2026 No. 1 Recruit Zion Elee commits to Maryland

Class of 2026 Five-Star EDGE Zion Elee of Baltimore (MD) St. Frances Academy announced his commitment to Maryland Saturday afternoon.

The 6-foot-4, 230 pounder chose the Terrapins over Oregon, Alabama, and Penn State.

“Maryland felt like home,” Elee said. “The coaches really believed in me from the beginning of my recruitment. They saw what I could do for the program. I could connect with the players because they’re from the same area I’m from. The academics are strong. It’s a great environment. I felt I could grow as a person and a player there.”

The Old Line State EDGE joins coach Mike Locksley and the Terps’ 2026 class. He is accompanied by two of his high school teammates, Khmari Bing and Damon Hall, as well as Brian Harris.

Zion Elee Recruiting Profile 

Elee ranks as the No. 5 player according to the 2026 On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He also tabs in as the No. 1 EDGE and the No. 2 player in the state of Maryland.

According to the class of 2026 On300 rankings, Elee is ranked as the No. 1 player nationally.