Luke Fickell must go all-in for 4-star QB recruit visiting for the Oregon game

Right now, a ton of focus for Luke Fickell and the Wisconsin Badgers is on the big-time showdown against Iowa. The Heartland Trophy is on the line and following the loss to Penn State last week, it's time for some good news to come in for this program.

Earlier this week, though, off the field, a major update arrived with it being reported that 4-star quarterback Carter Smith will be making the trip to Madison to watch the Badgers take on No. 1 Oregon later this month. This is huge for Fickell.

Smith is one of the top quarterbacks in the country and he was previously committed to Michigan. With all the Bryce Underwood rumors flying around, it wasn't a surprise that Smith decided to open up his recruitment. It's looking like Wisconsin, Penn State and Clemson are the major players moving forward. And you know what, Fickell simply has to come out on top.

4-star QB Carter Smith is high on Wisconsin with his recruitment now open

The Smith visit is raising some eyebrows, as Fickell already has a 2025 quarterback commit on board in Landyn Locke, starting QB Braedyn Locke's younger brother. However, no disrespect to the younger Locke, but Smith is a much higher rated QB and he's on another level talent wise.

Being able to land someone of Smith's caliber would be a splash move for Fickell and his staff, especially with Dabo Swinney and James Franklin also involved. It would send a message that Wisconsin can still compete with some of the top programs in the country for coveted recruits.

Only time will tell if Wisconsin will be able to win this recruiting battle or not. However, we all know how much of an impact a head-turning visit to Madison, one of the best college towns out there, can make. Getting Smith on Campus is one thing. Now, though, Fickell will need to close this one out.