Michigan Eyes Former Ohio State Commit as Signing Day Approaches
After finishing last season 8-5, Michigan Football has been in aggressive pursuit of elite defensive talent. While the Wolverines have already energized their offense by landing No. 1 overall recruit Bryce Underwood, their attention has now turned to bolstering the defensive line. Four-star edge rusher Zahir Mathis, a former Ohio State commit, has scheduled an official visit to Ann Arbor for January 24-26, marking a significant development in Michigan’s defensive recruitment efforts. Mathis, who originally pledged to the Buckeyes on January 10 before decommitting in November, could be a key piece in the Wolverines’ defensive rebuild. The 6-foot-6, 225-pound defensive standout from Philadelphia’s Imhotep Institute brings an impressive high school resume to the table. During his junior season in 2023, Mathis racked up 52 tackles, 3 sacks, and a forced fumble. His impact was particularly noteworthy during Imhotep Charter’s 2022 campaign, where he helped guide his team to a 10-3 record and a PIAA 5A state championship appearance, showcasing his versatility as a defensive end in a 4-3 scheme. According to 247Sports Composite rankings, Mathis stands as the No. 73 overall prospect in the 2025 class, ranking as the No. 6 edge rusher nationally and Pennsylvania’s No. 2 player. Michigan defensive line coach Lou Esposito is spearheading the recruitment effort, though the Wolverines face stiff competition from Florida State, UCLA, and Maryland.
The timing of Mathis’s visit could prove crucial with the second signing period for the 2025 recruiting cycle beginning on Wednesday, February 5. However, Michigan’s coaching staff isn’t putting all their eggs in one basket. The Wolverines are also in pursuit of five-star offensive tackle Ty Haywood from Denton Ryan (Texas), who recently stepped back from his Alabama commitment. Mathis’s performance in big games, including a noteworthy showing in the 2022 state semifinals against Upper Dublin where he recorded a sack and two pass breakups, demonstrates the kind of high-stakes experience Michigan covets in its defensive recruits.
