In the world of college football recruiting, nothing is guaranteed until the ink dries on signing day. A prime example of this uncertainty involves Michigan football’s pursuit of elite 2025 wide receiver Derek Meadows. While the Wolverines seemed to be making progress in flipping Meadows from LSU, recent developments indicate the tide may have turned.
Derek Meadows, a standout prospect from Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas, is ranked 119th overall in the 2025 recruiting class according to the 247Sports Composite rankings. At one point, Meadows was considered a five-star recruit and one of the most coveted wide receivers in the nation. His current commitment to LSU seemed firm, but Michigan had been building momentum to sway him.
Even before securing the high-profile flip of quarterback Bryce Underwood, Michigan had been laying the groundwork with Meadows. The Wolverines hosted the 6-foot-5, 200-pound receiver for a visit earlier this month, which coincided with Underwood’s commitment. That momentum led to expert predictions from notable recruiting analysts, including Steve Wiltfong of On3.com, EJ Holland of The Wolverine, and Sam Webb of The Michigan Insider, all forecasting that Michigan would successfully flip Meadows.
However, on Wednesday, Webb adjusted his confidence level in Michigan’s chances. He noted that Meadows was initially expected to announce his flip by Monday or Tuesday but failed to do so. The reason for this delay soon became clear.
In recent days, Alabama has emerged as a significant contender for Meadows’ commitment. Previously, Notre Dame was seen as Michigan’s primary competitor in the battle to flip the star receiver from LSU. However, recruiting analysts Tom Loy and Blair Angulo have now submitted crystal ball predictions favoring Alabama. Angulo, a West Coast recruiting expert for 247Sports, is particularly well-connected in this region, suggesting Alabama has seized the momentum.
With National Signing Day looming, Alabama’s late surge complicates Michigan’s plans. Losing Meadows would undoubtedly be disappointing for the Wolverines, especially given their recent struggles to recruit a physically dominant receiver of his caliber. Meadows’ combination of size, athleticism, and skill would have been a perfect fit for Michigan’s offense.
That said, Michigan isn’t out of options. The recruiting landscape is ever-changing, and new targets could emerge in the days leading up to signing day. While Meadows might not end up in Michigan’s 2025 class, the Wolverines still have time to pivot and secure other key commitments.
In recruiting, as in football, it’s not over until the final whistle. Although the odds of flipping Meadows now appear slim, Michigan’s coaching staff will undoubtedly continue fighting to strengthen their 2025 recruiting class.
