ROYERSFORD >> Matt Zollers, the best football prospect in Pennsylvania for the Class of 2025, announced his decision to attend the University of Missouri at a press conference at Spring-Ford High School Thursday afternoon.
The Tigers secured Zollers' commitment over Penn State, Pittsburgh, and Georgia.
However, the Spring-Ford quarterback found it difficult to make the decision and said he was still considering his options on Thursday morning.
‘I just felt the most comfortable (at Missouri),” said Zollers. “My top priority was finding the best connection, both with players and coaches.”
Zollers, currently a junior, is the No. 46 prospect in the Class of 2025 nationally according to the On3 Industry Ranking, which compiles ratings from various recruitment services in an effort to reach a consensus.
He is the fifth-ranked quarterback in the class and the top player in Pennsylvania.
In his junior season, Zollers, a 6-foot-4, 205-pound quarterback, set new records for Spring-Ford, throwing for 2,917 yards with 37 touchdowns and only two interceptions, leading the Rams to a 9-3 record in 2023.
Naturally, the quarterback's recruitment gained momentum after a season that led to him being selected for the All-State team. Zollers' On3 profile lists 21 FBS schools that offered him a scholarship.
“Matt has handled all the attention, travel, and disruption to his routine better than I anticipated,” said Spring-Ford coach Chad Brubaker. “He has remained modest, level-headed, and has done his research. I am extremely proud of him as a young man and as a representative of our football program here at Spring-Ford.”
With one season still to play, Zollers has already set the record for career touchdown passes at Spring-Ford and is close to reaching the school's passing yardage benchmark in a career.
Thursday’s press conference was fitting for the most highly contested recruitment of a PAC player in recent history.
Zollers, his parents Pete and Beth, and Coach Brubaker sat at a table in the Principal’s Conference Room at the high school. Brubaker introduced Zollers, who expressed gratitude to his parents, friends, and family, among others.
“I’d also like to thank all the coaches that have helped me through all the sports I’ve played,” said Zollers, who is also a standout basketball player at Spring-Ford. “They have taught me everything I know.”
A short highlight video followed, featuring voiceovers comparing Zollers to Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love, before showing Zollers in Missouri black and gold with the words “Committed to the Zou.”
Missouri is making progress in the Southeastern Conference, which is traditionally home to some of the strongest college football programs in the nation. The Tigers finished 11-2 in 2023, culminating in a significant win over Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl.
Matt Zollers is Missouri’s first pledge in the Class of 2025, and is expected to be a key part of a class that will help the Tigers challenge Georgia, Alabama, and LSU for SEC dominance every year.
The Spring-Ford signal caller is Mizzou’s highest-rated QB commitment since Blaine Gabbert signed with the Tigers in 2008. Gabbert was a first-round draft pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2011 and won two Super Bowls (Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2021, Kansas City Chiefs 2024).
“There’s great consistency (at Missouri), and even before I visited, I felt an immediate connection,” stated Zollers. “Going to visit there just reinforced that.”
“When I started playing football, I knew I wanted to play in college. But I never knew it would turn out like this, so it’s pretty unreal.”
Zollers and his family attributed the Spring-Ford coaching staff and administration with guiding him through the recruitment process.
“He’s remained the same kid throughout this process,” said Matt’s mother Beth. “Matt’s always wanted to be here at Spring-Ford, playing with his friends and coaches.”
Zollers expressed excitement about completing the recruitment process, giving him plenty of time to enjoy the next year and a half of high school, including his senior football season. “To be honest, I never considered [transferring to another high school] just to get recruited. If you’re good enough, schools will discover you. Why not do it and play with my friends?
“But it’s going to be more calming for the next few months.”
