This story was updated to add new information.
The Wisconsin Badgers landed a commitment from top-ranked class of 2025 quarterback Carter Smith on Sunday.
Smith had initially committed to Michigan in November of 2023. The four-star recruit decommitted from the Wolverines’ program on Oct. 30 and was projected to land with either the Florida State Seminoles or Badgers in a two-team race.
Luke Fickell’s program ultimately prevailed.
247Sports considers Smith the No. 164 overall recruit in the class of 2025, the No. 15 quarterback and the No. 26 prospect in his home state of Florida. Smith is now the Badgers’ highest-rated high school quarterback commit since Graham Mertz in 2019.
A combination of factors contributed to the decision. On Thursday, four-star 2025 quarterback Kevin Sperry flipped his commitment from Oklahoma to Florida State, filling the void left by 2025 QB Tramell Jones after he decommitted from FSU on Nov. 14.
Sperry’s choice likely redirected Smith’s focus away from the Seminoles and solely on the Badgers. Both Rivals and 247Sports released forecasts for Smith to choose Wisconsin after Sperry’s flipped commitment.
This factor, coupled with the Badgers’ recent firing of offensive coordinator Phil Longo on Nov. 17, created a news-filled runway for Smith’s commitment. The Badgers prevailed despite the recent significant change at coordinator.
Let’s Work!🦡@CoachFick @CoachRodeBV @Hayesfawcett3 pic.twitter.com/zE7jDww3Nj
— Carter Smith (@_CarterSmith9) November 24, 2024
Wisconsin now boasts the No. 17 recruiting class for the class of 2025 with 24 total commitments, per Rivals. Smith’s commitment arrives just a few days after UW flipped former Michigan defensive lineman commit Jaylen Williams.
In terms of the overall acquisition, Smith’s commitment is a step in the right direction for a program that is currently struggling on the field. For the time being, he will join a quarterback room in 2025 featuring Braedyn Locke, Mabrey Mettauer and Landyn Locke. The room is almost guaranteed to look different by the time fall camp begins next August.