LSU made a significant impact on the recruiting front recently by securing the commitment of five-star wide receiver Derek Meadows. Meadows, ranked as the No. 6 wide receiver and No. 32 overall prospect in the 2025 class by 247Sports, comes from the renowned Bishop Gorman High School in Nevada. Despite interest from top college football programs like Georgia, Michigan, Alabama, Notre Dame, and LSU, it was Brian Kelly and the Tigers’ pitch that ultimately convinced him to commit.
Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 200 pounds, Meadows possesses athleticism honed through his background in track and field. His size and skills are expected to create matchup difficulties for opposing defenses, excelling in catching passes over defensive backs and outrunning linebackers with his speed and agility.
The addition of Meadows is a significant boost for LSU, elevating their position in the top 10 of the 247Sports recruiting rankings for the 2025 cycle. He joins forces with five-star quarterback Bryce Underwood, currently ranked as the top overall prospect in the class.
According to 247Sports recruiting analyst Greg Biggins, Meadows is praised for his unique blend of size, athleticism, and body control, foreseeing potential growth into a formidable pass-catching tight end who can dominate matchups against linebackers and safeties. Biggins emphasizes Meadows’ potential for long-term success in professional football given his outstanding physical attributes and ongoing development.
Meadows’ commitment rounds out a successful recruiting period for Brian Kelly and the LSU coaching staff, following earlier commitments from five-star safety DJ Pickett and four-star edge rusher Damien Shanklin. These signings have narrowed the gap between LSU’s recruiting class, ranked fourth nationally, and the top three programs of Ohio State, Alabama, and Georgia for the 2025 cycle.
