Michigan
Carter Meadows, four-star EDGE for 2026, picks Michigan football over Ohio State
Michigan football QB Bryce Underwood works out at a private throwing session
Michigan football QB Bryce Underwood works out at a private throwing session in Detroit
Michigan football has defeated Ohio State yet again — this time it came on the recruiting trail.
Carter Meadows, one of the most coveted defensive linemen in the nation, had whittled down his final two teams to U-M and OSU entering Sunday, June 29. Meadows pledged to the Wolverines via social media, posting, “IM HOME … #GoBlue” along with a “Committed” graphic.
Penn State and South Carolina were also in the mix for the four-star class of 2026 EDGE from Gonzaga High School in Washington.
Meadows, at 6 feet 6 and 225 pounds, has plenty of room to grow into his frame. He’s seen as the No. 1 overall player in the nations capital, the No. 9 EDGE nationally and the No. 72 player in the country regardless of position, according to 247 Sports’ composite rankings.
“Spider-like pass rusher with exceptional physical specs, but one where the sack total has yet to match the big-league potential,” 247 Sports director of scouting Andrew Irvins wrote. “Can give opposing offensive tackles fits just with his stride length as he can run the arc and right into the quarterback.
“Should be viewed as a high-upside edge player that has a chance to develop into an absolute game-wrecker at the Power Four level and then an early-round NFL Draft pick if he can soak up coaching and embrace the weight room.”
Meadows took official visits to Michigan, Ohio State and Penn State in June. Meadows is also a talented basketball player on the EYBL circuit. Per his recruiting profile, he has a basketball scholarship offer from American University.
Last year on the gridiron, he was named to the Washington Post All-Met second-team defense, finishing with 33 tackles (five for loss), two sacks and one forced fumble.
Michigan is starting to clean up in the Virginia and Washington metro area in its 2026 class, already having secured commits from three-star edge Tariq Boney and three-star linebacker Markel Dabney. The Wolverines are also in the mix for four-star defensive back Andre Clark from Richmond, Virginia.
Michigan, which now has 17 commits in its 2026 class, has the No. 9 class in the country, per 247 Sports’ rankings.
Tony Garcia is the Michigan Wolverines beat writer for the Detroit Free Press. Email him at apgarcia@freepress.com and follow him on X at @RealTonyGarcia.