Carter Meadows was one of Ohio State’s top defensive end targets in the 2026 class, but he’ll be playing for the Buckeyes’ rival instead.
COLUMBUS, Ohio — In a recruiting blow that’s reverberating through Big Ten circles, Carter Meadows, one of Ohio State’s top defensive end targets in the 2026 class, has announced his commitment — but not to the Buckeyes.
Instead, Meadows will be suiting up for one of Ohio State’s fiercest rivals, delivering a surprise twist to one of the most hotly contested recruitments in the Midwest.
The 6-foot-5, 245-pound edge rusher from suburban Indianapolis had been heavily recruited by Ohio State for over a year, even visiting Columbus multiple times and placing the Buckeyes in his final three alongside Michigan and Penn State.
On Saturday morning, however, Meadows shocked many by committing to Michigan in a live-streamed announcement from his high school gym, donning the Wolverines’ iconic maize and blue hat — and sending a message loud and clear: the rivalry is alive and well, even in June.
Carter Meadows is widely regarded as one of the top defensive prospects in the 2026 cycle, with a rare blend of:
- Elite length and athleticism
- Explosive first step off the edge
- Advanced pass-rush technique for his age
- Run-game strength at the point of attack
Ranked as a Top-75 national recruit and a Top-10 edge rusher by both 247Sports and On3, Meadows racked up 18 sacks and 30 TFLs during his junior season — dominating Indiana’s top competition.
He drew comparisons to former Ohio State star Chase Young, but now he’s headed to Ann Arbor, much to the dismay of Buckeye fans.
Ohio State had long been considered the frontrunner, thanks to:
- Strong relationships with defensive line coach Larry Johnson
- Early scholarship offer and spring visit momentum
- Meadows’ ties to multiple Buckeye commits in the 2026 class
But according to multiple sources, Michigan’s late June official visit flipped the script. Head coach Sherrone Moore and defensive coordinator Wink Martindale made Meadows their top defensive priority, selling him on early playing time and NFL development.
“They didn’t just want me — they built the defense around me,” Meadows said. “It was real from day one in Ann Arbor.”
There’s no sugarcoating it: this is a loss for Ryan Day and the Buckeye staff in a region and position group they’ve historically owned.
While Ohio State still holds commitments from four-star DLs Zion Carter (FL) and Tywan Bell (OH) in 2026, Meadows was considered a potential game-wrecker, the kind of edge talent that’s often worn scarlet and gray.
The focus now turns to several uncommitted targets, including:
- Elijah Henry (GA) – 5⭐️ DE
- Colton Warren (TX) – 4⭐️ EDGE
- Xavier Cross (MD) – 4⭐️ WDE
The Buckeyes have also scheduled a July visit with transfer portal target Julian Reed, an immediate-impact edge from the 2025 cycle.
Meadows’ commitment is about more than one player — it’s a statement in the trenches for Michigan.
After years of Ohio State owning the edge rusher pipeline, the Wolverines now claim one of the Midwest’s most disruptive prospects, strengthening their 2026 defensive front alongside recent four-star DL commit Logan Price.
This adds fuel to an already volatile rivalry — especially after Michigan’s three-game winning streak in The Game (2021–2023) and Ohio State’s revenge win in 2024.
Expect this storyline to continue into national signing day and beyond.
Carter Meadows didn’t just choose a school — he chose a side in college football’s most passionate rivalry.
For Ohio State, it’s a missed opportunity. For Michigan, it’s a monumental win. For fans on both sides — it’s another chapter in the feud that never cools off.
And come November 2026, when Meadows lines up across from the Buckeyes in The Big House, the stakes will be personal.
