Spring-Ford quarterback Matt Zollers selects Missouri over Penn State, Pittsburgh, Georgia
 

By Rob Senior

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ROYERSFORD >> Matt Zollers, the top-rated football prospect in the state of Pennsylvania for the Class of 2025, announced his commitment to the University of Missouri at a press conference at Spring-Ford High School Thursday afternoon.

The Tigers won Zollers’ pledge over fellow finalists Penn State, Pittsburgh, and Georgia.

But it wasn’t an easy call for the Spring-Ford quarterback, who said he was still debating his choice on Thursday morning.

‘I just felt the most comfortable (at Missouri),” said Zollers. “My number-one priority was finding who I’d connect best with, both players and coaches.”

Zollers, currently a junior, is the No. 46 prospect nationally in the Class of 2025 according to the On3 Industry Ranking, which accumulates ratings from various recruitment services in an attempt to form a consensus.

He’s the No. 5-rated quarterback in the class, and the top player in the Keystone State.

Zollers’ junior season saw the 6-foot-4, 205 lb. quarterback rewrite Spring-Ford’s single-season and career passing record book, throwing for 2.917 yards with 37 touchdowns and only two interceptions in leading the Rams to a 9-3 record in 2023.

Understandably, the quarterback’s recruitment reached a new fervor following a season that made him a consensus All-State selection. Zollers’ On3 profile names 21 FBS schools who offered him a scholarship.

“Matt has handled all the attention, travel, and general upheaval to his general routine better than even I imagined he would,” said Spring-Ford coach Chad Brubaker. “He’s remained humble, clear-headed, and he’s done his homework. I’m 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 is already Spring-Ford’s career leader in touchdown passes and stands less than 100 yards from the school benchmark for passing yardage in a career.

Thursday’s press conference was befitting of the most hotly contested recruitment of a PAC player in recent memory.

Zollers, his parents Pete and Beth, and Coach Brubaker shared a table in the Principal’s Conference Room at the high school. Brubaker introduced Zollers, who thanked 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, also a standout basketball player at Spring-Ford. “They’ve taught me everything I know.”

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A brief highlight video followed, complete with voiceovers comparing Zollers to Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love, before the screen showed Zollers in Missouri black and gold with the inscription “Committed to the Zou.”

Missouri continues to make inroads in the Southeastern Conference, traditionally home to some of the nation’s strongest college football programs. The Tigers finished 11-2 in 2023, capped by a signature victory over Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl.

Matt Zollers is Missouri’s first commitment in the Class of 2025, and figures to represent the lynchpin of a class that allows the Tigers to annually challenge Georgia, Alabama, and LSU for SEC supremacy.

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The Spring-Ford signal caller is Mizzou’s highest-rated quarterback commitment since Blaine Gabbert signed with the Tigers in 2008. Gabbert was a first-round draft pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2011 and is a two-time Super Bowl champion (Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2021, Kansas City Chiefs 2024).

“There’s great stability (at Missouri), and even before I visited, I felt an instant connection,” said Zollers. “Going to visit there just reinforced that.”

“When I started out playing football, I knew I wanted to play in college. But I never knew it would turn into this, so it’s pretty surreal.”

Zollers and his family credited the Spring-Ford coaching staff and administration with helping 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 spoke with excitement about wrapping up the recruitment process, allowing him ample time to enjoy the next year-plus of high school, including his senior football season. “To be honest, I never thought of [playing at another high school] just to get recruited. If you’re good enough, schools are going to find you. Why not do it and play with my friends?

“But it’s going to be more relaxing for the next couple of months.”