South Carolina leads the race as 5-star 2025 prospect Jared Smith finalizes commitment date

By Maliha

Modified Jul 12, 2024 13:28 GMT

Five-star edge rusher Jared Smith, from Thompson High School in Alabaster, Alabama, remains one of the most elite prospects in the 2025 class yet to commit to any college program. But Smith is also nearing a decision, as he has now announced his top six programs.

The schools in contention for Smith's commitment are South Carolina, Georgia, Auburn, Florida State, USC and Ole Miss, among which he will announce his choice on August 3. Smith officially visited the Rebels in April and was in South Carolina in June. He later visited Georgia on June 7, Tennessee on June 14 and Florida State on June 18 before concluding his trip with USC on June 21.

South Carolina is emerging as the frontrunner in the recruitment of Jared Smith, with an 87.7% chance of securing his commitment, according to the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine.

“South Carolina has always been high on my list and this visit solidified that," Jared Smith told On3. "They always show me love when I’m in Columbia. This trip, I was able to bring my family so they could get a feel for the staff, school, and the city."

Earlier this year, Smith revealed to On3 that the most significant factor in his commitment decision would be a "home feeling" and strong relationships. His family members also checked his fit in the Gamecocks program during his official visit.

“My grandma isn’t worried as much now that she met the people that I would be around. My family now sees what I see, that Columbia is a great city and the Gamecocks are pretty cool.”

Recruiting analyst Cooper Pategna noted that Smith has all the physical attributes desired by collegiate programs and NFL organizations for a defensive line or edge position. Despite South Carolina's current lead, they will face stiff competition from Georgia and Ole Miss for Smith’s commitment.

Jared Smith opens up about his bond with South Carolina DB coach Sterling Lucas

South Carolina’s coaching staff had been pursuing Jared Smith for a while and defensive back coach, Sterling Lucas, has been a notable name in the effort.

“Coach Lucas is my guy. He gives it to me straight. He let me know how he plans on using me and he let me know a few things I can start correcting now.”

South Carolina’s 2025 recruiting class currently includes 18 commitments, ranking No. 26 nationally, a drop from No. 19. Within the SEC, they rank No. 11, down from No. 10. The class features four-star prospects like Lex Cyrus, Brian Rowe, Shed Sarratt and Jaquavious Dodd.

Smith transferred from Spain Park to Thompson High School in late October 2023. In the 2022 season, while playing at end in a 4-3 front for Spain Park, he recorded 4.5 sacks in a single game against Chelsea. As a freshman in 2021, he totaled seven tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss.

Jared Smith is the No. 175 overall prospect, the No. 18 EDGE in the 2025 class and the No. 6 player in Alabama, according to On3. 247 Sports places him as the No. 19 overall prospect, the No. 2 EDGE in the class and the No. 2 player in the state.