Georgia’s QB Future Just Got Complicated - Here’s What Comes Next After Jared Curtis’ Flip
Georgia had a clear vision for life after Gunner Stockton - and five-star quarterback Jared Curtis was supposed to be a major part of it. The unofficial plan?
Bring Curtis in, let him learn behind Stockton for a year, then hand him the keys to the offense in 2027. That plan just got tossed out the window.
Curtis won’t be heading to Athens after all. Instead, he’s taking his talents to Vanderbilt, where he’s expected to start from day one. That decision doesn’t just sting - it forces Georgia to rethink its entire quarterback succession plan.
What Curtis’ Departure Means for Georgia
Curtis was more than just another blue-chip recruit. He was the guy Georgia had penciled in as the next face of the program. Now, with him off the board, the Bulldogs are left with a big question mark at quarterback beyond 2026.
Yes, Ryan Puglisi is still in the room, and he’s a talented option. But let’s be honest - how long is he willing to wait?
If Stockton returns next season, Puglisi would be looking at another year on the bench. That’s a tough sell in today’s college football landscape, where elite QBs want to play - and play now.
Even if Puglisi sticks around, Georgia’s depth chart is suddenly thin. They’re going to need to hit the Transfer Portal. Hard.
The Transfer Portal: Georgia’s New Best Friend?
The good news? This offseason is shaping up to be a quarterback carousel like we haven’t seen in years. The portal is already brimming with talent, and more names are expected to join the mix.
Just in the last couple of days, we’ve seen some big-time names enter or signal their intent to jump in:
- DJ Lagway
- Dylan Raiola
- Brendan Sorsby
- Aidan Chiles
- Aaron Philo
- Drew Mestemaker
That’s just the beginning. And while not all of these guys will be realistic options for Georgia, the volume of talent means the Bulldogs will have options - if they play their cards right.
Stockton’s Decision Looms Large
Here’s where things get interesting. Right now, Stockton is expected to return in 2026.
If that holds true, Georgia’s appeal to top-tier portal quarterbacks takes a hit. Most of the elite guys in the portal aren’t looking to sit - they’re looking to start on day one.
And if Stockton is still in Athens, Georgia becomes a tougher sell.
But if Stockton declares for the NFL? Everything changes.
Suddenly, Georgia becomes one of the most attractive destinations in the country for a transfer QB. Top-tier program, elite talent on both sides of the ball, and a clear path to the starting job? That’s the kind of setup that could lure a star-level quarterback to Athens in a heartbeat.
Could Georgia Land a Sit-and-Wait QB?
There’s also a scenario - albeit a less likely one - where Georgia finds a transfer who’s willing to sit behind Stockton for a year and then compete for the job in 2027. That’s essentially what they hoped to get with Jared Curtis.
It’s not impossible, but it’s rare. In this era of instant eligibility and NIL opportunities, patience is hard to find.
Still, if Georgia can identify the right fit - maybe a younger transfer with multiple years of eligibility - they could set themselves up for a smoother transition when Stockton eventually moves on.
What’s Next?
No matter what happens with Stockton, Georgia needs to add at least one quarterback this offseason - and probably two. Between the Curtis flip and the uncertainty around Puglisi’s future, the Bulldogs can’t afford to stand pat.
The good news is the timing might actually work in their favor. The portal is overflowing with talent, and Georgia remains one of the premier destinations in college football. Whether they land a plug-and-play starter or a developmental guy with high upside, they’ve got options.
But make no mistake - losing Jared Curtis was a big blow. Now it’s up to Kirby Smart and his staff to pivot, reload, and make sure the quarterback room in Athens stays championship-caliber. Because in today’s game, if you don’t have a plan at QB, you don’t have a plan at all.