Four-star EDGE rusher Zahir Mathis, who recently de-committed from Ohio State, is one of the most highly-regarded unsigned prospects in the 2025 class. Following his de-commitment in mid-November, Mathis has been evaluating his options and is now beginning to schedule official visits for the upcoming month., including his first visit to southern California as the UCLA Bruins extended him an offer earlier this month.
“I’ve got a couple [of] visits lined up this month coming up: FSU, Michigan, and UCLA,” he told reporters at the Under Armour All-America Game hotel check-in on Sunday.
Zahir Mathis to visit UCLA Bruins In January
Mathis will visit the Florida State Seminoles on January 11th, followed by the Bruins on the 18th, then wraps up in Ann Arbor, visiting the Michigan Wolverines on the 27th. Mathis will announce his final decision in February.
Although UCLA is a late recruiting entrant for Mathis, the eastern Pennsylvanian recognizes the opportunity.
“I haven’t been out there yet, so that would be the first time I’m getting out there. I like that they’re a nice 4-base lineup for me, and it would be real good if I get in there with the coaching staff.”
The 6 foot 6, 230-pound pass rusher has communicated what he is looking for in his eventual team. In his search for the ideal collegiate destination, Mathis emphasized the importance of playing time and building strong relationships with his coaches. While NIL opportunities are a consideration, they are not his primary focus. Mathis acknowledged his continued respect for Ohio State and Coach Larry Johnson, emphasizing that his de-commitment was not a reflection of any negative feelings. He is now exploring all his options and seeking a program where he feels valued and can contribute meaningfully to the team — essentially he is looking for playing time. UCLA can provide that.
Beyond that Mathis wants to land on a good team, not in the sense of final record, but one that is run well and smartly.
“I want to see a good bond between the players and see how players evaluate the coaches,” he said. “And then I want to see how I can be evaluated with those players, break it down, and see whether I’m getting play time and if I’m doing the right things to make it on the field.”