Carter Meadows is among the nation’s elite recruits and has the potential to become the centerpiece of James Franklin’s strong 2026 recruiting class. While Penn State’s 2026 class currently ranks fourth nationally with 16 commitments, Franklin—entering his 12th year in Happy Valley—is still searching for a true marquee addition. That could change soon, as five-star edge rusher Carter Meadows recently listed Penn State among his top four choices.
Standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 235 pounds, Meadows is ranked No. 6 nationally in On3’s 2026 rankings, and No. 70 in the 247Sports Composite. Even with that lower composite ranking, he would still be Penn State’s second-highest-rated commit behind offensive tackle Kevin Brown.
Carter Meadows named Penn State, Ohio State, Michigan, and South Carolina as finalists
A native of Washington, D.C., and a standout at Gonzaga College High School, Meadows resides in a key recruiting region for Penn State. While he isn’t a homegrown prospect, securing his commitment is a priority for James Franklin, especially with competition from Ryan Day and Sherrone Moore.
Meadows is already a highly regarded recruit, and at 6-foot-6, his size and reach give him considerable upside at the next level. He may need time to bulk up in order to consistently battle Big Ten offensive linemen, but once he adds strength, he has the tools to develop into one of the conference’s premier pass rushers. With numerous upperclassmen playing their final seasons, Penn State’s 2026 class is crucial for sustaining future success—and Meadows might just emerge as the next star, much like Dani Dennis-Sutton.
