The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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24 THE WOLVERINE ❱ MARCH 2026 2026 FOOTBALL RECRUITING ISSUE BY CHRIS BALAS The DMV as they call it (D.C., Mary- land, Virginia area) has been great to Michigan football over the years, send- ing multiple outstanding players to Ann Arbor over different areas. Most recently, last year's starting edges Derrick Moore and Jaishawn Barham were stalwarts in maize and blue who wreaked havoc on opposing quarterbacks, joining many others before them. If all goes according to plan, Carter Meadows will follow in their footsteps to become the next great defensive end, and he's got all the tools. The Washing- ton (D.C.) Gonzaga star is long, explo- sive, and athletic with room to add to his lanky frame. Pledged to the Wolverines since June 29, the 6-foot-6, 235-pounder is offi- cially headed to Ann Arbor as a headlin- ing piece of the recruiting class. He re- confirmed his commitment when Kyle Whittingham took over for the fired Sherrone Moore, and the new coach told the Big Ten Network on signing day Feb. 4 he was thrilled to have Meadows in the class. "Carter Meadows is a big, good- looking young man at around 6-foot-7," Whittingham said. "He's one of the top defensive ends in the country, if not the top. He's a tremendous athlete. … His length is a big positive for him. "I've had some good conversations with Carter. We're excited to get him here in June." Meadows finished as the No. 11 overall prospect and No. 3 edge in the 2026 cycle, according to the Rivals Industry Rank- ing, a weighted average that utilizes all major recruiting media companies. Rivals has labeled Meadows a five-star prospect since last February. South Carolina was in the mix dur- ing his recruitment, as were Ohio State and Penn State, but Michigan snatched the momentum with Meadows after he logged his final official visit to Ann Ar- bor on the weekend of June 20. One week later, he locked in his commitment. "I think it was a mix of on-the-field, off-the-field things," he told Rivals' Steve Wiltfong about his commitment. "When I went up there for my official visit, the culture I could feel in the building was different, and I want to be part of it. … "I think their history of winning and tradition and upholding their standard of excellence in all walks of life, on the field, off the field, that's what makes it special." He still felt that way after the coaching transition, and he's expected to get every opportunity to contribute on the field this fall. The Wolverines lost both Moore and Barham to the NFL Draft in addition to senior TJ Guy, and they'll need some- one to get to the quarterback. Meadows could well be that guy, Wilt- fong explained. His "pure physical up- side" is among the highest in the 2026 cycle, he noted, pairing his great frame with "impressive functional athleticism" as a fluid, flexible athlete with excellent bend. As a rangy edge prospect with a rare combination of frame and movement skills, Wiltfong noted, Meadows is one of the most physically impressive prospects in the 2026 cycle. He officially measured 6-foot-6, 225 pounds as a junior and has continued to grow (now 235). A PERFECT FIT The good news doesn't stop there for Michigan and its fans when it comes to the prep All-American. In addition to be- ing an outstanding athlete, Meadows also is a fantastic teammate and a great citizen off the field. Whittingham has demanded it over the years, and Wiltfong insists he won't have any issues with a player those around him call a "great young man." The Wolverines have had their share of those over the years at his position alone — former All-Americans and standout Five-Star Carter Meadows Could Be Michigan's Next Great Pass Rusher As a senior at Gonzaga College High in Washington, D.C., Meadows recorded 62 tackles, 7 sacks, 2 forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. PHOTO BY EJ HOLLAND