"Strange decision young man": Fans react to 4-star WR Terrence Smith's latest Iowa commitment

By Aman Sharma

Modified Sep 02, 2024 18:27 GMT

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Terrence Smith, a highly-rated wide receiver from Aurora, Illinois, has committed to the Iowa Hawkeyes for their 2025 recruiting class. Smith is a standout from West Aurora High School. He is a four-star recruit and is ranked 326th nationally, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings.

Smith's decision to join Iowa came after an impressive 40-0 win by the Hawkeyes over Illinois State, which seemed to solidify his choice. Although he was also considering Minnesota and Purdue, Iowa's strong offensive showing appeared to sway him.

The announcement sparked mixed reactions among fans, with some expressing confusion over his decision, like this fan saying:

"Strange decision young man"

Another fan, though, showed optimism:

"New era coming to Iowa City."

Here is how other fans are reacting:

"Hahahahaha why would a kid ruin his career like this?" A fan quipped.

"Bro said I never wanna catch a TD my whole career," a fan remarked.

Terrence Smith's recruiting journey included official visits to both Minnesota and Iowa. He visited Minnesota first, but after his trip to Iowa City in late June, he narrowed his choices down to the Hawkeyes and the Gophers.

“I came down to two schools, Minnesota and Iowa, after visiting and going on my officials and being around the coaches and getting a good feel of the programs,” Smith shared with On3.

During his visit to Iowa, Smith had an opportunity to connect with the coaching staff and current players.

“I basically got a chance to spend time and get close with the coaches and learn what they’re about,” Smith told HawkeyeReport.com. “A highlight for me was getting to sit down with the head coach and just talk about football.”

Terrence Smith is the first pure wide receiver to commit to Iowa’s 2025 class, which includes tight ends Eli Johnson and Thomas Meyer. Additionally, Mason Woods, a local talent from Iowa City West, is anticipated to play either tight end or wide receiver for the team.

Illinois star Terrence Smith bets on Iowa's future with commitment to Hawkeyes

The Iowa Hawkeyes currently rank No. 40 in the composite class rankings with 15 commits. Despite the smaller size, the class boasts six four-star recruits, including Terrence Smith, the sole wide receiver commit.

Terrence Smith, who also excels in basketball and track, seems to fit perfectly as an outside receiver for Iowa. His relationship with wide receivers coach Jon Budmayr, who played a key role in his recruitment, has been crucial.

"When I first got the offer, it was his first couple of days as the wide receiver coach," Smith said of Budmayr. "He's been my guy since day one. We have been locked in and talking since the day I got the offer."

Offensive coordinator Tim Lester also contributed to the recruiting process, impressing Smith with his energy and coaching style.

"It has been cool really. We've been building that bond and it'll be smooth when I go down for the official visit. Tim Lester is a great guy and he's real energized. I feel like he can be a great coach."

Although Iowa's recent offensive performance has been criticized, Smith is optimistic about the new coaching staff's potential.

"I'm looking towards the future and what they can become," he told 247 Sports. "If I go there, I can have a chance to play in front of NFL scouts or get a chance to play professionally. I would get that player development that I want."

Last season, Terrence Smith recorded 59 receptions for 906 yards and 11 touchdowns at West Aurora. In addition to football, Smith averaged 12.8 points and 7.2 rebounds in basketball and placed sixth in the high jump at the Illinois state track meet.