Ohio State Buckeyes Looking to Flip Five-Star EDGE Zion Elee from Maryland
The Ohio State Buckeyes continue to assert themselves as one of the premier recruiting programs in the nation, and head coach Ryan Day is once again targeting elite talent to bolster the roster. This time, the Buckeyes have their sights set on a top prospect currently committed to a Big Ten rival.
Zion Elee: A Game-Changing Defensive Prospect
Zion Elee, a five-star EDGE rusher in the 2026 recruiting class, is widely regarded as one of the best players in the country. Currently committed to the Maryland Terrapins, Elee’s recruitment may still be far from over, as Ohio State is making a strong push to flip him.
According to On3 Sports insider Hayes Fawcett, Elee is scheduled to take six official visits, with Ohio State included among them. The schools on his visit list include:
- Maryland (current commitment)
- Auburn
- Ohio State
- Penn State
- Texas A&M
- South Carolina
While this doesn’t guarantee that Ohio State will successfully flip him, the Buckeyes’ inclusion on his visit list is a positive sign. Coming off a national championship-winning season, the program has significant momentum in its favor.
Why Ohio State Wants Elee
Elee is currently ranked as the No. 3 overall player in the 2026 class and the top-ranked EDGE rusher, per On3 Sports. At 6-foot-3 and 220 pounds, he possesses elite athleticism and pass-rushing ability. Though he will likely need to add some size at the collegiate level, his potential is undeniable.
For Ohio State, landing a premier pass rusher like Elee would be a huge boost to the 2026 recruiting class. The Buckeyes consistently develop top-tier defensive talent, and adding Elee to their defensive line would significantly strengthen the unit for the future.
NEWS: Five-Star Maryland EDGE commit Zion Elee plans to take OVs to these 6️⃣ Schools:
•Maryland
•Auburn
•Ohio State
•Penn State
•Texas A&M
•South CarolinaHe is ranked as the No. 1 Recruit in ‘26 (per On3)https://t.co/Wn83TAvgpB pic.twitter.com/tBmgvSBFV5
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) February 6, 2025
Can the Buckeyes Flip Him?
Flipping Elee from Maryland won’t be easy. The Terrapins have the advantage of being his hometown team, and the competition for his commitment remains fierce. In addition to Maryland and Ohio State, several other powerhouse programs are vying for his services.
However, Ohio State’s track record of developing elite defenders and competing for championships could play a major role in swaying Elee’s decision. If Ryan Day and his staff can make a strong impression during his visit, the Buckeyes could emerge as a legitimate contender to secure his commitment.
This will be a recruiting battle worth following, and if Ohio State can successfully flip Elee, it would be a massive win for the program’s future defensive success.
