High school recruiting is back in full swing after the last few weeks were spent focusing on the transfer portal. With the portal closed until April, the Auburn football coaching staff will be focusing on winter workouts, spring practices, and high school recruiting.
A major target has emerged for the Tigers in 5-star edge Zion Elee. From Baltimore, Elee is ranked as the #2 edge in the country and the #2 recruit out of Maryland, according to 247 Sports' Composite Ranking. Elee committed to Maryland in early December, but it's not over until it's over.
As a 5-star recruit, Elee is, of course, hearing from plenty of other schools, and Maryland will have to keep him locked down until next December when he signs. However, the Auburn football program is one in pursuit of the highly-ranked edge.
Elee attends St. Frances Academy in Baltimore, from which the Tiger signed three recruits in the 2025 class: cornerback Blake Woodby, linebacker Bryce Deas, and defensive lineman Darrion Smith. 3-star safety Wayne Henry from St. Frances committed to the Tigers' class of 2026 in early August.'
Henry is scheduled to be on the Plains for the Tigers' Junior Day at the end of the month, and according to 247 Sports, Elee is expected to join him alongside fellow teammate Jireh Edwards, who is an uncommitted 4-star safety. He originally had plans to visit Oregon on Jan. 24, but a trip to the Plains on the 25th could derail those plans. He is also scheduled to check out Georgia in February.
Despite reiterating his commitment to the Terps in the leadup to the Polynesian Bowl, Elee is about to visit a proud SEC program with strong ties to his high school, meaning there should be a level of familiarity for Elee on campus. There is a long time until signing day, but the Auburn football program is hoping the get Elee to sign as a Tiger.