Five-Star EDGE Carter Meadows Reflects on South Carolina Official Visit: “It’s Not Just a Program, It’s a True Family”

Carter Meadows, one of the most coveted prospects in the 2025 recruiting class, recently wrapped up his official visit to South Carolina, and if the Gamecocks weren’t already firmly in the mix for the elite EDGE defender, they most certainly are now. The five-star pass rusher left Columbia not just impressed, but emotionally moved by the experience, stating it felt less like a program and more like a family.

The 6-foot-5, 240-pound Meadows has a long list of suitors across college football, with Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State, Texas, and LSU among the blue-blood programs jockeying for his commitment. But after spending time with head coach Shane Beamer and the South Carolina staff, Meadows admitted the atmosphere in Columbia offered something unique—a sense of belonging, a culture rooted in relationships, and a genuine belief that he’d be more than just another jersey number.

“South Carolina hit different,” Meadows said. “From the moment I walked in, it wasn’t just about football. Everyone—coaches, players, staff—they treated me like I was already part of something bigger. It’s not a program, it’s more of a family.”

For a player like Meadows, who has the potential to make an early impact at the collegiate level and likely move on to the NFL, every visit carries weight. But Meadows has emphasized throughout his recruitment that relationships and development—not just flashy facilities or NIL money—will ultimately guide his decision. And South Carolina, according to him, nailed those aspects better than most.

The weekend visit included the standard fare of campus tours, academic sessions, and strength and conditioning presentations. But what stood out to Meadows was the unscripted moments—meals shared with current players, long talks with position coaches, and downtime with Coach Beamer that didn’t revolve around recruiting pitches but focused on life, leadership, and future aspirations.

“I sat down with Coach Beamer and he wasn’t just asking about my sack totals or combine numbers,” Meadows said. “He asked about my family, about what motivates me, about what kind of man I want to be five, ten years from now. That meant something. He’s building men, not just athletes.”

Beamer has made culture a cornerstone of his approach since taking over the Gamecocks’ program, and Meadows’ comments echo sentiments expressed by other recent recruits. While South Carolina has made recruiting gains under Beamer, landing a player of Meadows’ caliber would mark a monumental shift—both in perception and reality. Meadows is widely ranked among the top three edge rushers nationally and is a consensus top-15 player overall. His combination of length, athleticism, and technique make him a nightmare for offensive tackles and a dream for defensive coordinators.

Defensive line coach Sterling Lucas played a pivotal role during the visit. Lucas, known for his NFL experience and direct coaching style, connected quickly with Meadows, not just over scheme and skill set, but in their shared values and vision.

“Coach Lucas broke it down in ways that showed me he really understands how to bring out the best in guys like me,” Meadows said. “He showed me clips of past players he’s worked with, and how he tailored his coaching to each guy’s strengths. I respect that. He’s not a one-size-fits-all coach. He’s someone who would push me but also get me.”

Meadows also got a strong sense of the direction South Carolina’s defense is heading. Though the Gamecocks have experienced some inconsistencies in recent seasons, Meadows was shown how he would be a featured player in their evolving defensive scheme—one that gives elite edge players the freedom to disrupt and dominate.

“They see me as someone who doesn’t just play in the system,” he said. “They see me as someone the system is built around.”

But beyond football, it was the off-field environment that sealed the impact of the visit. Meadows met with academic advisors, sat in on leadership sessions, and had one-on-one conversations with staffers dedicated to life after football. Those interactions resonated with Meadows, whose parents have long stressed education and character development as priorities.

“People forget how short football can be,” he said. “Injuries, circumstances—it can all be gone quick. South Carolina showed me they’ve got a plan for me even when I’m done playing. That means a lot to me and my family.”

And speaking of family, Meadows’ mother and father accompanied him on the visit, and their impressions may be just as important as his own when decision time comes. According to Meadows, his parents left the visit feeling reassured that their son would be in good hands if he chose South Carolina.

“My mom loved the vibe. She kept saying how real everyone was,” Meadows shared. “And my dad, who usually doesn’t say much, told me after we left, ‘They’d take care of you there.’ That was powerful to hear.”

It’s easy to get lost in the hype and glamour of high-profile recruiting, but Meadows is cut from a more introspective cloth. He’s not a prospect swayed easily by NIL offers or recruiting theatrics. What he’s looking for is stability, growth, and trust. The South Carolina visit, according to Meadows, checked all those boxes.

The next steps in Meadows’ recruiting journey remain uncertain in terms of timeline, though he plans to take official visits to Georgia and Ohio State in the coming weeks. A decision could come before his senior season starts in the fall or potentially during the early signing period in December.

For now, South Carolina has positioned itself as a legitimate contender for one of the top defensive players in the country. While other programs will certainly make their case, the connection forged in Columbia will be difficult to forget.

“I left South Carolina thinking, ‘I could see myself here,’” Meadows said. “Not just for football, but for who I want to be as a man. That’s what sets them apart. I know wherever I go, I’ll have to put in work and earn everything. But I want to do that in a place that feels like home. And right now, South Carolina feels like that.”

As with any five-star recruitment, twists and turns are inevitable. But what’s clear is that the Gamecocks made a lasting impression on Carter Meadows—not just with facilities or future depth charts, but with the people who make the program run.

The road to commitment still lies ahead, and the blue-blood giants of college football will continue their pursuit. But South Carolina has something that can’t be manufactured or faked: authenticity. And for a player as self-aware and thoughtful as Meadows, that might just be the difference.

In a world where recruiting has increasingly become transactional, South Carolina offered something transformational. Whether that proves enough to land Meadows remains to be seen. But the Gamecocks did what every staff dreams of—they gave themselves a real shot. And they did it not by pitching a brand, but by living their truth.

“It’s not a program,” Meadows said again as he wrapped up his thoughts. “It’s more of a family. And that’s rare.”