Maryland Linebacker Zion Elee Named to Shaun Alexander Award Watch List
8/24/2026 12:47:00 PM | Football
PHILADELPHIA, PA -- Maryland freshman linebacker Zion Elee has been named to the 2026 Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award Watch List, as announced Wednesday by the Maxwell Football Club. The award recognizes the top freshman in college football.
Elee was also selected to the On3 College Football Preseason True Freshman All-America Team.
According to 247Sports, Elee is the highest-rated recruit in Maryland history, earning a .9975 rating and surpassing Stefon Diggs' .9969 mark. He was also ranked as the No. 2 overall player in the country by ESPN. A consensus No. 1 prospect in the state of Maryland, Elee elected to stay home and play for the Terrapins.
A graduate of St. Frances Academy, Elee was named a 2024 MaxPreps Junior All-American. He also participated in the Under Armour All-America Game and the Polynesian Bowl in January 2025.
The Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award has been presented annually to college football's top freshman since 2018. The 2026 watch list features 37 candidates representing a broad range of Football Bowl Subdivision programs and conferences from across the country.
The 14 semi finalists will be announced on Nov. 4, 2026, followed by the five finalists on Dec. 2 and the winner on Dec. 28. The award will be formally presented at the 90th Maxwell Awards on March 13, 2027.
