Last Updated on November 13, 2026 by Mariah Miranda
Zach Mathis is a Canadian-American professional football wide receiver who plays for the Edmonton Elks in the Canadian Football League (CFL). Born on February 29, 2000, in Tampa, Florida, Mathis previously played college football at North Dakota State University, where he helped the Bison win three FCS national championships.
Beyond his football career, Mathis comes from an athletic family. His parents are Marion Mathis and Paula McCarron, who is also identified as Paula Mathis in earlier college records. He has two publicly documented siblings: Jacob Mathis and Jaslyn Mathis. His brother Jacob also pursued college football, playing tight end for Ole Miss and South Florida.
Although his parents and siblings are identified in official college athletics biographies, details about Zach Mathis’s girlfriend, wife, and children remain private.
Zach Mathis’s Girlfriend: Is He Dating Anyone?
Zach Mathis has not publicly confirmed the identity of a girlfriend or romantic partner through the reliable sports sources reviewed.
Despite attracting attention for his football performances with the North Dakota State Bison and Edmonton Elks, Mathis has generally kept his personal relationships outside the public spotlight.
His official university biography, Edmonton Elks player information, and available professional football interviews primarily focus on his athletic development, education, and transition to Canadian football.
There is also no verified public announcement confirming that Zach Mathis is married or identifying a wife.
Consequently, his relationship status remains publicly unconfirmed. This does not necessarily mean that he is single, only that reliable information about a current girlfriend or spouse has not been established.
Zach Mathis’s Children: Does He Have Kids?
There is no verified public information confirming that Zach Mathis has children.
His official North Dakota State University football biography and Edmonton Elks player records do not identify any sons or daughters.
Similarly, available interviews discussing his college football experiences, professional development, and Canadian citizenship do not establish whether he is a father.
Although Mathis’s parents and siblings are publicly documented, he has not shared comparable information about having children of his own.
Therefore, his parental status remains unknown. It would be inaccurate to claim that he has children or that he is childless without reliable confirmation.
Zach Mathis’s Parents: Who Are His Father and Mother?
Zach Mathis was born to Marion Mathis and Paula McCarron, according to his official 2023 North Dakota State University athletics biography.
Earlier university records, including North Dakota State’s 2018 signing announcement and his brother Jacob’s Ole Miss biography, identify the parents as Marion and Paula Mathis.
The different surnames used for Paula are not explained in the athletics records. Both versions refer to the parents listed in Zach and Jacob’s official player biographies.
Mathis grew up in Tampa, Florida, where he attended Berkeley Preparatory School and developed his skills in football and basketball.
Zach Mathis’s Father: Marion Mathis
Zach Mathis’s father is Marion Mathis.
Marion is identified in Zach’s official North Dakota State University biography and in the University of Mississippi athletics profile of Zach’s brother, Jacob.
Both sons developed into talented football players during their time at Berkeley Preparatory School in Tampa.
Jacob became a highly recruited high school tight end before joining the Ole Miss football program, while Zach later earned an opportunity to play wide receiver at North Dakota State.
Their achievements established football as an important part of the Mathis family’s public athletic history.
However, reliable public information about Marion’s occupation, educational background, or personal involvement in his sons’ football training is limited.
Although Marion is named in official athletic records, specific details about his private life have not been extensively reported.
Zach Mathis’s Mother: Paula McCarron
Zach Mathis’s mother is publicly identified as Paula McCarron in his official 2023 North Dakota State University biography.
Earlier university records refer to her as Paula Mathis, including the 2018 announcement of Zach’s signing with the Bison.
She is also named in the official University of Mississippi and University of South Florida football biographies of Zach’s brother, Jacob.
These records establish Paula’s connection to both football-playing brothers.
Although the Mathis family has received attention through Zach and Jacob’s college football careers, reliable information about Paula’s profession, personal interests, and other private details remains limited.
There is also a Canadian connection within the family. Zach acquired Canadian citizenship through a parent’s citizenship connection, which allowed him to qualify as a National player under CFL roster rules.
However, the available reliable reports do not identify which parent provided that Canadian citizenship connection. Therefore, it should not be automatically attributed to Paula or Marion.
Zach Mathis’s Siblings: Does He Have Brothers or Sisters?
Zach Mathis has two publicly documented siblings: a brother named Jacob Mathis and a sister named Jaslyn Mathis.
Both are identified in his official North Dakota State University athletics biography.
Of the two, Jacob has received more public attention because of his own college football career.
1. Jacob Mathis – Zach Mathis’s Older Brother
Jacob Marion Mathis is Zach Mathis’s older brother and a former college football tight end.
Jacob was born on November 4, 1997, making him approximately two years and four months older than Zach.
Like his younger brother, Jacob grew up in Tampa, Florida, and attended Berkeley Preparatory School.
At Berkeley Prep, Jacob became one of the country’s highly regarded high school tight end prospects.
He earned Under Armour All-America recognition and received scholarship offers from several major college football programs, including Alabama, Florida, Michigan, and Ole Miss.
Jacob ultimately committed to the University of Mississippi, where he joined the Ole Miss Rebels football program in 2016.
He spent the 2016 and 2017 seasons with the Rebels before transferring to the University of South Florida.
At South Florida, Jacob played tight end for the Bulls from 2018 through 2020.
During the 2019 season, he appeared in 10 games and recorded 13 receptions for 202 yards and two touchdowns.
He subsequently completed his university education, earning a degree in interdisciplinary social sciences in 2020.
Jacob’s football achievements demonstrated the athletic ability shared by the Mathis brothers.
Although they played different positions, both competed at the NCAA Division I level before Zach pursued a professional career in Canada.
2. Jaslyn Mathis – Zach Mathis’s Sister
Jaslyn Mathis is Zach Mathis’s sister, according to his official North Dakota State University football biography.
Unlike her brothers, Jaslyn maintains a relatively private public profile.
Reliable sports biographies do not provide detailed information about her occupation, education, relationship status, or personal activities.
Her exact age relative to Zach and Jacob has also not been established in the university’s public records.
Although her name is documented, there is insufficient reliable information to describe her private life in further detail.
Zach Mathis’s Early Life and Family Background
Zach Mathis was born on February 29, 2000, in Tampa, Florida, United States.
Because he was born on Leap Day, his birthday appears on the calendar only during leap years.
Mathis attended Berkeley Preparatory School, where he became a talented athlete in both football and basketball.
He was a four-year football letter winner and a two-year starter under head coach Dominick Ciao.
During his senior season, he recorded 20 receptions for 351 yards and five touchdowns.
His performances helped him earn honorable mention all-county recognition in football and basketball.
He was also invited to participate in the Blue-Grey All-American Game.
Mathis’s combination of height, athleticism, and receiving ability eventually attracted interest from North Dakota State University.
On February 7, 2018, the Bison officially announced his signing as part of their football recruiting class.
The university’s announcement also identified his parents and siblings, establishing the family’s connection to his early football achievements.
Zach Mathis’s College Football Career
Zach Mathis attended North Dakota State University from 2018 through 2023.
Standing approximately 6 feet 7 inches tall, he developed into a distinctive receiving target because of his height and ability to make contested catches.
His college career included several injury setbacks, but he continued improving and eventually became one of the Bison’s experienced offensive players.
Across six seasons, Mathis appeared in 53 games and recorded:
- 95 receptions
- 1,392 receiving yards
- Nine receiving touchdowns
- Three FCS national championships
During the 2023 season, he recorded 46 receptions for 665 yards and six touchdowns.
He also earned Missouri Valley Football Conference Honor Roll recognition in 2020 and 2022.
Beyond football, Mathis pursued his education and graduated from North Dakota State in December 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology.
During the summer of 2022, he also worked as a production assistant for Bison 1660 radio, gaining experience in broadcasting.
Zach Mathis’s Canadian Citizenship and Family Connection
Although Zach Mathis was born and raised in Florida, he became a Canadian citizen before joining the Edmonton Elks.
According to a June 29, 2024, report published by 3DownNation, Mathis acquired Canadian citizenship through descent from a parent.
This family connection played an important role in his professional football opportunities because Canadian citizenship allowed him to qualify for National status under CFL roster rules.
The distinction is significant because CFL teams must maintain designated numbers of National players on their rosters.
His citizenship made him eligible for the CFL supplemental draft after he was not classified as a National in time for the regular draft.
Although his Canadian family connection is documented, available reports do not establish which parent was Canadian-born or provide further details about the family’s Canadian ancestry.
Zach Mathis’s Professional Career With the Edmonton Elks
After completing his college career, Zach Mathis pursued opportunities in professional football.
He received an invitation to attend the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ rookie minicamp in May 2024.
However, he did not secure a regular-season NFL roster position and subsequently explored opportunities in the Canadian Football League.
On June 29, 2024, the Edmonton Elks selected Mathis in the CFL supplemental draft.
To obtain his rights, Edmonton forfeited its first-round selection in the 2025 CFL Draft.
The decision demonstrated the organization’s interest in Mathis’s potential as a tall, physical receiver.
He officially signed with Edmonton in July 2024 and made his CFL debut that season.
During his rookie campaign, Mathis appeared in 10 games, recording 12 receptions for 137 yards and one touchdown.
He scored his first CFL touchdown against the Toronto Argonauts in October 2024.
In 2025, Mathis recorded 14 receptions for 143 yards across six games.
During the 2026 regular season, he appeared in nine games and recorded six receptions for 90 yards and one touchdown, according to official CFL statistics.
His transition from North Dakota State to Edmonton continued the family’s football history, following his older brother Jacob’s college career.
Frequently Asked Questions About Zach Mathis’s Family
Who is Zach Mathis’s girlfriend?
Zach Mathis has not publicly confirmed the identity of a girlfriend. His current romantic relationship status remains unverified.
Is Zach Mathis married?
There is no reliable public confirmation that Zach Mathis is married or has a wife.
Does Zach Mathis have children?
No children have been publicly confirmed through reliable sources. His official football biographies do not identify any sons or daughters.
Who is Zach Mathis’s father?
His father is Marion Mathis, who is named in Zach’s North Dakota State University biography and his brother Jacob’s official college football profiles.
Who is Zach Mathis’s mother?
His mother is Paula McCarron, according to his 2023 North Dakota State biography. Earlier university records identify her as Paula Mathis.
How many siblings does Zach Mathis have?
Zach Mathis has two publicly documented siblings: a brother named Jacob Mathis and a sister named Jaslyn Mathis.
Who is Zach Mathis’s brother?
His older brother is Jacob Marion Mathis, a former college football tight end who played for Ole Miss and the University of South Florida.
Who is Zach Mathis’s sister?
His sister is Jaslyn Mathis, whose name appears in his official North Dakota State University athletics biography.
Is Jacob Mathis older than Zach Mathis?
Yes. Jacob was born on November 4, 1997, while Zach was born on February 29, 2000.
Why is Zach Mathis considered Canadian?
Zach Mathis obtained Canadian citizenship through a parent’s citizenship connection. Although born in Florida, he qualifies as a National player in the CFL.
Where did Zach Mathis grow up?
He grew up in Tampa, Florida, and attended Berkeley Preparatory School.
Which CFL team does Zach Mathis play for?
Zach Mathis plays wide receiver for the Edmonton Elks. The team selected him in the 2024 CFL supplemental draft.
Mariah Miranda is a dedicated sports journalist specializing in comprehensive NFL coverage, playbook strategy, and team analytics. From offseason Draft planning and free-agency moves to weekly matchup breakdowns and playoff pushes, she delivers clear, data-driven analysis of every division in the league. Driven by a deep understanding of football tactics and locker-room dynamics, Mariah brings fans closer to the gridiron with sharp commentary and player updates.
