Four-star quarterback Carter Smith, a Michigan commit and ESPN’s No. 3 dual-threat passer in the 2025 class withdrew his commitment from the Wolverines on Wednesday night, signaling what could be the beginning of a significant quarterback shake-up in the late stages of the 2025 recruiting cycle.
Smith’s decision to decommit aligns with Michigan’s recent intensified efforts to flip LSU quarterback commit Bryce Underwood, a top recruit, to the Wolverines. Underwood, a 6-foot-4, 210-pound prospect from Belleville, Michigan, ranks as ESPN’s No. 1 overall recruit for 2025. Committed to LSU since January 2024, Underwood plays his high school football just 18 miles from Michigan Stadium. Now, with Smith’s departure, attention shifts to Underwood as the early signing period approaches.
Smith, a 6-foot-3, 185-pound passer from Fort Myers, Florida, shared his decision on social media, expressing gratitude to Michigan’s coaching staff, particularly Coach Kirk Campbell, for the opportunity. Smith, ranked No. 155 in the 2025 ESPN rankings, was previously the sixth-ranked recruit in Michigan’s class. With his recruitment now open, Michigan currently holds commitments from only seven ESPN 300 prospects for 2025.
During his junior season at Bishop Verot High School, Smith threw for 2,223 yards and 29 touchdowns, earning Florida’s Player of the Year honors. He initially committed to Michigan in November, choosing the Wolverines over Florida, Penn State, Miami, and Cincinnati.
Smith’s departure leaves a vacancy at quarterback in Sherrone Moore’s first recruiting class and paves the way for Michigan’s renewed pursuit of Underwood. Underwood, who led Belleville High School to its third consecutive state title as a junior, committed to LSU in January, picking the Tigers over Michigan and Alabama after a junior season in which he threw for 3,165 yards and 40 touchdowns.
Underwood has been LSU’s prized recruit for 2025 since his commitment, but Michigan has kept in contact, particularly in recent weeks, to potentially flip him. With Smith’s exit, speculation about Underwood’s potential switch to Michigan will likely increase as the early signing period approaches on Dec. 4.
Before Smith’s decommitment, Michigan ranked No. 14 in ESPN’s team standings for 2025 and could see a surge in rankings if they successfully secure Underwood. Additionally, the Wolverines remain competitive for four-star safety Jordan Young (No. 106 in ESPN 300) and recently hosted Georgia cornerback commit Shamari Earls (No. 71). Michigan faces top-ranked Oregon at home this Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET.
