Gamecocks are one of just three teams the nation's No. 1 recruit responds to

South Carolina Making a Strong Push to Flip No. 1 Overall Prospect Zion Elee

The majority of the top players for the Class of 2026 are already committed to their prospective programs, but as every recruiting cycle shows, not all of those pledges hold firm through National Signing Day in December. And South Carolina is hoping that five-star EDGE Zion Elee will be one of those headliners to flip.

Elee, the No. 1 overall player in the Rivals Industry Rankings, pledged to his hometown Maryland Terrapins earlier this year. Publicly, the Baltimore native has stood firmly behind the commitment, while privately, the door is slightly cracked open. Programs like South Carolina continue to press the issue, and Elee admits he only responds to three schools right not: Miami, Penn State, and South Carolina, according to Rivals' Marcus Benjamin.

That leaves the Gamecocks in rare company as one of the select few programs still in the hunt.

A Recruiting Battle Still Alive

Although Elee canceled his official visit to Columbia, along with several other OVs, he did make an unofficial stop at South Carolina as part of his recruiting bus tour earlier this year. During that trip, he was made a top priority by defensive ends and outside linebackers coach Sterling Lucas. And the Gamecocks have not let up since.

Beamer and his coaching staff also carry momentum from their success in the DMV area, landing 2024 five-star Dylan Stewart, who immediately lived up to the hype in his freshman campaign. That connection could matter in showing Elee a path from Maryland to South Carolina where elite edge defenders can thrive.

The Resume Speaks for Itself

Elee's production has matched his lofty ranking. Over the past two seasons, he has racked up 23 sacks, including a sophomore campaign with 64 tackles, 24 tackles for loss, and 13 sacks. At 6-foot-3.5 and 220 pounds, he has a 4.5 second 40-yard dash as well as a nearly seven-foot wingspan. Needless to say, Elee checks every physical box there is.

Earlier this week, Elee was named a Rivals All-American, adding to previous honors from the Polynesian Bowl and Under Armour All-American Game. Rivals' Andy Villamarzo put it plainly:

“The five-star edge rusher is back for his senior season and will compete against some of the nation’s best this fall. Elee is committed to Maryland and will be a problem for any would-be offensive tackle or tight end trying to block him.”

For South Carolina, that kind of game-wrecking potential would be invaluable to the roster. The 2026 class does not yet include an EDGE commitment, with high school prospects Andrew Harris and Keenan Britt expected to transition to the linebacker position.

What's Next?

Whether or not Elee reconsiders his Maryland pledge is still uncertain. Even if he reopens his recruitment, South Carolina will need to battle with national powerhouses to land him. But the Gamecocks are positioned well, and their continued pursuit underscores a clear message: the Gamecocks are serious about competing for the very best.