Maryland DL Zahir Mathis named Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year semifinalist

Ahmed Ghafir
2 days ago
2 min read

Maryland freshman defensive lineman Zahir Mathis was officially recognized as one of the nation’s best after being named a semifinalist for the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award on Wednesday.

Mathis was the lone Terp on the list and one of two freshmen edge to be named a semifinalist, joining Oklahoma State edge Wendell Gregory. Mathis is also one of three Big Ten selections alongside Oregon CB Brandon Finney and Ohio State QB Julian Sayin.

Freshman quarterback Malik Washington was snubbed with six other quarterbacks included, while edge Sidney Stewart could make a strong case for being named a semifinalist, but Mathis has been impressive in his own regard.

A former four-star out of Imhotep, Mathis was also named a midseason All-American by On3 after registering at least 0.5 TFLs in six of his seven appearances, materializing into the impact piece that was expected when he made his commitment official in February. Though available vs. Indiana, Mathis missed the bulk of the last two games yet still ranks 12^th in the Big Ten in sacks with 4.5 in 2025.

“Disciplined in every part of his life,” head coach Mike Locksley said of Mathis. “This kid it’s like talking to a grown man when you meet him, as I'm sure some of you guys have had the opportunity to do it, but really understands and knows what he wants and what he needs to do to get it. Coming from a tough background, going to Imhotep up in Philly. We've had great success at that school. He obviously was coached really well there, but the maturity he's shown and his ability to - he's physically able to play. If you look at his body type compared to maybe how we've had to recruit and develop body types like that. To get a guy that comes in with that body type as a freshman is a big get for us and he's played well.”

“He’s a very hard worker, very coachable, and very smart kid,” Imhotep associate head coach Cyril Woodland added.

Finalists for the 7th annual Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year award will be announced on Dec. 3, 2025, and the winner of the award will be announced on Dec. 30, 2025. The formal presentation of this award will be made at the Maxwell Football Club Awards on Saturday, March 14, 2026, in Atlanta, Georgia.

2025 Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award Semifinalists

Dijon Lee Jr., Alabama, Cornerback

Bear Bachmeier, BYU, Quarterback

Micah Alejado, Hawaii, Quarterback

Zahir Mathis, Maryland, Edge

Malachi Toney, Miami, Wide Receiver

CJ Carr, Notre Dame, Quarterback

Drew Mestemaker, North Texas, Quarterback

Julian Sayin, Ohio State, Quarterback

Wendell Gregory, Oklahoma State, Edge

Brandon Finney, Oregon, Cornerback

Mason Heintschel, Pitt, Quarterback