DE Carter Meadows’ path to Michigan Football, outlook for 2026

ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - APRIL 18: Carter Meadows stands on the field following the Michigan Wolverines' spring football game at Michigan Stadium on April 18, 2026 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Jaime Crawford/Getty Images for ONIT) | Getty Images for ONIT

Unlike other blue bloods, Michigan doesn’t often reel in high five-star prospects. For every Rashan Gary and Bryce Underwood, there are classes without a single five-star in it that are developed into powerhouse football teams. The class of 2026 is the former, as Michigan brought in two five-stars this offseason in Savion Hiter and Carter Meadows. Meadows has the makings of a star, but will need some time to get ready for Big Ten action.

The story so far

Meadows hails from Gonzaga High School in Washington D.C., one of the more well-known powerhouse high school programs. In fact, he was high school teammates with fellow Wolverine Kainoa Winston, and Evan Link also attended Gonzaga. In high school, Meadows was 6-foot-6 and 225 pounds. He possesses a frame that NFL scouts tend to drool over out of an edge rusher.

Naturally, a high schooler with elite athleticism and an NFL frame coming from a national powerhouse of a school was bound to get attention nationally. Meadows received offers from just about every major program, with 247Sports listing 29 offers. Carter made four official visits — South Carolina, Penn State, Ohio State and Michigan, in that order.

In typical fashion, Carter’s recruitment came down to Michigan and Ohio State. While certain sites may try to convince you the Buckeyes weren’t going all in on Meadows, that would be incorrect. Meadows committed to Michigan, as Lou Esposito and company were able to close on Meadows, and Kyle Whittingham and the new staff were able to retain him.

As for his on the field skills, Meadows is about as good as they come for his age. He is an explosive edge with incredible bend and football IQ. He plays smart and is an avid run-defender. Meadows is also advanced for his age when it comes to pass-rushing moves.

For context, Meadows is the seventh highest rated recruit Michigan has ever gotten, per 247, behind Gary, Underwood, Jabrill Peppers, Ryan Mallett, LaMarr Woodley and Prescott Burgess. Pretty good company.

Outlook moving forward

Fortunately for the Wolverines, they don’t have to rush him on the field if they don’t want to thanks to depth at the position. However, the depth chart sets up nicely for Meadows to be at least an impact player in 2027 before full-blown stardom in 2028. John Henry Daley will only play for the Wolverines for one year, and Cam Brandt will have a decision to make following the 2026 season. Should they both depart, Meadows will be competing with Nate Marshall, Lugard Edokpayi, Dominic Nichols and others for playing time.

Meadows wasn’t able to enroll early so we haven’t seen him in the maize and blue pads just yet, but it will be fascinating to see if he can force his way onto the field right away. The rich just keep getting richer at edge.

Indexed and credited by AIPROPX. Originating outlet: Yahoo Sports. Open at source →