Zion Elee, the No. 1 ranked high school football recruit for the class of 2026, just shook up the college football world by committing to Maryland.
The explosive edge rusher turned down offers from national powerhouses like Georgia, Alabama, Ohio State, and Penn State.
His decision caught everyone off guard and instantly raised Maryland’s recruiting profile. With elite talent and game-wrecking potential, Elee’s move to stay home has fans and coaches across the country taking notice.
The Five-Star Edge Rusher
Zion Elee is a 17-year-old physical freak from Maryland, standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 220 pounds. He plays edge rusher and has the perfect frame for it, with a wild 35.5-inch arm length.
Elee isn’t just size, he’s explosive. He clocked a blazing 4.35 40-yard dash at the UA Pro Day.
He also posted a jaw-dropping 60-inch vertical jump with just two steps, squats 505 pounds twice, and benches 205 for four reps.
Those numbers aren’t normal for a high school junior. No wonder he holds the rare “Five-Star Plus+” title, and why he’s the most feared name in the 2026 recruiting class.
Zion Elee’s Parents and Their Foundation
Zion is close to his mother, Roselyn, so much so that committing to Maryland was her plan, and he went along with it because she wants to see her son play on Saturdays, and being close to her house would help her do that.
Though not much is known about his parents but they are of Nigerian descent and together with his family, he founded the Elee’s Foundation for the Less Privileged. Their mission is simple: find people in need and help them.
With the motto “We Rise By Lifting Others,” the foundation recently launched in Nibo Town, Awka LGA, Anambra State, Nigeria. They provided food, money, and support to struggling families.
For Zion, giving back isn’t a slogan. It’s part of his upbringing, and his family is deeply committed to serving those less fortunate.
Zion Elee’s Dominant Rise Through Maryland High School Football
Zion Elee began his high school career at Joppatowne High in Maryland, where he recorded 64 tackles and 13 sacks as a sophomore in 2023.
Ahead of his junior year, he transferred to powerhouse Saint Frances Academy in Baltimore.
Despite tougher competition, he still delivered, racking up 56 tackles and 10 sacks in 2024, proving his dominance translates at any level.
How Zion Elee Became the Nation’s No. 1
Zion Elee became the No. 1 recruit in the nation when the first-ever Rivals300 rankings dropped on June 30, 2025.
The five-star edge rusher from Saint Frances Academy in Baltimore ranked No. 3 nationally but claimed the top spot very soon and in the state of Maryland.
With the new Rivals Industry Ranking now averaging Rivals, 247Sports, and ESPN, Elee’s dominance across all platforms secured his place at the top.
Despite heavy interest from major programs like Auburn and South Carolina, Elee stayed loyal to his home state. After visiting Auburn in May, he told reporters, “I’m still 100% committed to Maryland and my recruitment is still closed.”
Even after an unofficial trip to South Carolina, Elee made it clear he wasn’t budging.
His final visit to Maryland alongside fellow commits Khmari Bing, Damon Hall, and Hakim Satterwhite only solidified things. Now, with unmatched speed, power, and commitment, Elee is firmly the top dog in the 2026 class.
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