The race to secure the commitment of five-star quarterback Jared Curtis, the top-ranked signal-caller in the 2026 recruiting class, has intensified as the Georgia Bulldogs and Oregon Ducks vie for his pledge. Curtis, a standout at Nashville Christian School in Tennessee, is set to announce his decision on May 5, choosing between two programs that have made him their top priority.
A Decorated High School Career
Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 225 pounds, Curtis has been a dominant force in high school football. As a junior in 2024, he completed 179 of 255 passes for 2,830 yards, 40 touchdowns, and only three interceptions. He also showcased his dual-threat capabilities by rushing for 637 yards and 18 touchdowns. His stellar performance earned him accolades such as Tennessee Gatorade Football Player of the Year and Tennessee Mr. Football.
The Recruitment Journey
Curtis initially committed to Georgia in March 2024 but decommitted in October to explore other opportunities. Since then, his recruitment has been a two-horse race between Georgia and Oregon. Both programs have pulled out all the stops to secure his commitment.
Oregon’s head coach Dan Lanning and offensive coordinator Will Stein have emphasized the program’s upward trajectory and Curtis’s fit within their offensive scheme. Curtis has made multiple visits to Eugene, including an extended stay in March 2025, indicating strong interest.
Georgia, led by head coach Kirby Smart and offensive coordinator Mike Bobo, has leveraged its established relationships with Curtis and his family. The Bulldogs have emphasized their track record of developing NFL-ready talent and the stability of their program.
Final Visits and Decision Factors
In the lead-up to his decision, Curtis scheduled in-home visits with both Georgia and Oregon’s coaching staffs. These visits are crucial as both programs aim to make their final pitches.
Curtis’s father has described his son as being “torn” between the two programs, highlighting the difficulty of the decision. Factors influencing his choice include program stability, development opportunities, and the potential for immediate impact.
Implications of the Decision
For Georgia, landing Curtis would solidify their quarterback position for the future and continue their streak of securing top-tier talent. Missing out could shift their focus to other prospects like four-star quarterback Bowe Bentley.
For Oregon, securing Curtis would be a significant coup, especially after the decommitment of four-star quarterback Jonas Williams. Curtis’s commitment could elevate their 2026 recruiting class rankings and signal their growing prominence in national recruiting battles.
