Michigan's Five-Star EDGE Carter Meadows Looks Every Bit the Future Star
Michigan fans already had plenty of reasons to be excited about Carter Meadows. The Wolverines’ top-ranked signee in the 2026 class, Meadows is bringing elite traits and sky-high potential to a program that knows how to develop defensive talent. And while he's not enrolling early, a recent workout clip making the rounds just added more fuel to the hype train.
Let’s start with the measurables: 6-foot-6, 235 pounds, with the kind of frame that looks like it was built in a lab for wreaking havoc off the edge. Meadows, out of Washington, D.C., is ranked as the No. 9 overall prospect in the 2026 class, per the 247Sports Composite. That’s not just five-star territory - that’s “build-your-defense-around-him” territory.
And it’s not just about the numbers. The video, posted by recruiting insider Brice Marich, shows Meadows moving with rare fluidity for someone his size.
Quick twitch, explosive first step, and bend around the edge that already looks college-ready. The scary part?
He’s not even in Ann Arbor yet. There’s still time for him to get bigger, stronger, and sharper before fall camp.
A Loaded Room, But a Real Opportunity
Now, let’s talk fit. Michigan’s EDGE room isn’t empty by any stretch.
Assuming John Henry Daley is healthy, he’s expected to lock down one of the starting spots. Behind him, there’s a competitive group that includes Dominic Nichols, Nate Marshall, and Cameron Brandt - all capable players with upside.
But Meadows brings something different. He’s the kind of athlete who can force a coaching staff to make room, even in a crowded rotation. Michigan does need pass rushers, and while true freshmen often face a steep learning curve, Meadows has the physical tools to flatten that curve in a hurry.
If he can get up to speed mentally - adjusting to the college game, understanding scheme responsibilities, refining his technique - there’s no reason he can’t be in the mix for meaningful snaps in 2026. It’s not just about raw talent; it’s about how quickly that talent can be harnessed.
What’s Next?
Meadows will arrive in Ann Arbor this summer, and all eyes will be on how he performs in fall camp. Physically, he’s already checking boxes that few freshmen can. The next step will be proving he can translate that to live reps against Big Ten offensive lines.
Michigan has a strong track record of developing front-seven defenders, and Meadows looks like the next in line. He’s got the frame, the motor, and the mindset. If the early signs are any indication, he’s not just going to be part of the future - he might be ready to impact the present.
Bottom line: players built like Carter Meadows aren’t supposed to move like he does. And if he keeps trending upward, Michigan might have landed its next defensive star.