In a significant boost to their future roster, the Wisconsin Badgers football program has landed a commitment from one of the nation’s top quarterback prospects in the 2025 recruiting class. Four-star dual-threat quarterback Carter Smith announced his pledge to the Badgers on Sunday, just over a week after taking an official visit to Madison.
Smith, a standout at Bishop Verot High School in Fort Myers, Florida, is ranked as the No. 3 dual-threat quarterback and No. 155 overall prospect in the ESPN 300 for the 2025 cycle. The coveted recruit initially committed to Michigan in November 2023 but reopened his recruitment last month amid the Wolverines’ pursuit of top overall prospect Bryce Underwood.
A New Era for Wisconsin Football
The commitment of Carter Smith represents a major coup for head coach Luke Fickell and the Wisconsin staff as they look to reshape the program’s identity and build a foundation for future success. Smith’s dynamic skill set as a passer and runner should add an explosive element to the Badgers’ offense in the coming years.
According to sources close to the situation, Smith was drawn to Wisconsin by the program’s blue-collar mentality and focus on player development under Fickell’s leadership. The opportunity to compete in the Big Ten Conference and showcase his abilities on a national stage also played a significant role in his decision.
Impressive High School Resume
During his junior season at Bishop Verot High School, Smith put up eye-popping numbers that earned him recognition as Florida’s Gatorade Player of the Year. The 6-foot-2, 195-pound quarterback threw for 2,223 yards and 29 touchdowns against just four interceptions while rushing for an additional 19 scores.
Carter’s ability to make plays with his arm and his legs is truly special. He has the potential to be a game-changer at the next level.
– Bishop Verot head coach John Smith
Badgers’ 2025 Class Takes Shape
With Smith’s commitment, Wisconsin’s 2025 recruiting class now stands at 25 pledges and is ranked No. 31 nationally by ESPN. He joins four-star inside linebacker Mason Posa from Albuquerque, New Mexico, as the second ESPN 300 prospect in the Badgers’ incoming freshman class.
The addition of a talented quarterback like Smith should help Wisconsin address some of the offensive inconsistencies that have plagued the team in recent seasons. The Badgers currently sit at 5-6 on the year following a disappointing 44-25 loss to Nebraska on Saturday and will need a victory over rival Minnesota in the regular-season finale to secure bowl eligibility.
Looking Ahead to the Future
While the immediate focus for Wisconsin remains on salvaging the 2024 campaign, the commitment of Carter Smith offers a glimpse into a promising future for the program under Luke Fickell’s guidance. As the Badgers continue to stock their roster with top-tier talent, expectations will undoubtedly rise in Madison.
For Smith, the opportunity to compete for early playing time and make an impact in a Power Five conference made Wisconsin an attractive destination. With his unique blend of arm talent and athleticism, the Florida native has the potential to develop into a true difference-maker at the collegiate level.
As the early signing period approaches in December, Wisconsin fans will eagerly await the official addition of Carter Smith to the program. His commitment serves as a testament to the coaching staff’s ability to identify and secure elite talent, even in the face of stiff competition from other top-tier programs.
The future looks bright for Wisconsin football, and the arrival of Carter Smith in 2025 should only heighten the anticipation for what lies ahead. As the Badgers continue to build momentum on the recruiting trail, the pieces appear to be falling into place for a resurgence in the Big Ten Conference.