For months, Kai Meza seemed set on playing for the Minnesota Golden Gophers. The Corner Canyon High School wide receiver — ranked among Utah’s top 20 recruits and a top-200 national receiver — gave an early verbal commitment to head coach P.J. Fleck and receivers coach Matt Simon, feeling confident in his future in the Big Ten.
But recruiting is rarely predictable.
After Minnesota added its 23rd commitment for the class of 2026, Meza became just the second recruit to de-commit from the Gophers this cycle. Three weeks ago, he officially reopened his recruitment, marking a major shift for one of Utah’s most talented playmakers.
“It was very hard,” Meza told KSL.com after helping Corner Canyon wrap up an 8-1 regular season and clinch the Region 3 title on Wednesday night.
“I really love Coach P.J. Fleck and Coach Matt Simon. They showed a lot of love, and it was very hard to make that decision.”
Still, Meza’s decision has opened new doors — and big ones.
Three New Power Five Programs Step Forward
In the days surrounding his de-commitment, Meza received a scholarship offer from Kansas State, followed by official visit invitations to Colorado and California (Cal). He plans to take one final visit to Kansas State from Nov. 1–3 before making a final commitment.
“I love each of those coaching staffs, and I’m excited to finish off my visits and meet more of them,” Meza said.
The 6-foot-1, 185-pound receiver also holds offers from several other FBS programs, including Arkansas, Boise State, Oklahoma State, and Utah.
Meeting ‘Coach Prime’: A Dream Come True
Meza’s recent visit to Boulder, Colorado, on Oct. 10 was particularly memorable — not just for the facilities and photo sessions in the Buffaloes’ extensive uniform collection, but for a chance encounter with Colorado head coach Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders.
“It was amazing,” Meza recalled. “I loved everything about it. Getting to meet Deion? I’m a fan, for sure. It was a lot of fun, and I’d for sure do it again.”
The experience added an emotional highlight to Meza’s recruiting journey — one that continues to gain national attention as Power Five programs look for late additions before signing day.
A Proven Performer at Corner Canyon
Meza’s on-field résumé speaks for itself.
He first broke out as a sophomore at Mountain Ridge High School, where he hauled in 57 receptions for 1,131 yards and 10 touchdowns. Following that season, he transferred to Corner Canyon, one of Utah’s premier football programs.
Playing alongside Texas A&M quarterback commit Helaman Casuga, Meza thrived in an explosive offense known for developing Division I talent.
As a junior, he posted 46 catches for 944 yards and 13 touchdowns, helping the Chargers make another deep playoff run. Through nine games of his senior season, Meza has already surpassed 700 yards and eight touchdowns, including two in Wednesday’s 56–3 victory over Lehi that sealed the Region 3 championship.
Praise From His Coach
Corner Canyon head coach Eric Kjar, who has coached several collegiate standouts and NFL prospects, said Meza’s combination of speed, precision, and unselfishness sets him apart.
“He’s so quick in and out of his breaks,” Kjar said. “He’s got great vertical speed too, but he’s so shifty. He’s a big-time player and does a great job for us.”
Kjar noted that Meza’s modest target share sometimes hides his true impact — a result of playing in a system loaded with offensive talent.
“Because our other receivers are pretty good, he probably doesn’t get as many targets or as much credit as he deserves,” Kjar added. “But he’s such an unselfish player. We try to spread it out as much as we can.”
Balancing Sports, Academics, and Future Goals
In addition to football, Meza is also a track athlete and maintains a 3.6 GPA, underscoring his commitment both on and off the field.
As recruiting interest intensifies, he’s focusing on finishing his senior year strong — with a state title repeat on his mind — before making his final college decision.
“I love to see my boys eat,” Meza said with a smile. “It’s great to watch them score. I love how we work together as a team; we’re happy for each other.”
Recruiting Summary
- Name: Kai Meza
- High School: Corner Canyon (Draper, Utah)
- Class: 2026
- Height/Weight: 6’1”, 185 lbs
- Position: Wide Receiver
- National Ranking: Top 200 WR (247Sports)
- Utah State Ranking: Top 20 overall
- Former Commitment: Minnesota
- Active Offers: Kansas State, Colorado, Cal, Arkansas, Boise State, Oklahoma State, Utah
- Next Visit: Kansas State (Nov. 1–3)
- Intended Decision Timeline: Post-visit, before end of 2025 season
