West Virginia Stun College Football World: Nation’s No. 1 American Overall Best Player Recruit Geno Smith Chooses West Virginia Over Tennessee and Georgia…
In a landmark moment for West Virginia football, quarterback Geno Smith, one of the nation’s top recruits, committed to the Mountaineers in 2008, choosing them over powerhouse programs like Tennessee and Georgia. Hailing from Miramar High School in Florida, Smith was a standout dual-threat quarterback, earning first-team all-state honors and a spot in the prestigious Elite 11 quarterback camp. His decision to join WVU marked a significant recruiting victory for the program.
Smith’s impact at West Virginia was immediate and profound. Taking over as the starting quarterback in his sophomore year, he quickly established himself as one of the most prolific passers in school history. Under head coach Dana Holgorsen’s guidance, Smith thrived in a pass-heavy offense, setting multiple school records for completions, attempts, and passing yards.
One of Smith’s most memorable performances came in the 2012 Orange Bowl, where he led the Mountaineers to a 70–33 victory over Clemson. In that game, he tied three individual bowl records: most touchdown passes (six), most touchdowns overall (seven), and total points (42). His 401 passing yards also broke the previous Orange Bowl record held by Tom Brady.
Smith’s stellar college career propelled him into the NFL, where he was selected by the New York Jets in the second round of the 2013 draft. After stints with several teams, he experienced a career resurgence with the Seattle Seahawks, earning Pro Bowl honors and the NFL Comeback Player of the Year award in 2022. As of 2025, Smith continues his professional career with the Las Vegas Raiders.
Geno Smith’s commitment to West Virginia not only elevated the program’s national profile but also set a new standard for quarterback excellence in Morgantown. His legacy endures as a testament to the impact a single recruit can have on a college football program.
