As Michigan navigates the pressure of high expectations and quarterback uncertainty surrounding Bryce Underwood, head coach Sherrone Moore is making a strong push for elite defensive talent. The Wolverines are all-in on Carter Meadows, a 5-star EDGE from Gonzaga College High School in Washington, D.C. Meadows.
Though Michigan holds only five commitments in its 2026 class so far, Meadows has become a major focus. The staff is making it clear he’s a priority as they build the foundation for future defensive dominance.
Sherrone Moore Targets Elite 5-Star EDGE Carter Meadows as Michigan Faces QB Decommitment Rumors and Bryce Underwood’s Future
As questions swirl around Michigan’s quarterback room and speculation builds about Bryce Underwood’s future, Moore is staying focused on securing elite talent, and 5-star EDGE Meadows is at the center of that effort.
🚨NEWS🚨 On3 5-star EDGE Carter Meadows has set an official visit to Michigan, @EJHollandOn3 reports〽️
Read: https://t.co/5OxHnNuBjQ pic.twitter.com/GG5h6fYv94
— On3 Recruits (@On3Recruits) April 11, 2025
A standout from Washington (D.C.) Gonzaga, Meadows has emerged as one of Michigan’s highest-priority targets in the 2026 cycle. He returned to Ann Arbor for a second visit last month and came away highly impressed with the environment and intensity he observed.
“Some of the highlights were being around some of the other recruits and feeling the energy around Ann Arbor,” Meadows said. “Practice was super competitive. I loved seeing the guys get after it.”
Michigan defensive coordinator Wink Martindale made a strong impression on Meadows with his approach to edge rushers.
“Coach Wink likes to let his edge rushers play free,” he said. “He uses what they do best and helps them get in the best position. That’s how I see myself fitting in there.”
Moore and defensive line coach Lou Esposito are leading the charge in Meadows’ recruitment and have remained in close contact.
“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.”
Meadows, who holds a 3.9 GPA and intends to major in business, is also impressed with Michigan’s academic offerings — particularly the Ross School of Business.
“They put a high emphasis on academics,” he said. “They have a standard, and they hold their guys to that standard. The Ross School of Business was nice.”
Though Meadows hasn’t revealed a final list, Michigan is firmly in the mix.
“They are definitely high on my list,” he said. “They know their identity. They have a dedication to success.”
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His official visit to Michigan is set for June 20. He’ll also visit South Carolina (May 30), Penn State (June 6), and Ohio State (June 13) before announcing his college decision this summer.
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