Recruiting Update: Former 4-Star Ohio State Commit, Zahir Mathis, Sets Visit Date with Michigan Football
As Michigan Football prepares to close out the 2025 recruiting cycle, the Wolverines are making a strong push for one of the most coveted remaining prospects—Zahir Mathis, a four-star edge rusher from Philadelphia’s Imhotep Institute. The 6-foot-6, 225-pound athlete, who was once committed to Ohio State, is a top target for Michigan’s defensive coaching staff as they look to finish strong in the 2025 class. With the second signing period fast approaching on February 5, 2025, Mathis’ upcoming visit to Michigan represents a crucial opportunity for the Wolverines to make a big statement on the recruiting trail.
A Key Addition to Michigan’s Defensive Line
Mathis, considered the No. 73 overall prospect in the 2025 class by 247Sports Composite rankings, would be a massive addition to Michigan’s already formidable defensive line. His stature and athleticism make him a dynamic edge rusher, capable of disrupting opposing quarterbacks and adding depth to a Michigan defense that has been one of the nation’s most consistently dominant in recent years. As the No. 6 edge rusher in the country and the No. 2 player from the state of Pennsylvania, Mathis is a major target for Michigan as they continue to build a championship-caliber defense.
What makes Mathis particularly intriguing is his physicality and versatility. Standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing in at 225 pounds, Mathis has the length and frame that is highly coveted for edge rushers. He has the potential to grow into a true force on Michigan’s defensive front, with a combination of speed, power, and an ability to set the edge. With his exceptional length and agility, Mathis is capable of causing havoc in both the pass and run game, making him a highly prized prospect in the 2025 recruiting cycle.
The Ohio State Decommitment and Michigan’s Opportunity
Mathis initially committed to Ohio State on January 10, 2024, marking a significant moment in his recruitment. However, just under a year later, he backed off that commitment on November 18, 2024, opening the door for other programs to make a move. Since his decommitment, Michigan has been aggressive in pursuing Mathis, and his interest in the Wolverines has only grown.
The timing of his official visit to Michigan, scheduled for the weekend of January 24-26, is crucial. With less than three weeks until the February 5th signing period, this visit gives Michigan’s coaching staff one final chance to solidify their pitch and convince Mathis that Ann Arbor is the right place for him to continue his development and compete for championships. The Wolverines are vying with other top-tier programs such as Florida State, UCLA, and Maryland, all of which have also made strong pushes for the talented edge rusher.
Michigan’s defensive line coach, Lou Esposito, has been the primary recruiter for Mathis, working tirelessly to keep the Wolverines in the race despite stiff competition from Ohio State and others. Esposito, who has a reputation for developing top-tier defensive talent, has emphasized Michigan’s commitment to player development, as well as the chance to play in a highly competitive and respected defensive system. The Wolverines’ recent success on the recruiting trail and their continued dominance in the Big Ten only add to the program’s allure for a player of Mathis’ caliber.
What Michigan Can Offer
For Mathis, one of the biggest selling points of Michigan’s program is the opportunity to play in a highly respected defensive system that routinely produces NFL talent. Michigan’s defensive line has been one of the best in the country under defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, with players like Aidan Hutchinson and David Ojabo making names for themselves in the NFL after starring for the Wolverines. For an edge rusher like Mathis, the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of these elite pass rushers and potentially make an early impact in the Big Ten is a major draw.
Additionally, Michigan’s recent success in the college football playoff picture, with consecutive appearances in the playoff and strong showings in the Big Ten, makes the Wolverines a compelling destination for top prospects like Mathis. As a program that competes for national championships year in and year out, Michigan offers the chance to be part of a program on the rise with aspirations of winning a national title.
The Wolverines’ Big Board and Other Key Targets
Mathis isn’t the only high-profile target left on Michigan’s radar as they look to round out their 2025 class. The Wolverines are also heavily pursuing five-star offensive tackle Ty Haywood from Denton, Texas, who recently decommitted from Alabama. Haywood’s decision to open up his recruitment adds another high-stakes opportunity for Michigan, which has been working hard to make inroads with the elite lineman. As Michigan looks to build its roster for both immediate and long-term success, securing both Mathis and Haywood would provide a major boost to the 2025 class.
With the second signing period just around the corner, these final weeks will be crucial in determining how Michigan’s 2025 class ultimately shapes up. Mathis’ visit to Ann Arbor is a pivotal moment in the Wolverines’ recruitment of one of the nation’s top edge rushers, and a successful recruitment of the Philadelphia native would be a huge win for Michigan Football.
What’s Next for Zahir Mathis?
For Mathis, the decision ahead is a significant one. As he prepares for his visit to Michigan, he is evaluating all aspects of each program in his recruitment—coaching, culture, and the path to success. The Wolverines are in a strong position to make a lasting impression, but they will have to battle other top programs for Mathis’ commitment. As his visit approaches, all eyes will be on the talented edge rusher, as his decision will undoubtedly have a major impact on the trajectory of Michigan Football’s 2025 recruiting class.
The Wolverines’ coaching staff has already shown they can land high-profile recruits, and if they can secure Mathis’ verbal commitment, it would cap off an impressive recruiting cycle and further strengthen Michigan’s future defensive front.
