Sherrone Moore and the Michigan Wolverines have received some disappointing news.
While their recent win over in-state rival Michigan State provided some much-needed excitement in Ann Arbor, the fact of the matter is the 2024 season hasn’t exactly gone according to plan for the Wolverines.
Adding to the overall gloomy feeling is the news that four-star quarterback Carter Smith has yanked his commitment to the program.
The Bishop Verot High School star in Fort Myers, Florida, who had previously voiced his unwavering commitment to Michigan, has officially reopened his recruitment.
Just recently, Smith had confidently told Michigan recruiting insider E.J. Holland that he had no intention of changing course.
“I’m locked in. I’m not going anywhere. There is not a better place on the planet,” Smith said on October 24.
His decommitment, just a week later, marks a significant loss for the Wolverines’ 2025 recruiting class.
Smith’s initial commitment came back on November 14, 2023, during Jim Harbaugh’s tenure as head coach, with the dual-threat quarterback choosing Michigan over 20 other offers.
His decision to reopen his recruitment leaves Michigan without a quarterback commit for the 2025 class.
Trouble at the quarterback position has become a theme for Michigan this year. It has become even more complicated thanks to the recent retirement announcement of Jack Tuttle.
On3.com’s Vice President Steve Wiltfong reports that Clemson, Penn State, and Wisconsin are now in-play for Smith.
Of course, Smith’s decommitment may not necessarily be the end of the world. In fact, it could be a sign that Michigan is about to make an even bigger splash.
The program is actively pursuing Bryce Underwood, a five-star quarterback and current LSU commit.
According to On3.com, Michigan has extended Underwood a “competitive NIL package,” reportedly comparable to LSU’s offer (in the neighborhood of $5 million).
The Wolverines’ pursuit of Underwood has gained additional traction with Michigan alum and Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy lending his support on the NIL front, amplifying efforts to land high-profile recruits.
Underwood, the No. 1 quarterback in the nation, plays for Belleville High School, located just minutes from the University of Michigan’s Ann Arbor campus.
At 6-foot-3 and 205 pounds, Underwood has earned widespread recognition as a premier talent and could help resolve Michigan’s search for an elite 2025 quarterback.
Landing Underwood would not only secure Moore’s first five-star skill-position recruit but would also provide the Wolverines with a top-tier talent capable of leading the program into the future.
Additionally, if Underwood were to commit, he would join Andrew Babalola, a five-star offensive tackle from Overland Park, Kansas, as part of Michigan’s 2025 class.
Michigan hosts the No. 1 Oregon Ducks at home this Saturday, and with the recent roster shake-ups, all eyes are on Moore’s potential quarterback recruits.
As we know, the position has never been as important as it is now. If Michigan wants to remain in the elite class of college football, they need to address and solidify the position going forward.
What are your thoughts on Smith’s decommitment? … Do you think it’s a sign that Underwood will be ditching LSU for the Wolverines???