Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Ohio State Battles Michigan to Land Highly Touted Star

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Sahil Goswami | Last updated May 10, 2025 2:49 PM ET

The rivalry between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Michigan Wolverines doesn’t take a break, even in the offseason. Both programs are heating up on the recruiting trail, each making big splashes as they build their future defenses. While Michigan secured several key defensive pieces in recent cycles, Ohio State remains aggressive under its revamped recruiting staff. Now, the battle is on for one of the nation’s most coveted prospects, five-star edge rusher Carter Meadows.

Meadows, who stars at Washington (DC) Gonzaga, is ranked as On3’s No. 2 edge rusher and the No. 6 overall player in the 2025 class. The 6-foot-6½, 230-pound pass rusher has narrowed his choices down to four: Ohio State, Michigan, Penn State Nittany Lions, and South Carolina Gamecocks.

Official visits are set, with Meadows heading to Columbus on June 13 and Ann Arbor on June 20, making it a head-to-head showdown between the Buckeyes and Wolverines.

“The official visits are definitely big,” Meadows said per On3. “These are the four highest on my list and I want to see myself there and get as much information as I can to make my decision.”

Washington (DC) Gonzaga 5-star edge Carter Meadows has his final four in Michigan, Ohio State, Penn State and South Carolina with OVs set for the summer. He talks about each program and what he’s looking for in a school here: https://t.co/Z1dRBv4w9H pic.twitter.com/a4bIJ0BHw9
— Steve Wiltfong (@SWiltfong_) May 9, 2025

"Their dedication to upholding their standard of winning. Coach Johnson’s ability to produce high-level talent," Meadows said regarding Ohio State.

Meanwhile, Michigan appeals to him with its strong culture and coaching connections.

“Their overall team culture is great and my overall connection with Coach Espo, Coach Wink and Coach Moore is strong and I also like Coach Wink’s NFL experience.”

Meadows, a standout in the classroom with a 3.9 GPA, plans to major in business. With June visits on the horizon, all eyes are on where this rising star will land.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: