LSU made a major recruiting move over the weekend by securing a commitment from five-star wide receiver Derek Meadows, ranked No. 6 at his position and No. 32 overall in the 2025 class by 247Sports.
Meadows, who hails from the renowned Bishop Gorman High School in Nevada, attracted interest from top programs including Georgia, Michigan, Alabama, Notre Dame, and LSU. Ultimately, it was Brian Kelly and the Tigers who won him over. At 6-foot-5 and 200 pounds, with a background in track and field, Meadows is anticipated to be a significant challenge for defenses. His size and athleticism make him a formidable target against defensive backs and linebackers.
The addition of Meadows is a substantial gain for LSU, which was already positioned in the top 10 of the 247Sports 2025 recruiting rankings. His commitment also pairs him with five-star quarterback Bryce Underwood, currently the top-ranked prospect in the class.
247Sports recruiting analyst Greg Biggins highlighted Meadows as a standout in the 2025 class. “Meadows is a jumbo receiver with a rare blend of size, athleticism, and body control. His potential is significant; he could evolve into a pass-catching tight end due to his ability to exploit mismatches against linebackers and safeties. His skill set is impressive, having excelled in 7v7 play with his length and jump ball abilities. With further development, he has the potential to have a long career in the NFL.”
The addition of Meadows caps off a strong week for Brian Kelly and the LSU staff, following the earlier commitment of five-star safety DJ Pickett and a four-star edge rusher, Damien Shanklin. LSU is now closing in on the top three spots in the 2025 national rankings, trailing behind Ohio State (No. 1), Alabama (No. 2), and Georgia (No. 3).