Five-star edge rusher Carter Meadows has announced his list of top four college choices. The Gonzaga College High School product is the fifth-ranked edge rusher and the 34th overall prospect in the 2026 class.
The 6’6″ rusher is highly sought after and has reportedly received over 20 offers from some of the top programs in college football, but has now narrowed his choices down to four schools. Where will he choose, and who will give him the best development at edge?
Top 2026 EDGE Carter Meadows Narrows List of Schools Down to Four
2026 5-star EDGE Carter Meadows has narrowed his list of future college teams to four programs.
BREAKING: Five-Star EDGE Carter Meadows is down to 4 Schools, he tells me for @on3recruits
The 6’6 235 EDGE from Washington, DC is ranked as the No. 6 Recruit in the ‘26 Class (per On3)
Where Should He Go? 👀https://t.co/W3oe3TGhO7 pic.twitter.com/KrUNp0hMO1
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) May 9, 2025
The edge rusher has shortlisted South Carolina, Ohio State, Michigan, and Penn State as his top four choices, and he’s expected to make a final decision on his future soon.
Meadows has already visited South Carolina. There, the Gamecocks have highlighted their plans to him and how they intend to help him develop. It remains to be seen if this will be enough to convince him. Meadows will likely be an integral part of the team’s defensive setup.
Meanwhile, the reigning national champion Ohio State Buckeyes are the second program on Meadows’ shortlist. The team has a strong defensive history and is looking to repeat, so it is no surprise they have Meadows’ interest. Their defensive line coach, Larry Johnson, also has an impressive track record of developing top pass rushers, which could sway Meadows.
2023 champion Michigan also appears on Meadows’ shortlist. The edge rusher is reportedly planning to visit the school next month and has praised Michigan’s head coach, Sherrone Moore, and the team’s defensive line coach, Lou Esposito, in the past.
Penn State also hopes it can win the race for Meadows. He made an unofficial visit to the school last month and met some of the coaching staff.
Like Ohio State, Penn State has a strong record of developing elite defenders, which could factor in Meadows’ final decision. In recent years, they have produced extraordinary EDGEs like Micah Parsons and Abdul Carter.
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Wherever he goes, college football fans are thrilled at the potential of having such an explosive playmaker on their roster.
“Penn State. These schools don’t develop edge rushers like Penn State,” one X user posted.
Another X user believes that the Buckeyes program is the best option for the preps product to join. “The clear choice! ⭕🌰,” they responded.
While fans continue to express their delight at Meadows’ choice of programs, they are eagerly waiting for his final decision on where he will eventually make his college home.
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