Michigan loses commitment of 4-star QB Carter Smith amid record-breaking NIL deal for Bryce Underwood

Four-star quarterback Carter Smith decommitted from Michigan's 2025 class on Wednesday. He was a three-star when he gave his pledge to the Wolverines last year under former Wolverines coach Jim Harbaugh.

Smith confirmed his decommitment in a post on X, writing:

"I would like to start by thanking the coaching staff at Michigan for everything they have done for me. I would especially like to thank Coach [Kirk] Campbell for everything and for giving me such an incredible opportunity. With that being said, I would like to announce that I have decommitted from the University of Michigan."

With Smith’s decommitment, Michigan no longer has a quarterback committed to its 2025 class. One major target is five-star quarterback Bryce Underwood, an LSU commit who has led Belleville High School to three consecutive state title games as a junior.

Rumors about Michigan’s renewed interest in Underwood began circulating online a few weeks ago, and now those whispers seem to be more serious. According to On3’s Steve Wiltfong, there has been growing confidence within the school that they may be able to flip the quarterback from LSU.

According to On3’s Pete Nakos, Michigan’s coaches have reestablished connections with Underwood’s family and have reportedly extended a competitive NIL. However, he expressed his strong connection to LSU in January:

"LSU felt like home. The relationship I built with the coaching staff is unbreakable. I've never felt an atmosphere better than LSU's. It's unreal."

While the Wolverines attempt to secure Underwood, they have other talent in their quarterback pipeline. Freshman Jadyn Davis is on their roster, while four-star Brady Hart from the 2026 class is also committed to the school.

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What's next for Carter Smith following his Michigan decommitment?

Carter Smith has drawn comparisons with Kansas State's Avery Johnson, and schools are reaching him following his decommitment. Speaking with On3, his father Dan provided an update about his recruitment:

“We’ve had multiple schools get back to us and are ready to take him. I think that’s the direction. There were a couple surprises in there because they have kids right now.”

Among the schools interested are Clemson, Penn State and Wisconsin. Penn State has a commitment from three-star quarterback Bekkem Kritza, while Wisconsin has a verbal pledge from Landyn Locke.

Both schools may try to bring Carter Smith, who's more of a dual threat quarterback. He's ranked the No. 95 overall prospect in the 2025 class and the No. 4 quarterback in the nation.

However, Clemson may have an edge, as it lost four-star quarterback Blake Hebert earlier this month, who flipped his commitment to Notre Dame. This shift opens an opportunity for Clemson to land Carter Smith.