4-star EDGE Zahir Mathis decommits from Ohio State

Philadelphia (Pa.) Imhotep Institute four-star EDGE Zahir Mathis has decommitted from Ohio State, he told On3’s Hayes Fawcett.

Mathis had been committed to the Buckeyes since January, when he chose them over Penn State and more than 20 other offers.

“After much consideration I’ve decided to reopen my recruitment and decommit from Ohio State,” he wrote on Twitter. “I appreciate Coach Day, Coach Johnson and all the coaches at Ohio State. They are still a top school for me. This is a life decision. Please respect my decision!”

After much consideration I’ve decided to reopen my recruitment and decommit from Ohio State. I appreciate Coach Day, Coach Johnson and all the coaches at Ohio State. They are still a top school for me. This is a life decision. Please respect my decision!

— Zahir Mathis (@ZahirMathis5) November 18, 2024

The 6-foot-5, 235-pounder is the No. 95 overall prospect in the 2025 class, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He also ranks as the nation’s No. 10 EDGE and No. 3 recruit in Pennsylvania.

Buckeyes now down a key defensive commitment

The defensive line is an area that the Buckeyes have made a top priority this cycle, with six commitments at the DL and EDGE spots before Mathis’ decommitment.

With him out of the fold, they’re down to four-stars London Merritt and Zion Grady at the pass-rushing position, while Trajen Odom, Jarquez Carter and Maxwell Roy make up their interior group. But Ohio State is having to fend off a big late push for Carter from Miami.

Mathis’ decommitment comes amidst other schools taking aim at multiple members of Ohio State’s class. Miami is working hard to flip four-star linebacker commit Tarvos Alford, who is currently trending to the Hurricanes according to the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine.

One of the Buckeyes top commits, Five-Star Plus+ cornerback Na’eem Offord, will also be on flip watch in the final two weeks before signing day as Oregon and Auburn work to flip him.

“The Tigers have been considered the biggest threat, if not the favorite for much of the fall,” On3 VP of Recruiting Steve Wiltfong wrote on Monday. “But we’re not sleeping on the Ducks for Offord. In fact I like the way that’s starting to shape up for Oregon. The Buckeyes are doing what they can to keep Offord in the fold and will host him the weekend of Nov. 30 for the Michigan game.”

This is a developing story.