Missouri Outshines Georgia and Penn State to Secure QB Matt Zollers
Missouri football has made a major recruiting splash by securing a verbal commitment from four-star quarterback Matt Zollers. This exciting news comes after Zollers, ranked No. 104 nationally in the 247Sports Composite, chose the Tigers over Georgia, Penn State, and Pitt. Zollers visited all of his finalists this spring before making his decision official at Spring-Ford High School in Royersford, Pennsylvania on Thursday afternoon.
Zollers’ journey to becoming a highly sought-after quarterback is an impressive one. Prior to his junior season, he only had one scholarship offer from Old Dominion. However, his performance during his junior year thrust him into the spotlight. Zollers completed 62 percent of his passes, throwing for a school-record 2,917 yards with an impressive 37 touchdowns and just two interceptions. He also showcased his versatility by rushing for 420 yards and seven touchdowns.
What makes Zollers’ commitment to Missouri even more intriguing is his relatively late start in football. He played baseball until this past summer and was not a regular on the 7-on-7 circuit. However, he participated in the Elite 11 Regional camp at State College last summer, where he impressed scouts with his athleticism. Zollers finished second in the camp’s “athletic” ratings, an impressive feat considering current Penn State freshman Ethan Grunkemeyer and current Georgia freshman Ryan Puglisi were also participants.
For Missouri, this commitment is a significant step towards solidifying their quarterback position. Head coach Eli Drinkwitz has already made waves with previous quarterback recruits like Sam Horn and Tyler Macon. Even transfers like Drew Pyne and Jake Garcia have garnered attention. However, the Tigers have yet to find a standout quarterback who can lead them to greater success. With Zollers on board, Missouri has the potential to reach new heights, potentially surpassing last year’s 10-win season that culminated in a victory over Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl.
While Missouri celebrates their recruiting triumph, Penn State is left pondering the significance of missing out on Zollers. The Nittany Lions had a prime opportunity to secure one of the top quarterbacks in the country who happened to be located just three hours away from campus. Zollers had visited Penn State more than any other campus, making their inability to secure his commitment sting even more. However, this setback is not devastating for Penn State since they already have a commitment from 2025 quarterback Bekkem Kritza. The coaching staff is now focused on finding a second quarterback for this recruiting class.
It is worth noting that three of the top five players in Pennsylvania, according to the 247Sports Composite, have chosen to leave the state. Edge rusher Zahir Mathis is headed to Ohio State, linebacker Anthony Sacca has committed to Notre Dame, and now Zollers will be joining Missouri. While it is impossible for Penn State to keep every top prospect at home, securing Zollers’ commitment would have been a significant statement for the program and this recruiting class. Despite his family’s affinity for Ohio State, landing Zollers would have been a tone-setting move for Penn State.
In conclusion, Missouri’s successful recruitment of four-star quarterback Matt Zollers has created a buzz in the college football community. Zollers’ impressive junior season catapulted him into the national spotlight, and his commitment to Missouri is a testament to the program’s potential. On the other hand, Penn State’s loss in securing Zollers’ commitment is noteworthy but not devastating, as they already have a commitment from another talented quarterback. As the recruiting season unfolds, football fans will eagerly await how these decisions impact the future of these programs.