While the Wisconsin Badgers weren't able to take down No. 1 Oregon on Saturday night in Madison, everything wasn't all a loss for head coach Luke Fickell. There were a boatload of recruits on campus and they got a close look at the electric atmosphere at Camp Randall.
They also watched Wisconsin take down then No. 9 Arizona on the hardwood. Fickell was hoping to make a splash with everyone on campus, but arguably his biggest focus was on 4-star quarterback Carter Smith, who recently decommitted from Michigan.
Smith is a touted prospect and an elite playmaker. The Badgers have made him a priority with the Early Signing Period two weeks away. In an interview with 247's Evan Flood, Smith's dad said the Badgers made a huge impression on the family over the weekend. Not only that, but he told Flood that it feels like it's a 50-50 shot for the Badgers to land Smith, with Florida State being his other finalist.
Can the #Badgers reel in four-star quarterback Carter Smith following his official visit?
— Evan Flood (@Evan_Flood) November 18, 2024
"It really is a possibility."
The latest: https://t.co/FPRFyzg3Lw (VIP) pic.twitter.com/Tp4GxWNd97
Wisconsin is hoping to land 4-star quarterback Carter Smith over Florida State
Smith is going to take a visit to FSU and then a decision is expected to come soon after. There were other schools in the mix after he opened up his recruitment, but it indeed appears to be a race between Wisconsin and the Seminoles.
No disrespect to Braedyn Locke, but he has proven that he's not the long-term answer for this team. Freshman Mabrey Mettauer is waiting for his shot too, but it's not going to come this season, as Fickell said that Locke is going to remain his starter.
As for Smith, the Fort Myers, Fla. product is ranked four stars and the No. 16 QB in the country per the 247Sports Composite. Throughout his recruitment, he has picked up offers from more than 20 programs.
With his official visit to FSU scheduled for Nov. 29, we should find out where he'll be playing his college ball. Loads of Wisconsin supporters are optimistic he'll be making his way to Madison for next season, but things are a bit up in the air there. It looks like his trip to Wisconsin sure made an impact on him, though.