Five-Star QB Jared Curtis Flips Commitment from Georgia to Vanderbilt Ahead of Early Signing Period
In a major shake-up just hours before the early signing window opens, five-star quarterback Jared Curtis — rated the nation’s top pocket passer and No. 5 overall prospect in the 2026 class — has switched his commitment from Georgia to Vanderbilt. Curtis announced his decision Tuesday night, marking one of the most significant recruiting victories in Commodores history.
Curtis, a standout at Nashville Christian School, is expected to sign with Vanderbilt on Wednesday morning, making him the highest-ranked recruit the program has ever landed. Sources indicated that the senior quarterback had been trending toward staying home throughout the fall, with momentum building as the early signing period approached.
“Being here in Nashville and watching what Vanderbilt is doing this season has been special,” Curtis wrote in his announcement. “Over these past few weeks, it became clear that I want to be close to home, play in front of family, and embrace being the underdog. I’m excited to be a Commodore and to help build something with Coach Lea right here at home.”
Curtis originally committed to Georgia in 2024 but re-opened his recruitment before recommitting to the Bulldogs in May following a tight decision between Georgia and Oregon. Vanderbilt intensified its pursuit in October, emphasizing immediate playing-time potential and the appeal of being a hometown star with an opportunity to eventually succeed Heisman contender Diego Pavia.
After Vanderbilt’s win over Missouri on Oct. 25, interest between both sides accelerated. One factor that reportedly delayed Curtis’ decision was head coach Clark Lea’s status amid interest from other programs. Following Lea’s six-year contract extension in late November, confidence grew around Vanderbilt’s pitch, ultimately leading to Tuesday night’s flip.
Curtis becomes the cornerstone of Vanderbilt’s 2026 class, which previously ranked 50th nationally. His addition gives the Commodores their first ESPN 300 signee since 2023 and their first-ever five-star recruit. He now surpasses Jordan Cunningham (No. 107 in 2013) as the highest-rated player Vanderbilt has ever signed and becomes the first top-10 quarterback to choose the Commodores since Kyle Shurmer in 2015.
A four-year starter at Nashville Christian, Curtis has thrown for 7,637 yards and 92 touchdowns across his first three high school seasons, helping deliver a Division II-A state championship as a junior. He will close his prep career Thursday night in another state title appearance.
With Curtis’ departure, Georgia enters the early signing period without a quarterback commit in the 2026 cycle. The Bulldogs’ future depth includes returning starter Gunner Stockton, redshirt freshman Ryan Puglisi, and 2025 signees Ryan Montgomery and Hezekiah Millender, leaving the door open for Georgia to re-enter the market for another passer.
The early signing window for the 2026 class begins Wednesday and runs through Friday, with National Signing Day set for February 4.
