2025 5-star LB Zayden Walker breaks down his top schools

Ellaville (Ga.) Schley County EDGE Zayden Walker has been offered by over 30 schools. The No. 10 prospect in the 2025 On3 Industry Rankings is a national recruit who has been high on boards since his freshman season.

The 6-foot-1.5, 225-pound five-star is ready to take a big step in his recruitment. After taking visits, establishing relationships and knowing what he is looking for in a school, Walker has narrowed his list to six schools.

When the time is right, Walker is planning to commit to Alabama, Florida State, Georgia, South Carolina, Penn State or Miami.

“By this time for me, as a junior, I feel like I really know the schools that want me the most,” Walker told On3. “It was hard and confusing at first, but it worked out and I know what schools are top of my list.

“The relationships were big. How the schools recruited me and made me feel wanted also factored in. My visits were important also.”

Walker has visited Georgia over 10 times. Florida State has had him on campus around eight times. He has visited Alabama four times and Miami twice. Walker’s brother, Jalewis Solomon, is a four-star athlete currently committed to South Carolina.

Official visits are next for Walker. He is planning to take at least a few of those, but there is no timeline on his decision.

“I don’t really want to put a date on my commitment because I will just do it when I feel I am ready. I am looking into everything a school has to offer because it has to be a great fit for me on and off the field.”

Walker breaks down a few of his top schools

ALABAMA: “Alabama’s background definitely stands out. They have great history. My relationship with Coach Coleman Hutler is strong too. I love him, we have a bond and we text a lot. I was at the Texas game too, and I liked the atmosphere a lot.”

FLORIDA STATE: “Florida State is close to home and I get the family feeling when I am down there. Coach Mike Norvell has flown in to see me on the helicopter multiple times and I feel the love there. My relationship with Coach Adam Fuller is good too.”

GEORGIA: “It starts with Coach Schu (Glenn Schumann) with Georgia. I know him well and we have a great connection. I have been there a lot, I like their defense and just the relationships is the biggest thing with Georgia.”

MIAMI: “I really like Coach DNich (Derek Nicholson). He is the perfect definition of a linebackers coach. He played it, he knows the position and I like the way he prepares his guys for the Miami defense. We have had some good talks and I like how he keeps it real too.”

SOUTH CAROLINA: “When I was at Jalewis’ official visit, they made me feel like I was also on an OV. Really good family feel with the staff. Really good connection with coach Beamer — we text here and there.”

PENN STATE: “Got one of the best defenses in all of college football. They really want me to get after it, really good energy around that campus. I’m really going to surprise them with this one.”