Five-Star Quarterback Jared Curtis Commits to Georgia: A Deep Dive into the Decision and Its Implications
In the world of college football recruiting, few events generate as much buzz as the commitment of a top-tier quarterback. On May 5, 2025, the recruiting landscape was shaken when five-star quarterback Jared Curtis, the No. 5 prospect in the 2026 ESPN 300, announced his commitment to the Georgia Bulldogs over the Oregon Ducks. This decision capped off what has been the most consequential recruitment to date in the 2026 cycle.
Jared Curtis, who had previously decommitted from Georgia in October, is the No. 1 overall quarterback in the 2026 class. Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 225 pounds, the Nashville native took trips to both Georgia and Oregon earlier this spring. According to sources, Curtis held in-home visits with offensive coordinators Mike Bobo from Georgia and Will Stein from Oregon last week. He also had conversations with both programs on Sunday afternoon before making his final decision.
For Georgia, Curtis’ return to their 2026 class marks a significant recruiting victory for coach Kirby Smart and his staff. Curtis now stands as the highest-ranked of four ESPN 300 pledges in the program’s incoming class. This collection of talent is expected to grow over the summer as Georgia aims for a 10th consecutive top-three signing class. If Curtis signs later this year, he will arrive as the program’s third highest-ranked quarterback pledge in the ESPN recruiting era, trailing only Justin Fields (No. 1 overall in 2018) and Matt Stafford (No. 5 in 2006).
With his commitment, Curtis positions himself as the potential quarterback of the future in Athens, joining a roster that includes expected starter Gunner Stockton, redshirt freshman Ryan Puglisi, and 2025 signees Ryan Montgomery and Hezekiah Millender. Meanwhile, Oregon returns to the quarterback market in search of a 2026 passer after missing out on Curtis.
What Makes Curtis So Good?
Jared Curtis is a quarterback with supreme arm talent, ideal measurables, and a competitive temperament. He possesses good speed for his size and is a better athlete than he often gets credit for. His natural arm power, velocity, and ability to change arm angles are what stand out the most. Curtis is a flexible thrower who can make off-platform throws look easy, finding alternative ways to get the ball out without losing power or strength. Additionally, he’s a crafty runner who can extend plays and get out of trouble.
However, there is a concern regarding the level of competition he faces at Nashville Christian, a 2A private school. Curtis has yet to be truly challenged against elite competition throughout his high school career, often being the best player on the field. Despite this, he has a winning mentality, loves to compete, and possesses abilities that can’t be coached. — Tom Luginbill
Who Does He Compare To?
When comparing Curtis to current college players, he most closely resembles Garrett Nussmeier of the LSU Tigers. Although Curtis is much bigger, their skillsets are eerily similar. Both are gunslingers with live arms, and they don’t need perfect conditions to make a play. They play with supreme confidence and elevate the performance of those around them.
In Athens, Curtis can emulate the play style of Stetson Bennett during his last two college seasons. Like Bennett, Curtis can use his legs, acumen, resourcefulness, and accuracy to lead the team. However, Curtis is bigger and has a stronger arm than Bennett. — Luginbill
What Does the Team’s QB Roster Look Like Now?
With Curtis joining the team, Georgia’s quarterback room is filled with highly rated prospects, albeit with limited on-field experience. Gunner Stockton was the fifth-rated dual-threat QB in the 2022 class and performed admirably when filling in for an injured Carson Beck last year.
- Stockton is likely to be the starter in Athens for the next two seasons.
- Ryan Puglisi is highly talented and will compete for the starting job in 2025.
- UGA signed two quarterbacks in the 2025 class.
Given this depth, Curtis’ decision to sign in December could lead to one or more players entering the transfer portal. — Luginbill
What’s Next for Oregon and Georgia’s Recruiting Classes?
The next showdown between the Bulldogs and Ducks is set for May 13, when five-star offensive tackle Jackson Cantwell announces his commitment. Ranked No. 3 in the 2026 ESPN 300, Cantwell will visit both programs in the final stages of his recruitment. He won’t be the last elite prospect these two powerhouses battle over, either.
With Curtis’ commitment, Georgia has secured a cornerstone pledge for the 2026 cycle. With the No. 1 overall passer in hand, the Bulldogs will work to build around him. Top running back prospect Derrek Cooper (No. 7 in the 2026 ESPN) and four-star rusher Savion Hiter (No. 27) are priority targets at another position of need, as is in-state rusher Jae Lamar (No. 129). Five-star end Kaiden Prothro (No. 19 overall) could be the next piece in Georgia’s stellar tight end pipeline, and five-star offensive tackle Immanuel Iheanacho (No. 12) will be on campus for an official visit later this month.
On defense, the Bulldogs remain firmly in the mix for top linebacker Tyler Atkinson (No. 13) and No. 1 athlete Brandon Arrington (No. 14), as well as top-50 defensive backs Jireh Edwards (No. 30), Justice Fitzpatrick (No. 42), and Chauncey Kennon (No. 49).
Oregon, having missed out on Curtis, still has multiple years of eligibility for third-year passers Dante Moore and Austin Novosad, along with the arrival of four-star freshman Akili Smith Jr. This means the Ducks don’t have to sign a quarterback in the 2026 class.
Oregon has been in contact with five-star Houston quarterback pledge Keisean Henderson (No. 16 overall) this spring. However, their top non-Curtis quarterback target is four-star passer Ryder Lyons (No. 50), who plans to take a mission trip following his senior year and would not join Oregon until 2027. Given the program’s lack of an immediate need at the position, Lyons — the nation’s No. 5 quarterback prospect — could be an especially good fit in 2026.
Other top targets for the Ducks this cycle include: Iheanacho, Atkinson, Arrington, defensive end Richard Wesley (No. 18), safety Jett Washington (No. 22), and tight end Mark Bowman (No. 24). — Eli Lederman
How Does This Affect the QB Dominoes?
As noted, Oregon doesn’t have to sign a QB in this cycle, but with Curtis off the board, the Ducks should still be a major player across the seven months between now and the early signing period.
This could have significant ramifications for Houston if the Ducks increase their efforts to flip Henderson. It could also impact USC and BYU if Oregon turns its full attention to Lyons this summer. The Ducks might also look toward other quarterbacks across the country.
Alongside Oregon, Alabama, Auburn, Florida State, LSU, North Carolina, Ohio State, Ole Miss, and South Carolina are among the top programs still active in the quarterback market this spring.
However, as of May 5, only four of the 18 quarterbacks ranked inside the 2026 ESPN 300 remain uncommitted. With Curtis now committed, expect the recruitments of those remaining quarterbacks to pick up steam in the coming months.
Lyons is set for June officials with BYU, USC, and Oregon. Ole Miss remains the front-runner for Duckworth, who also holds heavy interest from Auburn, Florida State, and South Carolina. Bowe Bentley (No. 264) will visit Georgia, LSU, and Oklahoma later this spring, while former Purdue pledge Oscar Rios (No. 193) will take official trips to Virginia Tech, Utah, Arizona, and Colorado after an April visit to Oklahoma State. — Lederman
Originally Written by: Eli Lederman,Tom Luginbill
