In a huge recruiting coup, the Missouri Tigers have landed five-star edge rusher Zion Elee after a dramatic late flip from Maryland. The move immediately strengthens Missouri’s 2026 recruiting class and gives head coach Eli Drinkwitz one of the biggest wins of his tenure on the recruiting trail.
Elee, ranked the No. 5 overall prospect nationally and hailing from St. Frances Academy in Baltimore, had been committed to Maryland since December 2024 and was expected to headline the Terrapins’ 2026 class. Missouri, however, mounted a late push, showcasing its SEC program, player development, and the opportunity to compete at the highest level.
Sources close to the recruit say relationships were pivotal in his decision. Missouri’s coaching staff, particularly along the defensive line, built a strong connection with Elee. A key official visit to Columbia, Missouri, where he toured facilities and met the team, played a major role in convincing him to switch.
The flip signals Missouri’s increasing recruiting presence in the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) region. By landing multiple top prospects from the area in recent years, the Tigers are proving they can compete nationally for elite talent.
For Maryland, losing Elee is a major setback. The five-star defender was expected to lead their 2026 class, but the late flip now gives Missouri a cornerstone talent for years to come.
With Elee officially committed, Missouri’s 2026 class gains immediate star power and on-field potential. The addition sends a strong message to the SEC and beyond: the Tigers are not just competing for top recruits—they are winning them.
Zion Elee’s decision to join Missouri will be remembered as one of the defining moments of the 2026 recruiting cycle.
