Maryland football’s Zahir Mathis suffered an injury during training camp Tuesday that will rule him out for the entire 2026 season, according to a team spokesperson.
The sophomore edge rusher was expected to be a starter for the Terps this season alongside fellow sophomore Sidney Stewart, who he teamed up with during the 2025 season to create a formidable pass rush for the Terps.
In 2025, Mathis was named a true freshman All-American by 247Sports and On3. His six sacks, 8.5 TFL and blocked kick saw
him also earn honorable mention all-Big Ten awards and was named a semifinalist for the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year award.
Last season, Mathis played through injury for large stretches, missing two games and several snaps in others but was able to return to the field. This year, that appears to not be an option.
In his stead, five-star freshman Zion Elee likely shifts up into a starting role on the edge. Sophomore Nahsir Taylor and redshirt sophomore DD Holmes, who each saw extended runs on the field last year, will likely be the second line for the Terps.
