Columbus, Ohio – In a significant blow to the Ohio State Buckeyes’ 2026 recruiting efforts, particularly in securing top defensive line talent, Carter Meadows, one of their prime defensive end targets, will now play for a familiar opponent: the Michigan Wolverines. This commitment, announced on Sunday, June 29, 2025, sees the highly coveted edge rusher choose Ohio State’s fiercest rival, intensifying an already red-hot recruiting rivalry and delivering a stinging defeat to Ryan Day’s program.
Meadows, a consensus blue-chip prospect from Gonzaga College High School in Washington, D.C., was a pivotal target for Ohio State’s defensive line coach, Larry Johnson Sr., and the entire coaching staff. While rankings vary slightly across recruiting services, Meadows is widely considered a five-star talent by On3 (ranked No. 6 overall nationally) and a high four-star by 247Sports (No. 34 overall and No. 5 edge rusher), making him one of the most sought-after pass rushers in the entire 2026 class. For Ohio State to lose a player of his caliber, especially to Michigan, underscores the escalating intensity of “The Game” extending far beyond the field.
The recruitment of Carter Meadows was a protracted and hard-fought battle, with the Buckeyes making a strong, sustained push. Meadows took an official visit to Ohio State from June 13-15, and by all accounts, the visit left a positive impression. He had been viewed as one of Ohio State’s top remaining defensive end targets, particularly after another top-100 prospect at the position, Luke Wafle, committed to USC just days prior. However, Michigan was able to close the deal after hosting Meadows for an official visit in Ann Arbor the weekend of June 20.
Meadows himself articulated his reasons for choosing the Wolverines, citing a combination of factors that resonated with him:
- Culture and Identity: Meadows explicitly stated that Michigan “knows their identity” and “what they stand for as a program.” He felt a “different culture” in the building during his official visit, emphasizing the “brotherhood of the program” and their “dedication to success.” This speaks to the consistent message Sherrone Moore and his staff have cultivated, building on the foundation left by Jim Harbaugh.
- Coaching Connection: Meadows expressed strong admiration for both head coach Sherrone Moore and defensive line coach Lou Esposito. “I love Coach Moore and Coach Espo,” Meadows said. “They are both personable guys and have great character. They want the best for their players. They are doing for their players and not themselves. That’s what I l1ike.” This personal connection proved crucial in swaying his decision.
- History of Winning and Standard of Excellence: Michigan’s recent success, including its multiple Big Ten titles and the 2024 National Championship, clearly made a significant impression. Meadows noted 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.” The Wolverines’ ability to beat Ohio State four straight times on the field was also noted by Meadows as a factor.
- Academic Fit: Meadows is described as a “terrific student in the classroom” and was looking for an “elite blend of academics and development.” Michigan, known for its strong academic reputation, clearly met this criterion, akin to how Andrew Babalola (a previous Michigan recruit) weighed his options.
- Defensive Scheme and Development: Meadows, a 6-foot-6, 225-pound pass rusher with a long, athletic frame, fits perfectly into Michigan’s defensive scheme, which prioritizes athletic edge rushers who can generate pressure. Scouts highlight his “spider-like pass rusher with exceptional physical specs” and his potential to develop into an “absolute game-wrecker” and “early-round NFL Draft pick” with proper coaching. The Wolverines’ defensive coordinator, Wink Martindale (the former Baltimore Ravens DC), also played a role, with Meadows acknowledging his NFL experience as a positive.
This commitment is more than just a recruiting miss for Ohio State; it’s a direct victory for their arch-rival and further fuels the already intense recruiting war between the two Big Ten powerhouses.
- Another Direct Loss: Coming on the heels of Michigan’s four consecutive victories on the field, this recruiting win adds another layer to their dominance over Ohio State. While Ohio State has continued to land elite talent, losing direct head-to-head battles for top targets, particularly at critical positions like defensive end, stings.
- Narrative Reinforcement: For Michigan, landing Meadows reinforces the narrative that the program is not only sustaining its success under Sherrone Moore but also actively expanding its recruiting reach and winning crucial battles against its biggest rival. It demonstrates that the momentum is still with the Wolverines, even in a post-Harbaugh era.
- Defensive Line Battle: Both programs prioritize elite defensive line play, and both have renowned defensive line coaches. Meadows’ decision to choose Esposito over Larry Johnson Sr. is a notable win for Michigan in that specific positional recruiting battle.
While the loss of Meadows is significant, Ohio State’s 2026 class remains formidable. The Buckeyes have been actively pursuing other defensive end targets and have already secured commitments from other talented defensive linemen. For instance, just days before Meadows’ decision, Ohio State landed commitments from defensive tackles Damari Simeon (four-star) and Cameron Brickle (three-star), showing their continued ability to attract talent in the trenches.
The focus will now shift to other key targets at defensive end. Four-star defensive end Landon Barnes is one such prospect, with Ohio State, Ole Miss, and Washington vying for his commitment. The Buckeyes will need to rally and secure other high-caliber edge rushers to ensure they maintain their standard of defensive dominance.
Meadows’ commitment to Michigan means he will be a familiar face for Ohio State fans, potentially haunting them on the field for years to come. His rare physical tools and high upside suggest he could be an immediate impact player for the Wolverines and a central figure in future iterations of “The Game.” His decision highlights the meticulous nature of modern college football recruiting, where coaching relationships, program culture, and a clear vision for development are paramount in securing the nation’s most coveted talents. For Ohio State, it’s a tough pill to swallow, but it will only serve to fuel the intensity of the rivalry as they continue to battle for Big Ten supremacy and national contention.
