Michigan’s coaching department is currently under scrutiny following off-field issues involving former assistant coach Matt Weiss. For a moment, it felt like the Wolverines might lose their momentum and begin to slip from national prominence. However, the program is refusing to let negative headlines slow down its recruiting progress.
This week, five-star EDGE Carter Meadows committed to Michigan, giving the Wolverines another major win for their 2026 class. The best part of this commitment is that the Wolverines beat out Ryan Day’s Ohio State again in the recruiting race.
5-star EDGE Carter Meadows chooses Michigan
Meadows wrote, “I’M HOME. GO BLUE” in a tweet after pledging to join head coach Sherrone Moore’s program. He is a highly coveted defensive lineman from Gonzaga High School in Washington, D.C.
BREAKING: Five-Star EDGE Carter Meadows has Committed to Michigan, he tells me for @on3recruits
The 6’6 235 EDGE chose the Wolverines over Ohio State, Penn State, & South Carolina
“I thank God for guiding me through it all. I’M HOME. Go Blue!!〽️〽️”https://t.co/vP9hIvX9sb pic.twitter.com/TaK4mGP9J6
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) June 29, 2025
According to On3’s Hayes Fawcett, Meadows announced his commitment to the Wolverines over a loaded list of offers that included Ohio State, Penn State, South Carolina, Georgia, and LSU. His decision came shortly after an official visit to Ann Arbor on June 20, which clearly left a lasting impression.
“I think it was a mix of on the field, off the field things,” Meadows said. “When I went up there for my OV 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 excellences in all walks of life, on the field, off the field that’s what makes it special.”
BREAKING: Washington (DC) Gonzaga five-star edge commits to Michigan.
“I think their history of winning and tradition and upholding their standard of excellence in all walks of life, on the field and off the field that’s what makes it special.”
Story: https://t.co/RkgfHagYil pic.twitter.com/h2UoOC5g9v
— Steve Wiltfong (@SWiltfong_) June 29, 2025
Meadows becomes the 18th commitment in Michigan’s 2026 class and is currently the highest-ranked recruit in the group. He is ranked among the top 10 EDGE prospects nationally and is considered the No. 1 player in Washington, D.C., according to 247Sports.
His commitment is a major win for Michigan, especially as the program continues to build momentum in the D.C. and Virginia recruiting pipeline. Three-star EDGE Tariq Boney from D.C. and three-star linebacker Markel Dabney from Virginia have already committed. Four-star defensive back Andre Clark, from Richmond, is also giving Michigan serious consideration.
Still, landing the 6-foot-6.5 Edge is the headline moment since he is the highest-ranked recruit in this pipeline so far. The recruiting battle is getting more interesting between the Buckeyes and the Wolverines, with Meadows’ pledge now on board with the Blue. Losing him is surely a tough blow for Coach Day and his team.
