Ohio State Buckeyes Emerge as Front-Runner for Elite 2026 Edge Rusher Carter Meadows in Intense National Recruiting Battle
The recruitment of Carter Meadows, one of the most sought-after edge rushers in the 2026 class, has taken a significant turn as the Ohio State Buckeyes continue to gain momentum and emerge as a likely destination for the talented defensive phenom. With his rare combination of size, explosiveness, and technical refinement, Meadows has become a household name among major college football programs, but it is Ohio State that now appears to be in a particularly strong position to land his commitment. The Buckeyes’ recent recruiting efforts, defensive coaching pedigree, and the overall trajectory of the program have all contributed to their strong standing in this closely watched recruitment.
Meadows, who plays his high school football in the Southeast, has been on the radar of top programs since his sophomore season. Already standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing in at around 240 pounds, he possesses the physical attributes that college coaches covet. His frame is ideal for the modern edge rusher — long, powerful, and athletic enough to drop into coverage if needed, but devastating off the line of scrimmage. His film shows a relentless motor, advanced hand usage, and an instinctive ability to time the snap and disrupt plays in the backfield. Those traits have earned him offers from schools across the country, including Alabama, Georgia, Michigan, USC, LSU, and Texas. However, it’s the connection with Ohio State that seems to be strengthening with each passing month.
One of the key factors in Ohio State’s favor is the relationship that Meadows has developed with the Buckeyes’ coaching staff. Defensive line coach Larry Johnson, widely regarded as one of the best developers of pass-rushing talent in college football, has made Meadows a priority target. Johnson’s track record of sending edge rushers to the NFL — including stars like Chase Young, Nick Bosa, and Joey Bosa — speaks volumes to recruits who envision themselves playing on Sundays. That pedigree is not lost on Meadows, who has repeatedly praised Johnson’s approach to coaching, his developmental philosophy, and his personal investment in his players’ growth on and off the field.
Meadows recently visited Columbus for an unofficial visit and came away impressed by the environment, the facilities, and the vibe of the locker room. Sources close to his recruitment suggest that the visit was a turning point. Not only did he connect with the staff on a deeper level, but he also got a feel for the culture and intensity of the Ohio State program. Meadows reportedly spent extended time with current Buckeye defensive linemen, learning about the daily grind, the expectations, and the camaraderie that defines the team. He left the visit with a clearer understanding of what life as a Buckeye could look like — and he liked what he saw.
Another component working in Ohio State’s favor is the stability and national prominence of the program. Year after year, the Buckeyes are in the College Football Playoff hunt. That consistency, paired with their elite facilities, NFL pipeline, and passionate fan base, creates an appealing package for elite recruits like Meadows. Unlike programs that have seen frequent coaching turnover or uncertain conference alignments, Ohio State offers continuity and exposure at the highest level. With the Big Ten expanding and strengthening its television presence, recruits know that playing for Ohio State means prime-time exposure and opportunities to shine on a national stage every week.
Meadows has also expressed appreciation for Ohio State’s academic offerings, particularly in business and sports management — fields he has shown interest in pursuing after football. The university’s ability to provide a balanced experience that includes both athletic and academic development is another box checked for Meadows and his family. The Buckeyes’ holistic approach to player development — one that includes mentorship, academic support, and NIL guidance — has become a cornerstone of their recruiting pitch and resonates well with top-tier recruits making long-term decisions.
Of course, the battle for Meadows is far from over. Programs like Alabama and Georgia are not going to go down without a fight. Meadows has visited both schools and has strong ties to coaches within those programs. Georgia, in particular, is seen as a serious contender, given its defensive dominance in recent years and its proximity to Meadows’ hometown. Alabama, even in the post-Nick Saban era, remains a recruiting powerhouse and has shown no signs of slowing down under its current leadership. Both SEC programs will continue to apply pressure and make compelling cases to Meadows and his inner circle.
What may ultimately tip the scales in Ohio State’s favor, however, is the clarity and consistency of their pitch. While other programs highlight various aspects of their appeal — from championships to NIL deals — Ohio State has managed to combine all of those elements into a cohesive message. They offer an elite football experience, a national platform, and a proven pathway to the NFL. And with Larry Johnson still at the helm of the defensive line room, they offer something else too — a trusted guide who knows how to unlock the full potential of defensive linemen. Meadows has stated in interviews that he values relationships and trust above all, and Ohio State is making sure he feels both every step of the way.
It’s also worth noting that the Buckeyes are building serious momentum with several other top 2026 prospects, and a commitment from Meadows could be a linchpin moment. In modern recruiting, elite players often want to play alongside other elite players. If Meadows jumps on board, it could trigger a domino effect, encouraging other defensive standouts to consider Ohio State more seriously. Already, several four- and five-star defenders in the class have taken notice of Meadows’ increasing interest in Columbus and may be watching his decision closely before making their own moves.
Timing will be crucial. While Meadows has not set a public commitment date, many believe he could make a decision before the start of his senior season to avoid distractions. That timeline benefits the schools that have already built strong relationships and hosted him on multiple visits — a category in which Ohio State certainly qualifies. The Buckeyes are likely to continue pushing hard through the summer, possibly aiming for an official visit in the fall if Meadows chooses to delay his announcement.
Recruiting is often unpredictable, especially when it involves a player of Meadows’ caliber and a long list of powerhouse programs. But as of now, Ohio State is sitting in a great spot. They’ve done everything right — from early contact and consistent communication to impactful visits and a strong personal connection with the staff. They’ve presented a clear path forward for Meadows to thrive both on the field and in the classroom. And most importantly, they’ve made him feel wanted and valued, not just as a player, but as a person.
The next few months will be crucial. Meadows and his family will weigh the pros and cons, take more visits, and evaluate how each program fits his long-term goals. But if current trends hold and Ohio State continues to push all the right buttons, there’s a strong possibility that the Buckeyes could add one of the crown jewels of the 2026 recruiting class to their defensive front. If that happens, it will be a massive statement not just about Larry Johnson’s continued recruiting prowess, but also about Ohio State’s position as one of the nation’s true recruiting juggernauts. And for fans of the Scarlet and Gray, the thought of Carter Meadows terrorizing quarterbacks in Columbus for the next few years is an exciting one indeed.
