Michigan football landed the commitment of a four-star quarterback in the 2025 class and here are three thoughts.
There was some actual good news for Michigan football on Tuesday and it was on the recruiting trail as the Wolverines landed a new quarterback commitment.
It’s always important when a quarterback commits. Michigan football started trending for the pledge of four-star Carter Smith, out of the 2025 class. That was Sunday and now, he’s a Wolverines pledge.
Smith is ranked No. 213 overall in the 2025 class according to the 247 Sports composite rankings. He’s ranked 14th among quarterbacks and there is plenty to like about the 6-foot-3 180-pounder out of Florida that also has offers from Miami, Florida State, Florida, and Texas A&M among others. Here are three thoughts on his commitment.
A smart take
Michigan football is still recruiting Bryce Underwood in the 2025 class. The No. 1 quarterback is considering Michigan football and LSU among others.
Yet, this commitment doesn’t mean that the pursuit of Underwood ends. LSU might have a slight lead but if the Wolverines can get him on campus for the Ohio State game, it might be a chance to change his mind.
Underwood is an incredible talent and it would be a huge bummer to miss on him and Dante Moore. But the Wolverines are getting a solid prospect here.
Smith has work to do as a passer, but EJ Holland reported that some on the staff even see some McCarthy in him. He’s got more athleticism than Jadyn Davis.
He’s also a dude with some upside. If the staff essentially views him as a top-100 guy, then why wouldn’t you take him, especially if you are planning on two quarterbacks to build depth.
A different kind of quarterback
Smith has played a lot of football. He has been starting since his freshman season and as a sophomore, he completed 62 percent of his passes. He also threw for 3,100 yards and 29 touchdowns, as well as rushing for 16 touchdowns and almost 700 yards.
That’s where the McCarthy comparisons are coming in. He’s got that playmaking element which is a little better than Jadyn Davis who is more of a pro-style quarterback.
Davis strikes me as someone who can come in and play point guard. He needs to improve his arm and playmaking ability.
Smith needs to improve his arm. His scouting report mentions an unorthodox throwing motion but he’ll have time to develop and Michigan football has done really well developing the position lately.
A win for Kirk Campbell
Campbell has been an upgrade on the recruiting trail in a big way. Not only was he able to land Davis but he has had the Wolverines in the mix for a bunch of top 2025 passers.
Underwood wasn’t even considering the Wolverines that much until Campbell got involved. He also got rid of the strategy of putting all your eggs in the basket of one quarterback as Michigan football did in 2023 with Dante Moore and sort of did again in 2024 with Davis.
It won’t make it hurt any less if the Wolverines miss on Underwood, but you have to feel good about the potential of Davis or Smith developing into a capable starter.
Outside of that, it depends on what McCarthy does in 2024. If he returns, Michigan football won’t really need a portal quarterback unless it’s a young guy with multiple years of eligibility.
Not only would it give Michigan another season of McCarthy at the helm, but it would also allow Davis a season to develop before Smith and another quarterback in 2025 come aboard.
I also don’t see it impacting Underwood. I don’t think Smith or Davis would be the reason he chose LSU or any destination over the Wolverines.