While the Ohio State Buckeyes continue to have success on the field against the Penn State Nittany Lions, they might lose this individual recruiting battle. 2025 4-star pass-rusher Zahir Mathis announced his decommitment from Ohio State on Monday despite locking in with the program in January. 

A top-70 prospect in the class, the Philadelphia native is back on the market.

After much consideration I’ve decided to reopen my recruitment and decommit from Ohio State. I appreciate Coach Day, Coach Johnson and all the coaches at Ohio State. They are still a top school for me. This is a life decision. Please respect my decision!

— Zahir Mathis (@ZahirMathis5) November 18, 2024

---

Mathis was in Columbus on October 25 for an official visit when Ohio State pulled off a win against Nebraska, 21-17. The Philadelphia native previously visited Penn State in June and went back for their Lasch Bash barbeque event a month later, which was open to prospects from 2025, 2026, and 2027.

In early November, ahead of the Penn State-Ohio State matchup, he told The Inquirer that Ohio State has always been a “dream school” and believes Johnson would help Mathis reach the professional level.

Before he committed to Ohio State, Mathis had a top five that included Florida State, Tennessee, Texas, and South Carolina. This fall, Miami and Texas A&M tried to get him to visit their campuses, as noted by Brian Dohn from 247Sports.

---

With Mathis having decommitted, Ohio State has five defensive linemen committed for the 2025 class: Zion Grady, Trajen Odom, Jarquez Carter, Maxwell Roy, and London Merritt. It’s worth mentioning that Merritt has visited Colorado twice this season, so that’s something to keep an eye on.

The Buckeyes are still in touch with defensive tackles Jahkeem Stewart and Malik Autry and expect both to be in Columbus for the Michigan game. There's a chance Ohio State might look for another high school defensive end, or even check out the transfer portal this winter.