Zion Elee, a five-star edge rusher from Baltimore’s St. Frances Academy, has scheduled an official visit to Penn State, despite his current commitment to the University of Maryland. Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 220 pounds, Elee is ranked as the No. 2 overall recruit in the 2026 class. citeturn0search0

 

Elee committed to Maryland in December 2024, citing a desire to create a legacy at his hometown school and strong relationships with the coaching staff, particularly co-defensive coordinator Aazaar Abdul-Rahim. citeturn0news15 However, he remains open to exploring other opportunities and has planned official visits to several programs, including Auburn, Ohio State, South Carolina, Texas A&M, and Penn State. citeturn0search6

 

Penn State’s coaching staff, led by head coach James Franklin and defensive line coach Deion Barnes, is eager to showcase the program’s strengths during Elee’s visit. The Nittany Lions have a strong track record of developing edge rushers, which could be a significant factor in Elee’s decision-making process. citeturn0news15

 

The recruitment of Elee is particularly crucial for Penn State, as the team anticipates the departure of key defensive ends Dani Dennis-Sutton and Smith Vilbert following the 2025 season. Securing a commitment from Elee could provide an immediate impact on the defensive line, potentially allowing him to contribute as a freshman in 2026. citeturn0search0

 

While Elee remains committed to Maryland, his upcoming visits indicate that his recruitment is still active. Programs like Penn State will aim to make a compelling case to sway him from his initial commitment. As the recruitment process unfolds, Elee’s decisions will be closely monitored by those following college football recruiting.

 

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