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VIP: three things I know, three things I think

The latest notes: I know that…

  1. North Caroline (MD) four-star Zymear Smith shifted up his timeline and is looking like the target closest to committing and I’m hearing those plans are expected to be set for July 19th. Ever since his official visit to Maryland, July has been pegged as the month that Smith could make a change in his commitment from Alabama with the four-star initially planning to take his recruitment into the fall. Despite Penn State among several Power Four schools working to get him on campus following the July dead period, I’ve heard reluctance from Smith to venture elsewhere with plans to head to College Park on July 27th for the Terps’ on-campus event.

  2. Head coach Kevin Willard was in to see South Lakes (VA) four-star Jordan Scott this weekend at the UA Circuit in Georgia as the Terps maintain a consistent presence with what’s shaping up to be the top target in the 2025 cycle. Scott announced his final three this past week with Maryland, Michigan State and Virginia Tech in the mix though the buzz still sits between Maryland and Michigan State. The Spartans, who made their way down in the spring for an in-home visit, offer ample familiarity through their year-long pursuit and they’ve left a strong impression on Scott and his family, but the Terps’ increased presence through the spring has made them a closer contender. Scott is planning on visiting both Maryland and Virginia Tech with the Hokies up first in September, while the four-star added he’s working on a date to visit East Lansing in early October. While the allure of playing for his mom’s alma mater looms, I’m told it won’t be a deciding factor though it’s an angle the Terps have already leaned into. After missing out on Adrien Stevens, Chance Mallory and Acaden Lewis in recent weeks, Maryland has turned the heat up on Scott where their consistency looks to move them into pole position in the fall.

  3. I’ve hit on Maryland’s standing with the Virginia four-star duo – Jalyen Gilchrist & Messiah Delhomme – this week with the Terps entrenched in the top group and working to stack consistent momentum on the trail, but another Virginia target is down to a final two: Highland Springs (VA) three-star Brennan Johnson. Plans to camp at South Carolina following the dead period were on the table, though are currently unlikely with Johnson telling IBG a decision date is fluid. Maryland is trending for the Hamond twins, including safety target Alijah Hamond, and remains entrenched in Delhomme’s top group heading into his late summer decision, but there’s been steady confidence in the Terps’ chances to reel in Latrell Scott’s target since Johnson's June 21 official visit and if Maryland goes all-out, there’s a chance to add a Springer in consecutive cyclesI think that…

  4. If there’s a true longshot in the 2026 class, it’s blue-chip edge rusher Zion Elee, who officially transferred from Joppatowne over to St. Frances Academy this past week. His younger brother – 2028 DL Tyrone Elee – is still expected to head over to Joppatowne but if he materializes into the dominant lineman he’s also viewed to be, there's no telling where he could end up by his junior or senior season. As for Zion, Maryland will continue to make their mark with the near-five-star target and won’t give up until he says no, but while his NIL may be out of Maryland’s range, the buzz is Elee is adamant about leaving the area. He has a long list of heavy hitters after him, but there’s a chance he becomes the first Panther to ultimately suit up for Ohio State as the Buckeyes are expected to become a top contender.

  5. There’s continued buzz about the commitment to establishing more consistency on the ground, spearheaded by Roman Hemby with second-year Nolan Ray still expected to become a big piece in the rotation ahead of what could be a breakout season. While the quarterback battle is far from set with the scrimmages during fall camp a chance to finalize a decision, Billy Edwards’ familiarity with the Terps’ offense and scheme may give him a leg up heading into camp. Edwards’ skillset, coupled with the attention around the running back room, could be the difference in the Terps’ identity this fall where fans see a more run-based offense, a difference compared to the first five seasons under head coach Mike Locksley.

  6. On the flip side, the buzz about the defense remains strong where the experience in the front seven gives the Terps arguably their deepest front since the coaching change. While the culture shift has been routinely noted ever since the 2021 season, I’ve consistently heard that second-year DL Jordan Phillips has been at the forefront of the charge and a mainstay inside Jones-Hill House, whether it’s working out on the field or in the weight room. He’s far from the only one with guys like Caleb Wheatland, Ruben Hyppolite and Dante Trader Jr. frequently mentioned as guys seen getting extra reps in, but Phillips’ presence loomed large during official visit season. It’s familiar feedback for Phillips ahead of what hopes to be a breakout second season with the program, dating back to him hosting then-top target DD Holmes for his official visit into June with almost every Florida target referring to the ample time spent around the impact player. Phillips is expected to be part of the potential overhaul of the unit following the season with the NFL on the mind, but he’s helped set the tone through offseason workouts to make that possible.Related Links

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