Wide Receiver Derek Meadows Is Building A Strong Bond With Notre Dame

Standout 2025 wide receiver Derek Meadows goes in depth on relationship with Notre Dame

Arguably the most physically gifted wide receiver in the 2025 recruiting class is Las Vegas (Nev.) Bishop Gorman athlete Derek Meadows. The 6-5, 185-pound standout has been a top priority for the Notre Dame staff ever since he put together a dominance performance at the summer Irish Invasion camp. 

The relationships between the two sides has escalated quickly.

Meadows’ roots are not strictly out West. He actually has lived in New Jersey and Illinois in the past. For the majority of his life, Meadows lived in Aurora, Ill., which is three hours from South Bend.

That led to some early knowledge about the Notre Dame program. Meadows is busy learning even more about the school now.

"I’m really starting to learn more about Notre Dame now,” Meadows told Irish Breakdown. "I knew about them growing up. I used to watch the movie Rudy and stuff, but it’s gone more in depth now.”

Meadows has had the chance to make a couple school visits this offseason, including to Notre Dame, Washington and BYU. When asked about some trips that really stuck out to him, there was only one quick reply.

“Oh definitely, Notre Dame,” Meadows stated. "Notre Dame was definitely one of them. I love that campus. It’s so welcoming there. I loved every part of it honestly. I loved the indoor facility. That really touched me. We got to visit the rest of the campus. I got to see the Golden Dome and it was so cool. Everything just shocked me really. It’s the place to be really.”

He also wasn’t the only member of the Meadows’ family that enjoyed the trip to South Bend. Both his parents made the trip, which also enjoyed the experience.

"They loved it,” Meadows explained. "I love how Notre Dame pushes academics because that’s very important to me. If you get a degree from Notre Dame, you’re basically set for life. My parents are very strict on academics and it’s important, so I can see why. They fell in love with it. They really appreciated everything that the coaching staff did for us.”

One of the big separators for Notre Dame making an impact on Meadows is the staff, both from the coaching and recruiting side. The relationships have been developing well early on.

“It’s been great, especially with Coach (Chansi) Stuckey and Chad Bowden,” he said. “I just love them. Chad Bowden always hits me up like, my guy! Coach Stuckey, I just love him. What I love about him, if I end up going there, he knows what he’s doing. As a wide receivers coach, he’s been there before. He’s a part of that one percent.”

With the dead period now over, Notre Dame has a chance to ride momentum with Meadows that still exists after his visit this summer. The staff has made the Nevada star clearly feel like a priority, which Meadows is very thankful for.

"I felt so welcomed there,” he stated. "Whenever I talk to them on the phone; they make sure I know I’m at the top of their list and their priority. Just knowing that makes me very happy.”

As for timelines, there isn’t anything strictly defined. Meadows is just letting the process play out, which is extremely positive with Notre Dame’s positioning.

"I don’t have a timeline,” Meadows said. "It can happen whenever. I’m looking for a school that is pushing academics, has a great football program and just a well rounded school in general. I just want a welcoming environment honestly.”

Meadows has gained a ton of traction on the recruiting trail this off-season. So far he has earned scholarship offers from Notre Dame, Utah, Washington, BYU, Nevada, Colorado State and Hawaii. His offer from the Irish came after Meadows’ performance at the Irish Invasion.

Meadows is already well liked from a ranking perspective. According to the 247Sports ranking, Meadows is currently pegged as the No. 72 overall player and No. 9 wide receiver in the 2025 recruiting class. 

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