Five-Star EDGE Carter Meadows has Committed to Michigan! The 6’6 225 EDGE from Washington, DC chose the Wolverines over Ohio State, Penn State, and South Carolina…..

Five-Star EDGE Carter Meadows Commits to Michigan, Choosing Wolverines Over National Powerhouses

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — The Michigan Wolverines have landed a seismic recruiting victory, securing the commitment of five-star edge rusher Carter Meadows, one of the nation’s most coveted defensive prospects. The 6-foot-6, 225-pound standout from Washington, D.C., announced his decision today, choosing Michigan over a final group that included Ohio State, Penn State, and South Carolina.

For head coach Sherrone Moore and his staff, this marks one of the biggest wins on the recruiting trail in recent memory. Meadows is ranked among the top defensive players in the 2025 cycle, and his rare combination of size, speed, and explosiveness has drawn comparisons to several NFL-caliber edge defenders.

Why Michigan Won Out

Recruiting insiders had long pegged Ohio State and Penn State as frontrunners, given their strong track record of producing elite defensive linemen. South Carolina also made a late surge with the appeal of immediate playing time in the SEC. But ultimately, Michigan’s tradition of hard-nosed defense and the chance to play in the Big Ten’s premier defensive system swayed Meadows.

“The culture, the coaching staff, and the way Michigan develops players—it just felt right,” Meadows said during his announcement. “I wanted to be part of something bigger than myself, and Michigan gave me that feeling.”

Defensive coordinator Wink Martindale, who joined the Wolverines staff with NFL experience, reportedly played a key role in recruiting Meadows. Martindale’s scheme emphasizes aggressive edge play, something perfectly suited to the young star’s skill set.

A Major Boost for the 2025 Class

Meadows becomes the crown jewel of Michigan’s 2025 recruiting class, which already features several four-star talents on both sides of the ball. His commitment not only elevates the class ranking but also sends a statement across the Big Ten that Michigan is ready to reload its defensive front.

“This is the type of commitment that changes the trajectory of a class,” one recruiting analyst noted. “Meadows is the kind of player who can become the face of Michigan’s defense in a year or two.”

Scouting Report: What Meadows Brings to Michigan

At 6’6 and 225 pounds, Meadows possesses the ideal frame to dominate as an edge rusher in the Big Ten. Scouts rave about his first-step quickness and ability to bend around offensive tackles, traits that are rare for a player of his size. His length allows him to disrupt passing lanes, while his motor makes him equally dangerous against the run.

Analysts believe Meadows could develop into a three-down edge defender capable of impacting games immediately. With Michigan’s reputation for player development—producing stars like Aidan Hutchinson and Kwity Paye in recent years—Meadows’s potential ceiling is sky-high.

“He’s a game-wrecker,” one scout said. “The type of guy you have to scheme around.

Implications for Michigan’s Defense

Michigan’s defense has been the backbone of the program’s success in recent years, including back-to-back trips to the College Football Playoff. Adding a talent like Meadows ensures that the Wolverines will continue to dominate in the trenches.

With veterans currently anchoring the defensive front, Meadows will have the opportunity to learn and grow in his freshman year before stepping into a starring role. By his sophomore season, he’s expected to be one of the most feared pass rushers in the Big Ten.

Ripple Effect on Recruiting Wars

Landing Meadows also carries symbolic weight. Beating Ohio State and Penn State—two of Michigan’s fiercest rivals—on the recruiting trail is a massive statement. These programs have often battled for top defensive line prospects in the region, and Michigan’s victory here strengthens its positioning as the conference’s top destination for elite defenders.

South Carolina’s presence in Meadows’s final group underscored his national appeal, but ultimately, the Wolverines’ pitch proved too strong.

The Future of Michigan Football

For Michigan fans, this commitment is more than just another name on the roster—it’s a signal that the Wolverines are committed to sustaining success. The program has built momentum on the field with recent championships, and now it’s translating that success into recruiting victories against the nation’s best.

“Carter is the type of player who can define an era,” a Michigan assistant coach said after the announcement. “We’re building something special, and his decision shows the belief recruits have in our vision.”

As the Wolverines prepare for the upcoming season, the addition of Meadows provides a glimpse of the future—a future where Michigan continues to field elite defenses anchored by generational talents.

For now, though, the headlines belong to Carter Meadows, the five-star edge rusher who spurned rivals and embraced the block M, solidifying himself as the newest cornerstone of Michigan football.