National Signing Day has come and gone and the majority of the 2025 freshman class has signed and committed to their next school, but there are still a few key recruits left, including four-star edge rusher Zahir Mathis. There is.
He is considered to be the number 55 recruit. No. 4 edge rusher in the 2025 class by RivalsPennsylvania's top recruits. ohio Buckeyes before being retired in November 2024.
January is shaping up to be a big month for Mathis, who has amassed 27 scholarship offers so far, with his official visit looming in the coming weeks, and closer to making a decision during the February contract period.
With a month left, Mathis is still accepted to all schools, but plans to take an official visit to UCLA. floridawhile again in talks with other suitors such as Michigan, Ohio State and Penn State.
“I didn’t really think about it. [my recruitment] This was supposed to be the result, but the atmosphere was wild.” Mathis said this before the Under Armor All-America game on January 2nd.. “You know, you don't really know what's going to happen, so all I can say is I'm going to keep my options open with everything that I've been working on. ”
Michigan has emerged as the frontrunner in this equation, as Mathis' relationships with head coach Sherone Moore and defensive line coach Lou Esposito have deepened, especially since his departure from Ohio State. It seems so.
“Everything is going well [with Coach Moore]” said Matisse. “He's been so busy lately that we haven't been able to have long, deep conversations, but it's so much fun every time we talk.”
[With Coach Esposito]it's amazing with him. He hit me every day. In fact, he just wanted to talk to my family and I wanted more contact. The last time I saw him, we were getting along well. Greetings and all that.
“Immediately after the commitment is cancelled, or even before the commitment. [back in January of 2024] They were still involved when I made big decisions. They had their foot in the door and just by them coming to see me, it's like we built this bond and we still talk about it every night. So it was really nice for me to be able to keep up with them. ”
The development of Michigan's edge is an important factor for Mathis, especially when combined with the relationships he has built thus far.
“I would say with the edge they got there and the edge they had there, you know, they've all developed well. You know, each guy is explosive. All the players are fast, just like me, and Coach Esposito is a good guy, so I had a good experience there. It’s okay.”
Despite being de-declared in November, it appears Ohio State is still part of the equation for Mathis.
“Still, it’s all about love. [for Ohio State]. I love you all,” Mathis said. “And I still love you [defensive line] Coach Larry Johnson had the most. You know, we still have family ties and everything, but it's just me starting recruiting and making further decisions. I'm still open to oh [State]”
Penn State has also held talks with Mathis ahead of signing day on Feb. 5, and that is also being considered.
“We still talk about it. [Penn State defensive line coach] Dion [Barnes]” said Matisse. “He reached out to me. He reached out to me when he was visiting there. So it was really nice that he reached out to me, but I didn't know. I was one of the alumni of the school, so I was like, “Oh, that would be good for me,'' but I want to do the best that it can be right for me. ”
There are still plenty of options left for the top prospects in the Class of 2025, but Mathis has strong relationships with the coaching staff, starting with the defensive line, and with just a month left until signing day, he's at Michigan. Universities appear to be emerging as the favorites to win. Directed by Lou Esposito.
