Vanderbilt scored one of the biggest recruiting flips in program history this week, securing a commitment from Nashville Christian five-star quarterback Jared Curtis.
The standout junior had been verbally committed to Georgia since May, but recently informed the Bulldogs he will instead play his college football in Nashville.
Curtis is rated by Rivals as the top quarterback in the 2026 class and the No. 2 overall prospect nationally. At 6-foot-3 and roughly 225 pounds, he is considered one of the most complete high-school passers in the country, combining high-end arm strength with advanced playmaking instincts.
His decision gives head coach Clark Lea his 21st pledge in a fast-rising 2026 recruiting class and instantly becomes the highest-ranked high-school quarterback to choose Vanderbilt since Jay Cutler.
🚨BREAKING🚨 No. 1 QB Jared Curtis is flipping his commitment from Georgia to Vanderbilt, @SWiltfong_ reports⚓️
— Rivals (@Rivals) December 2, 2025
Curtis informed the Bulldogs’ staff of his decision this morning. Https://t.co/ktvO9uS8Ro pic.twitter.com/bHIOkRp7nR
Why Curtis flipped to Vanderbilt
Curtis’ commitment reflects several factors working in Vanderbilt’s favor. The opportunity to compete early was a major influence, especially with Heisman candidate Diego Pavia set to finish his college career after this season. Curtis is expected to enter that battle immediately as a freshman.
Program trajectory played a role as well. Vanderbilt’s on-field progress under Lea, paired with strong NIL support and a recruiting pitch centered on development, helped drive the flip.
“There is a lot of great hype right now with Vanderbilt,” said Curtis’ agent, Peter Webb of QB Reps, earlier in the fall. “The city is hot right now. They beat LSU. They beat Bama last year. I think they’ve done a great job to pique his interest and get him curious about the program. There is a lot of good things happening with Vanderbilt.”
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What Curtis brings to the Commodores
Curtis has been one of the most productive high-school quarterbacks in the country over the last two seasons.
As a junior, he completed more than 70 percent of his throws while racking up 2,830 yards and 40 touchdown passes, adding 18 more scores on the ground. His senior year has been just as sharp, with 1,005 passing yards and 14 touchdowns in only five games, plus four additional rushing scores.
Who Vanderbilt beat for the 5-star QB
Curtis originally chose Georgia over Oregon, and he had serious interest from Alabama, Ohio State and South Carolina.
His decision to stay home and join Vanderbilt marks a significant recruiting win for Lea’s staff and could be a defining moment in the program’s climb toward long-term relevance.
With Curtis committed, Vanderbilt not only strengthens its future quarterback room but also adds a foundational piece for its broader ambitions in the expanded College Football Playoff era.
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