Top 2026 QB Jared Curtis Shuts Down Vanderbilt Flip Rumors - For Now
Jared Curtis, the top-ranked quarterback and overall recruit in the 2026 class, isn’t ready to announce any changes to his college plans - despite a flurry of speculation Tuesday suggesting he had flipped from Georgia to Vanderbilt.
Just before noon ET, reports began circulating that Curtis, a Nashville native, had committed to Clark Lea and the surging Commodores. Given the momentum Vanderbilt has built both on and off the field this season, the idea didn’t seem far-fetched. But Curtis himself quickly stepped in to set the record straight.
“Don’t know where all this is coming from,” Curtis posted on social media. “Haven’t had a chance to talk to either school yet. I’ll keep y’all posted.”
That’s about as clear as it gets from a high school quarterback navigating the spotlight of national recruiting. Curtis hasn’t made a decision - at least not publicly - and he’s asking for space before anything becomes official.
A Wild Ride With Georgia
If Curtis eventually does flip to Vanderbilt, it would mark his second departure from Georgia. He first committed to the Bulldogs in March 2024, only to decommit in October of the same year, citing a desire to explore other options. When he recommitted earlier this spring - choosing Georgia over Oregon - there was a sense that the decision might finally stick.
But Vanderbilt never backed off.
The Commodores have been relentless in their pursuit, hosting Curtis for a fall practice and again on Oct. 25 for their matchup against Missouri. Quarterback Diego Pavia even made the trip to watch Curtis play during Vanderbilt’s bye week. And yes, even comedian and Nashville native Nate Bargatze got in on the pitch, publicly calling for Curtis to flip during an appearance on College GameDay.
The Vanderbilt Pitch: Playing Time and Hometown Ties
There’s a lot working in Vanderbilt’s favor. For one, Curtis would have a legitimate shot at seeing the field early.
With Pavia moving on after this season, the Commodores will be looking for a new starter in 2026. That’s a stark contrast to Georgia, where Gunner Stockton - the Bulldogs’ current starter - is expected to return for his senior season.
Then there’s the hometown factor. Curtis plays his high school ball just minutes from Vanderbilt’s campus at Nashville Christian, where he’s put together a remarkable career.
He’s already thrown for nearly 10,000 yards and has led the Eagles to a 12-0 record and a spot in the Division II Class A state finals. Even after missing time this season with an ankle injury, he’s tallied 1,863 passing yards, 31 touchdowns, and six interceptions, while adding 536 rushing yards and 10 more scores on the ground.
If he were to sign with Vanderbilt, Curtis would become the first five-star recruit in program history - a landmark moment for a program that’s enjoying its best season in recent memory.
Georgia’s Déjà Vu?
For Georgia fans, this all might feel a little too familiar. Just two years ago, five-star quarterback Dylan Raiola flipped from the Bulldogs to Nebraska just days before the early signing period. That one stung, especially after Raiola had moved to Georgia to finish his high school career at powerhouse Buford High.
Now, the Bulldogs are once again holding their breath as the early signing period approaches. It opens Wednesday, and Curtis could make things official at any point after that.
For now, though, the message from the nation’s top quarterback is simple: no decision has been made. But with Vanderbilt knocking loudly and Georgia looking to hold on, this recruitment is far from over.