Michigan Football: Can the Wolverines steal another one from Notre Dame?

One of the top uncommitted wide receivers in the 2025 class is set to make his decision this weekend, and Michigan is still in the mix.

Chris Breiler | Jul 17, 2024

A Michigan football helmet on the sideline during open practice at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas on Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024. / Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK

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Michigan Wolverines

Less than two weeks ago the Michigan Wolverines flipped Notre Dame's top rated commitment in the 2025 class, Ivan Taylor. The four-star safety had committed to the Irish back in December, but that clearly didn't deter the Wolverines from pursuing him on the recruiting trail. That persistence paid off in a big way.

It sounds like Michigan has the same mindset when it comes to four-star wideout Derek Meadows. In fact, 247 Sports is reporting that Meadows may have delayed his decision in part because of the late push from Michigan.

"However, I think what can't be disputed is Michigan has become an unexpected thorn in this recruitment," wrote Sam Webb. "A big reason is that its NIL pitch hasn't taken a backseat to either team. The post national championship NIL success being experienced by the program's top tier guys has made it a player in these types of recruitments, and it has absolutely made it a player in this one."

Considered one of the top wide receivers in the 2025 class, Meadows is set to announce his decision on Saturday, July 20 - choosing between Alabama, Georgia, LSU, Notre Dame, and Michigan. Both On3 and 247 Sports are favoring the Irish in this one, but it's also being reported that Michigan is still making a push to land the Top 50 prospect.

The latest on top-50 WR Derek Meadows' upcoming college decision from @SWiltfong_👀

Meadows will choose between Alabama, Georgia, LSU, Michigan and Notre Dame on Saturday⏳

Read: https://t.co/fCxKj4yR8i pic.twitter.com/gvWtmRsnWG
— On3 Recruits (@On3Recruits) July 15, 2024

Here's the scouting report from 247 Sports on the four-star prospect:

"Meadows is a jumbo receiver and one of the more intriguing players in the ’25 class. He has a rare combination of size, athleticism and body control and is only scratching the surface of how good we think he can be. At 6-6, 200 pounds and an 80” wingspan, he’s a matchup nightmare for smaller defensive backs and should be an immediate red zone threat. He can run as well and is one of the region’s top track athletes although a hamstring injury has limited him this Spring. He was the Gatorade Track and Field Athlete of the Year as a sophomore and is one of the region’s top hurdlers. He has a big frame and it wouldn’t shock us if he eventually grows in to a pass catching tight end who would be lethal working against linebackers and safeties down the middle of the field. Saying that, he has a receiver skill set and we’ve seen him dominate on the 7v7 circuit with his length, jump ball skills and ability to catch the ball through contact. His upside is extremely high and with continued development, there’s no question he has the potential to play on Sunday’s for a very long time."

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