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The recruitment of elite high school football players is always an intense and captivating process, with the nation’s top programs vying for commitments from players who can alter the course of their football programs. One of the most highly sought-after recruits in this cycle is 5-star linebacker Carter Meadows, whose future has become a topic of great interest in the college football world. Meadows, who has emerged as one of the premier defensive prospects of his class, has been on the radar of powerhouse programs like Michigan, Ohio State, and Penn State, each of which has worked tirelessly to sway his decision.

Recently, reports surfaced suggesting that Meadows’ inclination between two of the nation’s most iconic programs, Michigan and Ohio State, has been solidifying, with interest from Penn State also lingering in the background. This blog post will explore the current state of Carter Meadows’ recruitment, analyzing the factors that could shape his decision, what each of the schools offers, and what this decision could mean for the college football landscape.

### The Recruitment of Carter Meadows

Carter Meadows is one of the highest-rated recruits in the 2025 class, known for his combination of size, speed, and football IQ. As a linebacker, Meadows has been a dominant force in high school football, with a reputation for his ability to read plays, disrupt offenses, and excel in pass coverage as well as run defense. His raw talent, combined with his work ethic and football intelligence, makes him a perfect fit for several college programs that value dynamic and versatile defensive players.

Since his recruitment started, Meadows has been the center of attention for several top programs. Michigan, Ohio State, and Penn State have all been in the mix, hoping to land the coveted prospect. These schools all offer unique advantages, including strong football traditions, competitive teams, and top-tier coaching staffs. But as the recruitment process progresses, it seems clear that two schools—Michigan and Ohio State—are emerging as the top contenders, with Meadows increasingly leaning toward one of them.

### The Michigan Advantage: A Winning Culture and Elite Coaching

Michigan’s football program has always been one of the most successful in college football history, with a proud tradition and a consistent ability to compete at the highest levels. Under head coach Jim Harbaugh, Michigan has become a perennial contender in the Big Ten and has made its mark as one of the top teams in the nation. The Wolverines’ program is known for producing strong defensive players, and they have a track record of developing linebackers into NFL-caliber athletes. For Meadows, this could be a key factor in his decision, as he’s likely aiming for a program that can help him reach his professional potential.

Michigan’s defense, under coordinator Jesse Minter, has been a hallmark of the program in recent years, with the Wolverines excelling in both stopping the run and containing opposing quarterbacks in the passing game. Meadows would fit into this defense perfectly, given his ability to make plays all over the field. With Michigan’s defense emphasizing versatility and adaptability, Meadows’ skill set would make him a natural fit in a linebacker corps that values both physicality and football IQ.

Another selling point for Michigan is its ability to recruit and develop top-tier talent. The Wolverines have consistently brought in some of the best recruiting classes in the country, and they have a long history of sending players to the NFL. For a player like Meadows, who has professional aspirations, Michigan’s success in getting players to the next level could be an attractive element. The Wolverines have a solid track record of success in the Big Ten, and the team’s recent victories over Ohio State have only heightened the rivalry and added a layer of intrigue to the potential of joining Michigan’s program.

### The Ohio State Edge: A Perennial Power with NFL Pipeline

Ohio State has long been a national powerhouse, boasting one of the most successful football programs in college football history. Under head coach Ryan Day, Ohio State has maintained its elite status, winning Big Ten titles, making playoff appearances, and consistently sending players to the NFL. For a high-caliber talent like Carter Meadows, Ohio State offers a clear pathway to compete at the highest level while also developing the skills necessary to thrive in the NFL.

Ohio State’s defense, under coordinator Jim Knowles, has undergone a transformation in recent years, with a focus on improving both the front seven and the secondary. The Buckeyes’ defense is built on speed, aggression, and creating pressure on the quarterback, which aligns well with Meadows’ strengths. Meadows would be an ideal fit as a linebacker who can cover a lot of ground, disrupt plays at the line of scrimmage, and help in pass coverage—a quality that Ohio State values greatly.

Moreover, Ohio State’s recent success in developing defensive players, especially linebackers, has made the program a prime destination for top recruits. The Buckeyes have a history of sending linebackers to the NFL, with players like Chase Young, Raekwon McMillan, and Darron Lee making the leap to the pros. This strong NFL pipeline, paired with Ohio State’s continued success on the field, makes the Buckeyes an attractive choice for Meadows as he looks to make an impact in college football and take the next step in his career.

In addition to the football program’s success, Ohio State offers Meadows a chance to compete in one of the most competitive conferences in the country, the Big Ten. The rivalry with Michigan, which has been a defining feature of college football, is another element that could factor into Meadows’ decision. The chance to play in such a high-stakes rivalry, combined with Ohio State’s ability to compete for national championships, makes the Buckeyes a strong contender in Meadows’ recruitment.

### Penn State: The Outsider Looking In

While Michigan and Ohio State have emerged as the two frontrunners, Penn State has remained in the mix, and the Nittany Lions’ interest in Meadows is not to be overlooked. Penn State, under head coach James Franklin, has developed a strong football program, particularly on defense, and the Nittany Lions have consistently recruited top-tier talent. For a linebacker like Meadows, Penn State presents an opportunity to play for a program with a rich football tradition and a commitment to developing elite defensive players.

Penn State’s defense has been a cornerstone of its program, and the Nittany Lions have a history of producing standout linebackers, with players like Micah Parsons, one of the most dynamic defenders in the NFL today, having come through the program. The chance to learn from a coaching staff that emphasizes defensive excellence could be a significant draw for Meadows, who is looking for a program that can help him refine his skills and prepare for the next level.

However, despite Penn State’s strong appeal, it seems that Michigan and Ohio State are the primary focus for Meadows at this stage. The Nittany Lions will need to make a compelling case in order to break the lock that these two powerhouse programs have on Meadows’ recruitment.

### The Final Decision: What Will Carter Meadows Choose?

With the recruitment of Carter Meadows increasingly narrowing between Michigan and Ohio State, it’s clear that both schools offer outstanding opportunities for the five-star linebacker. The final decision, which is expected in the coming months, will be influenced by a variety of factors: the coaching staff, the program’s defensive philosophy, the chance to compete for championships, and the potential for future NFL success. Both Michigan and Ohio State offer unique advantages, but the intense rivalry between these two schools only adds an extra layer of intrigue to Meadows’ decision.

As the recruitment process comes to a head, fans of both programs are eagerly awaiting to see where Meadows ultimately lands. His commitment will not only be a significant moment for the school he chooses but also for the college football landscape, as this young linebacker could become a cornerstone of his future team’s defense for years to come. The Michigan-Ohio State rivalry is one of the most storied in all of sports, and Carter Meadows’ decision could only serve to further intensify the drama and competition between these two football powerhouses.