Ohio State is already off to a hot start in the 2025 recruiting class, landing a pledge on Wednesday from Philadelphia Imhotep Institute four-star defensive end Zahir Mathis (6-6, 225).
Mathis is the No. 37 overall prospect and No. 5 defensive end in the class, and he chose Ohio State over Florida State, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas. He was offered by the Buckeyes in May and camped with the team over the summer, where he received some in-depth instruction from defensive line coach Larry Johnson, a significant factor in Mathis’ recruitment.
“He’s patient,” Mathis said of Johnson. “He isn’t going to rush you throughout your development. If you mess up, just get back up and get back on the field, you’ll be okay. And just his focus on the basics.”
Beyond Johnson’s instruction, Ohio State was also a draw to Mathis because of the type of talent – namely Nick and Joey Bosa, as well Chase Young – that has come through Columbus in recent year.
“He had a big impact on me because Chase Young was coming from the DMV,” Mathis said. “Myself, I’m from Philadelphia, so just to be so close to home and see his big impact on the world. Then Larry Legend had both of the Bosa brothers. I’ve got that love and respect for him.”
Mathis had 52 tackles (five for loss) with three sacks last season, helping lead Imhotep Institute to an undefeated 15-0 record. He is the first defensive line pledge for Ohio State in 2025 and the fourth commitment on the defensive side of the ball, joining Houston North Shore five-star cornerback Devin Sanchez, Baltimore St. Frances Academy four-star cornerback Blake Woodby and Akron Hoban three-star linebacker Eli Lee.
Other edge rushers being pursued by Ohio State includes Santa Ana (Calif.) Mater Dei four-star Nasir Wyatt and Cincinnati Winton Woods four-star Justin Hill, among others.
