitment. He announced his decision live Wednesday on the 247Sports YouTube channel.
"It stood out to me the most because, for my next chapter, I have to be uncomfortable to be great," Mathis said on 247Sports' The Ultimate CFB Show. "Being a hand-down edge, it's a natural dream for me. That's amazing for me. I love being a hand-down edge.
"But if I can be hybrid with my size and wing, that is right there what they all want. Those are the schemes you are seeing. If you can't do it all, should they really trust you on the field?"
The commitment came after the one-time Ohio State pledge officially visited to Florida State and Maryland.
Terps coach Mike Locksley and Seminoles coach Mike Norvell both visited Imhotep to meet with Mathis, as did assistant coaches from both coaching staffs.
With both schools, Mathis developed a strong bond with the coaches, which weighed into his decision.
"It was actually really hard," Mathis said. "I built a strong relationship with coach Norvell. It hit me to a different part. To come down to my final decision, I love it down there in Tallahassee."
The bonds with Maryland were also tight, and in one case deeper.
Mathis and the gem of the Terps' class, No. 5 quarterback Malik Washington, played youth football together with the Maryland Heat in eighth grade. When Mathis was on campus during the weekend, the two spent a lot of time together.
Mathis also let Washington know what his decision was going to be.
"I had a conversation with Malik," Mathis said. "Oh, my gosh, he was really (excited) about it."
Here's everything you need to know:
WHAT ZAHIR MATHIS SAYS ABOUT MARYLAND
"I think the best thing is being uncomfortable is going to make me great," he said. "If I am still standing at the door, I won't be able to step through. Playing also as an outside linebacker in Maryland does that."WHO ELSE WAS IN THE MIX?
Mathis is a former Ohio State commit who officially visited Penn State in June, as well as multiple unofficial visits to see the Nittany Lions while committed to the Buckeyes. He decommitted from Ohio State in November and decided to wait until the February signing period to make a decision. He officially visited Florida State and Maryland in January. He also had interest from Michigan and UCLA, but it came down to the Terps and Seminoles.WHERE ZAHIR MATHIS RANKS AS A RECRUIT
Mathis has a 247Sports rating of 93, which makes him the No. 4 player in Pennsylvania and the nation's No. 20 edge rusher and No. 166 overall prospect. The industry-generated 247Sports Composite has Mathis as the class of 2025's No. 122 overall prospect, No. 13 edge rusher and No. 3 player in Pennsylvania.HOW ZAHIR MATHIS FITS WITH MARYLAND
Mathis puts a nice cap on a strong class for the Terps. He is the third member of the Top247 in the class, joining the aforementioned Washington and offensive lineman Jaylen Gilchrist, and the sixth player rated with four stars. Mathis is the fifth defensive lineman to sign with the Terps, but the only edge. He is the 21st member of the class.WHAT WE THINK ABOUT ZAHIR MATHIS
247Sports director of scouting Andrew Ivins provided his thoughts on McCoy after watching him at the Under Armour All-America Game:"Stand-up pass rusher that has a chance to emerge as a game-wrecker in the coming years if he can match his technique and effort up with his elite physical features. Weight has fluctuated throughout prep career, but body is more than likely to undergo a major transformation at some point down the line as his lean 6-foot-6 frame is believed to be equipped with 35-inch arms and a near 6-foot-10 wingspan.
"Frequently finds ways to use the additional length to his advantage as he rips and slides around the corner before trying to drag down quarterbacks. Can build some speed as plays progress but must improve snap anticipation and find more urgency on a snap-to-snap basis. Has to also figure out how to utilize power, especially when tasked with holding the edge.
"Attacked primarily from a two-point stance as a senior but also got some reps with his hand in the dirt. Might be able to eventually operate from more of an interior posting, but in-person evaluation at the Under Armour All-America Game suggests that his ceiling is likely highest as a wide 9 and a sub-package rusher.
"Projects as a potential impact player at the Power Four level that is destined for a developmental semester or two as he gets the body right and adjusts to the college game. Measurements will always be attractive to NFL evaluators and stock could climb if he keeps evolving as a player."
