Michigan rules out freshman Carter Meadows for season opener against Western Michigan

Michigan will play its 2026 season opener without five-star defensive end Carter Meadows. A program spokesman confirmed the freshman is unavailable for Saturday night's matchup against Western Michigan. No reason for the absence was disclosed, and the team provided no timeline for his potential return beyond this week. Meadows had drawn significant attention during fall camp, earning recognition from coaches as an impact player among the team's incoming class. Despite his expected role in the rotation, the Wolverines maintain depth at the edge position. Defensive players including John Henry Daley, Dominic Nichols, and Nate Marshall remain available for the game. The absence delays the debut of the 6-foot-7, 252-pound prospect who arrived from Gonzaga College High School as a top recruit for the program.

• 11:07 PMYahoo Sports — Michigan Loses Five-Star Freshman for Saturday’s Opener