Carter Meadows. A name that’s quickly becoming one of the hottest in the 2026 recruiting cycle. The Washington DC star racked up more than 20 Division I offers — Michigan, Georgia, Penn State, Notre Dame, Ohio State, North Carolina, and more. Once a 4-star talent, he skyrocketed over 250 spots to claim his place among the national elite, now sitting at No. 6 overall and officially a 5-star talent. Now the question is where he’ll take his talent. And after a visit to Columbus, Ryan Day and the Buckeyes may have positioned themselves ahead of the pack.
Ryan Day’s National Championship team clearly impressed 5-star EDGE Carter Meadows. Per On3 Recruits’ X post on March 29, the No. 2 edge rusher had a terrific visit to Ohio State. In his conversation with Steve Wiltfong, he said, “First, Coach (Larry) Johnson made it clear that he’s dedicated to the development of the players, and me if I attend Ohio State. The practice was super intense and competitive, and it’s evident that Ohio State has a championship DNA.” After all, the Buckeyes are led by an equally competitive HC, who is among those who best understand the pressure of winning.
5-star EDGE Carter Meadows talks about his latest visit to Ohio State with @SWiltfong_
“It’s evident that they have a championship DNA.”
Read: https://t.co/nPulrrksn5 pic.twitter.com/t6OkKzZEvs
— On3 Recruits (@On3Recruits) March 28, 2025
Ryan Day impressed Carter Meadows with his relentless drive for success. “Coach Day has done a great job of setting super high expectations throughout the program,” the Gonzaga HS standout admitted. And it’s Ohio State’s National Championship pedigree that’s standing on top of his interest. “OSU’s fanbase expects them to compete for a National Championship every year. That stems from nine National Championships.” Yeah, the Buckeyes took home the natty in 1942, 1954, 1957, 1961, 1968, 1970, 2002, 2014, and 2024. And with Day at the helm, Carter can rest assured the competition drive is going to be insane.
Ryan Day won his first national championship in his sixth year with an impressive overall record of 70-10. In addition, he led Ohio State to two straight Big Ten championships in 2019 and 2020, a Sugar Bowl win in 2020, two Rose Bowl victories in 2022 and 2025, a Cotton Bowl win in 2025, and three Big Ten East Division titles. So Columbus is synonymous with big wins. But this winning pedigree isn’t going to lock in the commitment of the 6’6.5, 225-pounder when there are elite competitors in hot pursuit.
Carter Meadows gives tough competition to Ryan Day
This spring, Carter Meadows has already been to Big Ten programs including Michigan, Northwestern, and Penn State. “Michigan is definitely a big interest of mine,” he revealed. “I love that they know their identity. They set a standard for themselves, and everybody works hard to uphold and push past it.” As for Penn State, he’s high on the player-coach chemistry. Bill Belichick’s North Carolina is also among the schools he visited this spring. But that’s not all. South Carolina and Stanford are also giving him reasons to consider.
But it’s the Wolverines and the Nittany Lions who pose the biggest threat to Ryan Day and the Buckeyes. “All three programs know their identity and have a proven formula for success,” Carter Meadows said. “And could make me successful as well.” Michigan has 12 national championship titles under their belt with their most recent one being in 2023. Meanwhile, Penn State is a rising program with two national championships, making its first playoff appearance in 2024.
While Ohio State may have left a lasting impression, Carter Meadows’ recruitment is far from over. Ryan Day has won plenty of high-stakes battles before. But with powerhouse programs breathing down his neck, will he be able to secure one of the nation’s best defensive prospects? Only time will tell.
The post Spoilt for Choices, 5-Star Carter Meadows Drops Major Update on Ryan Day’s OSU as UNC, Michigan, and Penn State Intensify Pursuit appeared first on EssentiallySports.
