Official Report: Four-Star QB Carter Smith Decommits from Michigan, Flips Commitment to Arkansas Over Florida, Penn State and Others….
In a major recruiting shake-up, four-star quarterback Carter Smith has officially decommitted from Michigan and announced his commitment to the Arkansas Razorbacks, bypassing Florida, Penn State, and others. Smith, ranked as ESPN’s No. 3 dual-threat quarterback in the class of 2025 and the No. 155 prospect overall, made his decision public on Wednesday night via social media, thanking Michigan’s coaching staff and especially Coach Kirk Campbell for their support and opportunity before confirming his decision to decommit.
Smith’s departure from Michigan comes amid the Wolverines’ intensified pursuit of LSU commit Bryce Underwood, the nation’s No. 1 overall recruit in the 2025 class. With Underwood playing his high school games just miles from Michigan Stadium, the Wolverines are keen on capitalizing on the local connection to potentially flip him from LSU as the early signing period looms in just over a month.
Carter Smith’s Stellar High School Performance
Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 185 pounds, Smith is a formidable talent out of Bishop Verot High School in Fort Myers, Florida. His junior season saw him throw for 2,223 yards, 29 touchdowns, and only four interceptions, earning him Florida’s Player of the Year honors. Initially committing to Michigan under head coach Jim Harbaugh in November 2023, Smith chose the Wolverines over Florida, Penn State, Miami, and Cincinnati.
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Now committed to Arkansas, Smith will join Razorbacks coach Sam Pittman’s program, which is seeking to revitalize its quarterback lineup. Arkansas had been aggressively courting the talented quarterback as a high-priority addition, competing against other major programs and ultimately winning him over.
Michigan’s Pursuit of Bryce Underwood Intensifies
Smith’s decommitment may be strategic for Michigan, as the Wolverines have their eyes set on Bryce Underwood. The 6-foot-4, 210-pound Underwood has led Belleville High School to multiple state championships and, in his junior season, threw for 3,165 yards with 40 touchdowns and only two interceptions. Underwood has been the cornerstone of LSU’s 2025 class since committing in January, choosing the Tigers over Michigan and Alabama. With Smith’s exit from Michigan’s recruiting class, the Wolverines appear poised to make an aggressive last-minute push for Underwood in hopes of securing the Michigan native before the early signing period opens on December 4.
Michigan currently ranks No. 14 in ESPN’s team recruiting standings for the 2025 class, and landing Underwood could give them a substantial boost. This recruitment battle is expected to be one of the most closely watched in the final stretch, with Michigan hoping to bring the state’s top quarterback back home.
The Broader Impact and Future Prospects
For Arkansas, securing a commitment from Smith represents a significant recruiting victory as they build their roster for future seasons. For Michigan, the decommitment represents both a setback and an opportunity. The Wolverines remain in contention for other highly-rated recruits, including four-star safety Jordan Young and Georgia cornerback commit Shamari Earls. Additionally, Michigan will host No. 1 Oregon this Saturday, a high-profile matchup that may play a part in influencing prospective recruits.
As the early signing period nears, Michigan’s efforts to secure a commitment from Bryce Underwood and close the gap in the rankings will be key storylines to watch.
