On3’s No. 1 2026 recruit Zion Elee commits to local Maryland

Baltimore (Md.) St. Frances five-star 2026 edge Zion Elee has offers from coast to coast.

But On3’s No. 1 recruit in the junior class says he’s staying home. The blue-chipper has committed to Maryland.

“I think Maryland is a great school,” Elee said. “What made me make the decision is the coaches. They’re really good people and I really connected with them on an outside level.”

Elee chooses Maryland over the likes of Oregon, Penn State, Florida, Tennessee, Miami and Texas A&M.

“I feel like I don’t want to wait,” Elee said. “I want to go somewhere and make that connection early.

“I always liked the environment. The coaches and visits were nice. I put everything aside and thought what do I actually want to do? I really thought about it and I wanted to stay home.”

Elee becomes commit No. 4 for head coach Mike Locksley and his staff in the 2026 cycle.

Elee reminds the On3 Scouting Department of a former first round pick.

“Zion Elee’s ability as a speed rusher reminds us of John Abraham Both were dynamic athletes who were capable generating a pass rush from a two or three-point stance.”