Carter Smith, 4-star QB, leaves Michigan Wolverines

Fort Myers (Florida) Bishop Verot four-star quarterback Carter Smith has canceled the obligation Michigan in the midst of the Wolverines' pursuit of an LSU commitment Bryce Underwood.

Smith pledged to former coach Jim Harbaugh and Co. in November 2023, choosing them over Florida and more than a dozen other reported offers.

“Several schools have reached out to us and are willing to take him,” said Smith’s father, Dan.

Clemson, Penn State and Wisconsin are major schools.

“I think that’s the direction. There were a few surprises because they just had kids.”

He was one of the top recruits in Michigan's Class of 2025, which currently sits just outside the top 10 of the On3 Industry Team Recruiting Rankings.

And all signs pointed to him signing with UM in December and enrolling early.

“I’m locked in,” Smith told TheWolverine.com last week. “I'm not going anywhere. There is no better place on the planet. There's not much going on in my life, someone wonders (laughs). I'm solid because of the quality of the people there. It still feels so right.”

However, Michigan has significantly increased its pursuit of Underwood, a Detroit native and the top overall recruit in his class.

According to On3's Steve Wiltfong, there is growing confidence within the Michigan program that they can ultimately beat Underwood, and the Wolverines are “full steam ahead” in pursuing him. Smith has since reopened his recruitment, just over a month before National Signing Day.

According to Wiltfong, schools to keep an eye on for Smith — the No. 199 recruit and No. 18 QB nationally — include Penn State, Wisconsin and Clemson. The Nittany Lions currently have a commitment from three-star Bekkem Kritza, while the Badgers have a verbal commitment from three-star Landyn Locke.

However, the Tigers recently saw commit Blake Hebert decommit and immediately transfer to Notre Dame. And according to Wiltfong, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Smith visit Clemson soon.

Wolverines' pursuit of Underwood includes a huge NIL package

According to On3's Pete Nakos, Michigan donors are fully committed to helping head coach Sherrone Moore bring in Underwood.

“Industry sources told On3 that Underwood is expected to receive a no-cost package worth over $5 million over three to four years, regardless of which program gets his signature on National Signing Day,” Nakos wrote earlier this week.

Multiple sources also told Nakos that the Wolverines have reconnected with the family over the last three weeks and offered a competitive NIL package on par with LSU's. The Underwoods have previously stated that while NIL will be a factor in where Bryce plays his college football, it won't be the only one.

“We're trying to put the money into the whole situation because whatever his dreams are, we want him to live them out,” Bryce Underwood's father said. Jaquantold On3 in June On3 Elite Series. “The money will come if he just lives his dreams.

…I don't want to get it twisted, money is a big deal. At the same time, it's about Bryce being able to turn his dreams into goals. Whatever field he’s in, football, sports, man, I’m great with it as long as he’s happy.”