Zion Elee ends 2026 class as consensus top-ten prospect, one Maryland signee draws fourth star

Ahmed Ghafir
10 hours ago
2 min read

With the bulk of 2026 prospects either signed or already enrolled at schools across the country, the recruiting industry finalized prospect rankings across the country with a consensus top-ten prospect officially in the program.

St. Frances (MD) five-star edge rusher Zion Elee ranked as high as the second-best nationally in ESPN’s rankings, while checking in as the sixth-best prospect in On3’s rankings and tenth in 247’s. It’s no surprise for Elee given he’s remained a blue-chip prospect ever since he shocked the country with his verbal commitment already 14 months ago nearly to the day, while he’s since enrolled in College Park alongside eleven other enrollees, working with rising sophomore edge rushers Sidney Stewart and Zahir Mathis inside Jones-Hill House ahead of the start of official winter workouts.

"Electric speed rusher with an elite combination of athleticism and length off the edge. Measured around 6-foot-3, 220 pounds prior to his junior season. Has truly elite length, with arms that measure 35.5 inches,” On3 said of Elee. “Pairs the rare length with top-shelf athleticism. A standout in the combine setting who transfers the speed over to the field. Plays with an eye-popping burst, dating back to his sophomore year at Joppatowne (Md.) High. Explodes into the backfield with high-end first-step quickness. Transferred to Baltimore power St. Frances Academy for his junior season and turned in a strong campaign, racking up 28 tackles for loss and 10 sacks against top competition. Showed game-wrecking tendencies in showcase games. Often plays as a standup pass rusher. Has blow-by speed off the edge. Play strength and ability to set the edge is solid but will need to continue improving. Rare athletic and physical traits combined with consecutive years of high-level production.”

Another one of Maryland’s signees materialized into one of the bigger stock risers in the country with DeMatha (MD) safety Darrell Carey climbing nearly 200 spots to check in just outside of the top-200 in 247’s rankings, now drawing a 92 grade to give the class a second four-star prospect. His pledge was able to materialize after Penn State’s coaching staff fell apart and James Franklin was fired as head coach, allowing the in-state team to quickly swoop in after finishing as the runner-up for his verbal commitment in the spring. Like Elee, Carey has already enrolled in College Park where he’ll look to become part of the safety rotation in 2026.

Carey played across the secondary in his senior season with DeMatha to showcase his versatility, becoming a key piece of the Stags’ defense alongside James Pace, a four-star in the 2027 class and co-WCAC Defensive Player of the Year. He finished his senior year with three interceptions, ten pass breakups and 29 tackles before enrolling in College Park the weekend of Jan. 19.

Maryland also ended the 2026 cycle ranked 36th in On3, 37th in ESPN and 45th overall in 247’s rankings.

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