Ohio State football gained a massive commitment on Wednesday when 2025 Pennsylvania defensive end, Zahir Mathis, joined the class.
The 6-foot, 6-inch, 225-pound pass rusher is one of the best prospects in the country, ranking as the No. 5 at his position and 37th overall according to the 247Sports Composite Rankings. Mathis had a who’s who offer list, showing that the Buckeyes still could recruit the position even though they had missed more than a few of their top targets over the last few cycles.
The skill set that Mathis will bring with him is tantalizing, especially after getting a chance to review his junior highlight film. Here is what to expect from the latest Ohio State commit when he arrives in Columbus.
Length
Imhotep Charter (PA) defensive end Zahir Mathis. He just goes about his business. He’s a Top247 2025 prospect.
Top 5 includes Texas, Ohio State, Tennessee, Florida State, and South Carolina . @Preps_247 @icanbeeme1 @ZahirMathis5 https://t.co/f2CWEmGmNv pic.twitter.com/zDVF4ffBVe
— EdOBrienCFB (@EdOBrienCFB) December 15, 2023
Scouts view
As you saw above, Mathis brings an extremely long frame to the table, one that he knows how to use very well. He’s got long arms, which he constantly uses to bat down passes. Mathis takes advantage of his length by keeping blockers away from him, to see the play develop and make tackles.
Speed
Zahir Mathis at OSU camp pic.twitter.com/xqgp8YX2yk
— Bill Kurelic (@Bill_Kurelic) June 14, 2023
Scouts view
It has been a few years since Ohio State has had a pure speed rusher threat, and that will end when Mathis arrives. His first step is elite, often putting himself in position to make the offense pay. One of the impressive aspects of this part of his game, is that he doesn’t run past plays, he does a great job at containment on the edge.
Motor
Top 100 2025 Michigan EDGE target Zahir Mathis (@ZahirMathis5) impressing early #GoBlue pic.twitter.com/qmaDH4L9tS
— "EJ Holland" (@EJHollandOn3) August 27, 2022
Scouts view
The speed once again plays with this, as Mathis just does not give up on plays after a ball carrier has gone past him. During his highlight film, he chases down the opposition many yards past the play. You just can’t teach this, players have to have the want, and Mathis has it.
Strength
Top247 and ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ edge defender Zahir Mathis earned a spot in the UA Future 50 with his performance at the @UANextFootball in Baltimore @247Sports @ZahirMathis5 @cy_woodland @SWiltfong247 @BrianDohn247 @Andrew_Ivins @Preps_247 20-plus offers pic.twitter.com/fOi6TnSe0N
— EdOBrienCFB (@EdOBrienCFB) May 15, 2023
Scouts view
Although his frame will allow Mathis to put on good weight without losing his speed, he’s still extremely strong at this point in his development. He does a great job hand fighting offensive linemen, disengaging when needed to get a tackle. Mathis also does a great job of getting linemen off their set, pushing them into the backfield, disrupting plays.
Outlook
Were Legends are made 🌟🌰 @R2X_Rushmen1 pic.twitter.com/w1ntn3k2kJ
— Zahir Mathis (@ZahirMathis5) January 10, 2024
What to expect
In my eyes, Mathis is the best edge prospect that the Buckeyes will sign since Chase Young. Yes, J.T. Tuimoloua is great, but he doesn’t quite have the physical presence that Mathis has. If he’s able to put on a few more good pounds before enrolling, there is not doubt in my mind that he will be a contributor from Day 1.
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