After finishing last season with an 8-5 record, Michigan Football has been actively pursuing top-tier defensive talent to strengthen their roster. While the Wolverines have already boosted their offense by landing No. 1 overall recruit Bryce Underwood, their focus has now shifted to improving their defensive line. One of their primary targets is four-star edge rusher Zahir Mathis, who had previously committed to Ohio State before decommitting in November. Mathis has scheduled an official visit to Ann Arbor for January 24-26, which marks an important step in Michigan’s efforts to enhance its defense.
Mathis, a 6-foot-6, 225-pound defensive standout from Imhotep Institute in Philadelphia, boasts an impressive high school resume. During his junior season in 2023, he accumulated 52 tackles, 3 sacks, and a forced fumble. His performances have made him one of the most sought-after defensive recruits in the 2025 class. Mathis was particularly impactful during Imhotep Charter’s 2022 season, where his efforts helped guide the team to a 10-3 record and a PIAA 5A state championship appearance.
Ranked as the No. 73 overall prospect in the 2025 class by 247Sports Composite, Mathis is also the No. 6 edge rusher nationally and the No. 2 player in Pennsylvania. These rankings highlight his potential to be a game-changer for any college program. Michigan defensive line coach Lou Esposito is leading the recruitment efforts, and the Wolverines are hoping to bring the talented edge rusher to their program. However, they face strong competition from other top programs such as Florida State, UCLA, and Maryland.
The timing of Mathis’s visit is crucial, as it takes place just ahead of the second signing period for the 2025 recruiting cycle, which begins on February 5. This could be a pivotal moment for the Wolverines in their pursuit of Mathis. Despite this primary focus, Michigan’s coaching staff isn’t solely concentrated on Mathis. The Wolverines are also pursuing other key recruits, such as five-star offensive tackle Ty Haywood, who recently backed off his commitment to Alabama, ensuring the coaching staff remains flexible in its recruitment strategy.
Mathis’s ability to perform in high-stakes games further strengthens his case as a valuable recruit for Michigan. His standout performance in the 2022 state semifinals against Upper Dublin, where he recorded a sack and two pass breakups, showcased his ability to rise to the occasion. This kind of experience is exactly what Michigan is looking for in its defensive recruits as they continue to rebuild and strengthen their defense for the future.
