Michigan football freshman Carter Meadows turning heads in camp

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ANN ARBOR, Mich. — While Michigan football fans got their eyes on one of their top recruiting prizes in the 2026 class in former five-star running back Savion Hiter, fellow five-star Carter Meadows, a defensive end, didn't arrive in Ann Arbor until the summer. And by all accounts, he will at least see the field this fall.

Perhaps it wasn't a surprise for head coach Kyle Whittingham to say that he will assuredly see action in his freshman year, given his high profile, but given his late arrival and the depth of the edge rusher room, it appeared to be more of an uphill battle. But Meadows has been making waves in fall camp, earning the respect of his teammates with each rep.

"Carter Meadows, he's a great kid, great overall kid," senior edge rusher Cam Brandt said. "In practice, he's just a freak. He's a long body, long kid, still growing into his body, of course, but he's going out there doing what he needs to do. He's making plays, and that's just good to see for the future for sure. The future's great for him and (Tariq Boney). They're going to be great for sure."

Meadows is often lumped together with the other pass rusher in the class, former three-star Tariq Boney, who appears to be playing above his recruiting ranking in fall camp thus far. Despite both having to go through the 'bridge program,' where they have to miss so many practices to attend class, when they've gotten time on task, they've made the most of it.

Brandt says that both have been a good surprise, given that it doesn't feel like they're summer arrivals.

"They've been great. They've been a great addition," Brandt said. "They haven't, I feel like, missed a beat, if I'm being honest. Even though they missed that spring, they've came in, done what they need to do in the weight room and spring, and not spring, but summer training. And just attacking fall camp, they've been making plays. So it's just been great to see. Future's bright for those two kids, for sure."

They're not the only young edge rushers to get mentions in fall camp. Sophomore Benny Patterson has also gotten some training camp buzz, mentioned by a few players as someone to watch once the games start.

Brandt echoed that, noting that he's a bit of a force when set loose.

"He's just a wrecking ball, man," Brandt said. "I can tell you, he's an unstoppable force for sure on the field. He has that mindset to go out and go after it. He's just been working, so it's been great to see him progress for sure. "

Fans may get a chance to see the aforementioned three edge rushers on September 5, when Michigan football hosts Western Michigan for the 2026 season opener at The Big House.

This article originally appeared on Wolverines Wire: Michigan football freshman Carter Meadows turning heads in camp

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