Top 3 landing spots for 2026 class prospect and five-star EDGE Zion Elee ft. Penn State

Defensive end Zion Elee has quickly become one of the most sought-after edge rushers in the 2026 class. With Ohio State, Alabama, Georgia, Oregon and Penn State making the cut for the five-star prospect, the recruiting battle for him is intense.

The 6-foot-3, 220-pound edge rusher transferred to Baltimore's St. Frances Academy ahead of his junior season. In 2023, as a sophomore at Joppatowne High School in Joppa, Maryland, he racked up an impressive 64 tackles, 24 tackles for loss and 13 sacks.

Zion Elee is listed as the No. 8 overall recruit in the 2026 class, the No. 1 edge rusher in the nation and the No. 2 overall prospect in Maryland, according to On3.

Let's see which three programs have the most potential to earn Elee's commitment.

Top 3 programs vying for Zion Elee's commitment

#3. Ohio State

Ohio State has made a huge impression on Zion Elee, who visited Columbus for the first time in June.

“It felt great to be in Columbus finally," Elee told Lettermen Row. "It’s my first visit to Ohio. I think it’s a great campus and the coaches are great."

One of the key factors in Ohio State’s favor is the relationship Elee has developed with defensive line coach Larry Johnson.

“Ohio State’s history put them on my radar," Elee said. "Coach Larry Johnson came and talked to me in the spring and we have been building a good relationship. He has been recruiting me hard, I got to work with him at camp in June and Ohio State is another school I like.”

The Buckeyes have only wide receiver Chris Henry Jr. committed to the 2026 class.

#2. Georgia

The Georgia Bulldogs have also made a strong case for Zion Elee’s pledge, particularly through their outside linebacker coach, Chidera Uzo-Diribe.

“Me and coach Chidera Uzo-Diribe talk a lot and we relate to each other well," Elee told On3. "He can help me to get where I want to be. Georgia has a great history at developing players for the NFL, so Georgia is a school I like a lot.”

The Bulldogs have cornerback Dominick Kelly, quarterback Jared Curtis and cornerback Jontavius Wyman committed to the 2026 class. The cycle ranks No. 4 in the nation and No. 2 in the SEC.

#1. Penn State

According to On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine, Penn State has a 15.6% chance of earning Zion Elee's commitment. The program offered him a scholarship in January. His visits to the school, including a spring practice and a camp last month, have only strengthened his interest in the program.

“I know they’re one of the top schools in my rankings,” Elee told On3. “What’s really exciting about them is the history of edges being developed there so I know could be that next one.”

Zion Elee also lauded the Nittany Lions' dedicated fan base.

“I didn’t really watch college ball growing up, but I’ve always known about the huge fan base that Penn State has and how big the White Out games are,” Elee told On3. “I really like the campus. It fits just right.”

Penn State has six players committed in the 2026 class, including Kevin Brown, Messiah Mickens, Jahsiear Rogers, Troy Huhn, Daniel Jennings and Lavar Keys. The class ranks No. 3 in the nation.