Mathis Named Semifinalist for the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award

Football
11/5/2025 12:55:00 PM

COLLEGE PARK, MD. – University of Maryland defensive lineman Zahir Mathis has been named considered one of 14 semifinalists for the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award, the Maxwell Football Club introduced in the present day.

The award has been introduced to essentially the most excellent freshman participant in school soccer since 2018. Past winners embody Trevor Lawrence, Kenneth Gainwell, Will Anderson Jr., Brock Bowers, Drake Maye, Caleb Downs and Colin Simmons.

Mathis has shined for the Terps throughout his true freshman season, compiling 23 tackles, six tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks and blocking a kick. Despite lacking almost all the previous two video games with an damage, Mathis nonetheless ranks 12^th within the Big Ten in complete sacks.

Finalists for the seventh annual Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year award will probably be introduced on December 3, 2025, and the winner of the award will probably be introduced on December 30, 2025. The formal presentation of this award will probably be made on the Maxwell Football Club Awards on Saturday, March 14, 2026, in Atlanta, Georgia.

2025 Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award Semifinalists

Dijon Lee Jr., Alabama, Cornerback

Bear Bachmeier, BYU, Quarterback

Micah Alejado, Hawaii, Quarterback

Zahir Mathis, Maryland, Edge

Malachi Toney, Miami, Wide Receiver

CJ Carr, Notre Dame, Quarterback

Drew Mestemaker, North Texas, Quarterback

Julian Sayin, Ohio State, Quarterback

Wendell Gregory, Oklahoma State, Edge

Brandon Finney, Oregon, Cornerback

Mason Heintschel, Pitt, Quarterback

Demetres Samuel Jr., Syracuse, Defensive Back

Ty Redmond, Tennessee, Cornerback

Braylon Staley, Tennessee, Wide Receiver

-TERPS-