On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine: Cincinnati trending for Malik Elzy

Chicago (Ill.) four-star wide receiver Malik Elzy took official visits to Cincinnati and Illinois last month. According to the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine, the Bearcats have a commanding lead to land Elzy’s commitment at 85.8%. The Fighting Illini have the next-best odds at 4.9%.

The 6-foot-2, 195 pound wideout headed back to Cincinnati for his official visit on June 16. Elzy shared with On3’s Chad Simmons in June that he has a lot of interest in the Bearcats and Illinois.

“I have visited Illinois three times and Cincinnati twice, so I know a lot about both schools,” Elzy told Simmons. “The coaches and the environment at both places stand out to me. They make me feel like a priority too.

“Both schools have been recruiting me hard, they have great coaching staffs, and the offenses could feature me. They have a lot of things I am looking for.”

What the rest of Elzy’s recruiting process may look like

Elzy has also taken unofficial visits to Kentucky, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Ole Miss and Tennessee. He told Simmons that he originally looked to commit this summer, but will now take his time to make a decision.

“I am going to wait,” Elzy said. “I thought I would commit before my senior year, but with the new offers, and how I am talking to so many coaches, I need to take more time. 

“A lot has been happening and I still need time to take my official visits. I am now planning to take some official visits during the season, then the rest during the season. Then I will make my decision. That is what I am thinking right now.”

Some of those visits may be to Michigan and Oregon, two schools Elzy told Simmons he is interested in seeing.

Malik Elzy Recruiting Profile

Following Overtime’s OT7 7-on-7 league in Las Vegas, On3 Director of Scouting and Rankings Charles Power rated Elzy as one of the event’s Overall Top Performers.

“Not many receivers made more highlight catches on Saturday and Sunday at OT7 than Malik Elzy,” Power wrote. “The Chicago Simeon pass-catcher made a number of impressive grabs and flashed high-point ability. Elzy is a bigger wide receiver, who looks like he could potentially grow into a tight end down the line. Illinois, Nebraska, Notre Dame and Cincinnati are in the mix per his On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine.”

Elzy is the No. 318 overall prospect and No. 45 wide receiver in the 2023 On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He is also the No. 4 player in Illinois.