The West Virginia Mountaineers are continuing their hot start to their 2027 recruiting class, as Rich Rodriguez and his staff added a big-time commitment along the defensive line on Sunday.
The Mountaineers earned a commitment fro Zai'Vion Meads, a three-star defensive lineman out of Atherton High School in Lousiville, Kentucky. Meads had garnered significant interest from multiple Big Ten and SEC programs, with offers extended from programs including Nebraska, Purdue, Missouri, Kentucky, Mississippi State, and Northwestern.
He made the announcement after visiting West Virginia on May 29. He still has visits scheduled with Purdue on June 12 and Missouri on June 19, though it's unknown whether or not he'll follow through on those trips.
"I appreciate every coach and university that has recruited me through this process," Meads wrote on social media when announcing his decision. "But when you know…. You just know!! I’m blessed to say I will be continuing my athletic and academic future at West Virginia University!!"
I appreciate every coach and university that has recruited me through this process. But when you know…. You just know!! I’m blessed to say I will be continuing my athletic and academic future at West Virginia University!! Mountaineers I’m 1000% committed
— Zai’Vion Meads 3️⃣ ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@Ziggy41_) May 31, 2026
LETS GET IT… pic.twitter.com/U0nW42T0pc
WVU football earns commitment from Zai'Vion Meads
The West Virginia Mountaineers add a player who could potentially be an elite pass rusher at the next level – don't let the three-star rating fool you about his abilities. As a junior during the 2025 season, Meads recorded 87 tackles, including 18 tackles for losses, and tallied nine sacks on the season.
During his sophomore season, the 6-foot-3 lineman did not see quite as impressive stats in the pass rush game, but he was still a force to be reckoned with defensively, racking up 48 tackles and one sack on the year.
Meads is currently ranked the 17th-best player in the state of Kentucky and 121st-best defensive lineman in his class, according to 247Sports. But as evaluations of his class begin to pick up more significantly during the summer and his senior season, he could end up becoming a steal for the Mountaineers, particularly if he takes another leap this fall.
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