5-Star Carter Meadows Makes Major Career Announcement as Frontrunner Hinted in South Carolina, Penn State, OSU & Michigan

The recruitment battle is reaching a fever pitch as five-star edge rusher Carter Meadows from Washington (DC) Gonzaga charts his course with official visits. Packing a wall-to-wall schedule, he’s already locked in his crucial summer dates. Now, On3 ranks him as the No. 2 edge rusher and the No. 6 overall player nationally. When you’re ranked like that, every visit is a game-changer.

On May 9th, recruiting analyst Hayes Fawcett shared an update on Carter Meadows’ recruitment on X, stating: “BREAKING: Five-Star EDGE Carter Meadows is down to 4 schools, he tells me for @on3recruits. Now, he is set to visit all four of them, and that visit will be the deciding factor for him.” He gets the ball rolling at South Carolina on May 30th, then hits the road for Penn State on June 6th. Ohio State is next, ready to roll out the red carpet for him on June 13th, before he wraps up his tour on June 20th with Michigan.

Meadows himself confirmed the significance of these trips. “The official visits are definitely big,” Meadows said. “These are the four highest on my list, and I want to see myself there and get as much information as I can to make my decision.”

He also spoke about what he is looking for in his future school. “I think team culture is one of the biggest things and how the players interact with each other and interact with the coaches, and I want to get around the players on these visits,” Carter Meadows said. Now, out of all four finalists, Michigan might have an added advantage. How so?

BREAKING: Five-Star EDGE Carter Meadows is down to 4 Schools, he tells me for @on3recruits

The 6’6 235 EDGE from Washington, DC is ranked as the No. 6 Recruit in the ‘26 Class (per On3)

Where Should He Go? https://t.co/W3oe3TGhO7 pic.twitter.com/KrUNp0hMO1

— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) May 9, 2025

Michigan has hosted the five-star recruit Meadows twice since October. Furthermore, On3’s prediction model gives Michigan a 40% chance of securing his commitment, leading all finalists. This isn’t just hype; Michigan has sent an edge rusher/defensive end to the NFL for eight straight years, including first-rounders Aidan Hutchinson, Kwity Paye, and Rashan Gary. They’re selling Carter Meadows on following in their footsteps.

With over 50 visits scheduled this summer, the Wolverines know exactly how valuable a five-star EDGE like Meadows is to the 2026 class. Sherrone Moore’s 2026 recruiting class currently sits thin with just 5 commits, ranking 8th in the Big Ten and 26th nationally. Landing a five-star player like Meadows will significantly enhance their recruiting trail. He also seems quite tight with the coaching staff, particularly valuing their NFL experience. “Their overall team culture is great, and my overall connection with Coach Espo, Coach Wink, and Coach Moore is strong,” Carter said, adding, “and I also like Coach Wink’s NFL experience.”

At 6’6″ and 215 pounds, Meadows possesses the ideal size for an edge rusher, though he’ll need to add weight for the rigors of the Big Ten or SEC. His athleticism, however, is already college-ready. On3’s Charles Power raved about him, stating, “Rangy EDGE prospect with a rare combination of frame and movement skills. One of the most physically impressive prospects in the 2026 cycle. Measured in at around 6 feet 6 inches and 225 pounds as a junior. Has vines for arms that measure around 35 inches to go with large hands. Could easily be a 280-pounder before it’s all said and done.”

He’s got a great build and impressive athleticism, moving with fluidity and bend. With his natural tools and size, he can become a dangerous pass rusher and stop the run effectively. Who wouldn’t want a player like him? Even though On3’s got Michigan out in front right now, the other teams are definitely making a big impact, and honestly, it seems like the Wolverines aren’t the clear frontrunners after all.

Carter Meadows’ four-team showdown

Carter Meadows knows exactly what he is looking for in the 4 programs. Discussing South Carolina and what they offer, Carter said, “I’d say definitely the coaching staff. I think they have great people in line that know what they’re doing. They’re dedicated to the weight room, development on the field, and technique, and that’s what I’m looking for.”

Just like Michigan, South Carolina’s 2026 recruitment chase isn’t overwhelmingly strong so far, with only 5 commits. However, they do have edge player and 3-star recruit Keenan Britt committed. Also, aligning with Carter Meadows’ focus on the weight room and development, Head Coach Shane Beamer emphasizes helping every signee reach their full potential in Columbia. Landing Carter would give them their first five-star recruit of the class.

Beamer elaborated on their developmental approach: “And it’s not just the coaching. It’s the weight room, it’s the training room, it’s the nutrition, it’s Derek Moore and character development,” Shane Beamer said. “It’s just the culture we have in place and the foundation that we have that will help all those guys be their very best. That’s the plan, and it allows us to never—we don’t look at a guy and say, He’s been at two schools and all that, and shy away. We feel good about everybody.” That comprehensive pitch might resonate strongly with Carter and potentially cause concern for the other three teams vying for him.

Even Ohio State, which entered the race later on March 2nd, already impressed Meadows with an unofficial April visit. Their coaching staff also made a strong impression. Carter noted, “Their dedication to upholding their standard of winning. Coach [Larry] Johnson’s ability to produce high-level talent” as key factors. Ohio State already has 12 commits for the 2026 class, but none are edge players, so Carter Meadows’ commitment would certainly elevate their recruiting efforts at that position. Plus, for rivals, missing out on a championship player isn’t easy.

Penn State has also made a definite impact on Carter Meadows. “I think their ability to produce high-level edge rushers and development at that position. Also the leadership of Coach Franklin,” he said. That leadership is evident in their 2026 recruitment, as they have the highest number of commits among the four teams, with 15 players. So now, the focus shifts to the upcoming official visits. Let’s wait and see which team finally makes it to the end of the race and secures Carter Meadows’ highly sought-after commitment.

The post 5-Star Carter Meadows Makes Major Career Announcement as Frontrunner Hinted in South Carolina, Penn State, OSU & Michigan appeared first on EssentiallySports.