The college football recruiting landscape experienced another seismic shift as four-star quarterback Carter Smith, a top target for Florida State, announced his decision to commit to the University of Tennessee. Smith, who had narrowed his choices to Tennessee and Georgia, revealed his commitment date, signaling the culmination of a highly contested recruiting battle between two SEC powerhouses and an ACC giant.
With his decision set for next week, the announcement ends months of speculation about where the coveted prospect from Florida will take his talents. While Florida State seemed to have an edge early in the process due to proximity and program momentum, Tennessee surged late in the race, convincing Smith that Knoxville would be the ideal place for his future.
Carter Smith, a 6-foot-3, 210-pound quarterback from Orlando, Florida, has quickly risen to national prominence due to his elite arm talent, football IQ, and ability to extend plays with his legs. Rated as one of the top 10 quarterbacks in the 2025 class by On3 and Rivals, Smith is regarded as a dual-threat quarterback who can thrive in both traditional and modern offensive schemes.
Smith’s high school performance speaks for itself. This past season, he threw for over 3,200 yards with 30 touchdowns while rushing for an additional 800 yards and 12 scores. His versatility has drawn comparisons to NFL stars like Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen, making him one of the most sought-after recruits in the country.
Smith’s decision to commit to Tennessee is a major coup for head coach Josh Heupel and the Volunteers. Heupel’s reputation as a quarterback whisperer, combined with Tennessee’s high-octane offense, proved too enticing for Smith to pass up.
Here are some key factors that likely influenced Smith’s decision:
- Offensive System: Heupel’s offense is tailor-made for quarterbacks like Smith. Tennessee’s up-tempo, spread attack allows quarterbacks to showcase their arm strength and decision-making skills while also incorporating designed quarterback runs. Smith’s dual-threat abilities align perfectly with this scheme, giving him a chance to shine from day one.
- Path to Early Playing Time: Tennessee’s quarterback room is talented but not overly crowded. While five-star freshman Nico Iamaleava currently sits atop the depth chart, Smith’s arrival in 2025 ensures he’ll have a chance to compete for the starting role early in his college career.
- Recruiting Momentum: Tennessee’s recent recruiting success has created a buzz around the program. The Volunteers are positioning themselves as one of the top contenders in the SEC East, and Smith’s commitment only strengthens their future outlook.
- Relationship with Coaches: Smith has spoken highly of Heupel and offensive coordinator Joey Halzle throughout his recruitment. The coaching staff’s ability to connect with Smith on a personal level likely played a pivotal role in his decision.
Georgia, another finalist in Smith’s recruitment, made a strong push but ultimately fell short. The Bulldogs, led by head coach Kirby Smart, have established themselves as one of the premier programs in college football, but their focus on pro-style quarterbacks may have played against them in this instance. Smith’s skill set is more aligned with a system that emphasizes mobility and creativity, which is not traditionally Georgia’s forte.
Florida State, on the other hand, appeared to be a strong contender early in the process. As the in-state powerhouse, the Seminoles offered proximity and the chance to lead a surging program under Mike Norvell. However, Tennessee’s offensive identity and recruiting momentum ultimately proved too difficult.
Smith’s impending commitment represents a massive victory for Tennessee on multiple fronts. Not only does it add an elite quarterback to their 2025 class, but it also sends a clear message to the rest of the SEC that the Volunteers are serious about building a championship-caliber program.
In today’s college football landscape, a team’s success often hinges on the quality of its quarterback play. By securing Smith, Tennessee positions itself as a contender for years to come. Additionally, his commitment could have a domino effect on other top recruits considering the Vols, further bolstering their future classes.
With his commitment date set, Smith is expected to finalize his decision during a live announcement on social media next week. The event will be highly anticipated, drawing attention from fans of Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida State.
For Smith, the focus will soon shift to preparing for the next level. As he wraps up his high school career, he’ll undoubtedly look to improve his game further and live up to the lofty expectations that come with being a four-star quarterback heading to the SEC.
Carter Smith’s decision to choose Tennessee over Georgia and Florida State is a monumental moment for the Volunteers. It’s a testament to Josh Heupel’s ability to attract top-tier talent and signals that Tennessee is ready to reclaim its place among college football’s elite programs.
As the Vols celebrate this major recruiting win, fans will eagerly await Smith’s official commitment next week. For now, one thing is certain: the future looks bright in Knoxville, and Carter Smith will be a big part of it.