Jared Curtis, the top quarterback recruit, talks to finalist schools, Oregon’s Dan Lanning, and Ohio State’s Ryan Day.

In the world of college football recruiting, few things garner as much attention as the recruitment of a top-tier quarterback. As one of the most critical positions on the field, the selection of a future quarterback can have a profound impact on a program’s trajectory. Jared Curtis, the top-ranked quarterback recruit of his class, has become the center of attention in the 2027 recruiting cycle. With his remarkable arm strength, mobility, and football IQ, Curtis is a coveted talent, and programs from across the country are eagerly vying for his commitment. Recently, Curtis had conversations with the finalist schools on his list, including Oregon and Ohio State, both of which have strong recruiting pedigrees and rich football traditions. Curtis also engaged in discussions with Oregon’s head coach Dan Lanning and Ohio State’s head coach Ryan Day, two of the premier minds in college football.

This article will take a deep dive into Jared Curtis’s recruitment process, his discussions with the finalist schools, and how both Oregon and Ohio State are positioning themselves as the two primary contenders for his commitment. We will also examine what makes Curtis such an exceptional quarterback prospect and how Lanning and Day have been strategically wooing him in the lead-up to his final decision.

Jared Curtis: A Rising Star in the Recruiting World

Jared Curtis is widely considered one of the most talented quarterbacks to emerge in recent years. Hailing from a region of the country known for producing elite quarterback talent, Curtis has consistently impressed scouts and coaches alike with his skill set. Standing at 6’4” and weighing around 215 pounds, Curtis possesses the ideal physical attributes for a modern-day quarterback. His arm strength is elite, capable of making every throw in the book, from deep balls down the sideline to tight-window throws across the middle of the field. In addition to his powerful arm, Curtis is a highly mobile quarterback, displaying the ability to extend plays with his legs and make things happen outside the pocket.

What truly sets Curtis apart, however, is his football IQ. His ability to read defenses, make adjustments at the line of scrimmage, and stay calm under pressure is rare for someone so young. He has demonstrated an ability to manage the game effectively and make quick decisions in high-pressure situations. Whether he’s delivering a perfectly timed throw in a tight game or engineering a game-winning drive, Curtis exudes confidence and maturity beyond his years.

As one of the top recruits in the country, Curtis has seen his recruitment become a highly publicized and closely watched saga. College programs across the nation have eagerly pursued him, hoping to land a player who could potentially lead their program for years to come. For Curtis, the decision will have far-reaching consequences—not just for his future but also for the future of whichever program he commits to.

The Finalists: Oregon and Ohio State

After months of narrowing down his list of potential schools, Curtis has now narrowed his options to two finalist programs: Oregon and Ohio State. Both schools boast storied football histories, elite coaching staffs, and the resources to help Curtis develop into a future NFL-caliber quarterback. As he continues to weigh his options, both Oregon’s Dan Lanning and Ohio State’s Ryan Day have made it clear that they are not just interested in Curtis for his athleticism—they are enamored by his leadership potential and football intelligence.

Let’s break down the two finalists in Curtis’s recruitment process: Oregon and Ohio State.

Oregon: A Program on the Rise

Under the leadership of head coach Dan Lanning, the Oregon Ducks have quickly established themselves as one of the premier programs in college football. Lanning, who took over as Oregon’s head coach in 2022, has rejuvenated the program and made it a serious contender in the Pac-12 and on the national stage. His approach to coaching emphasizes a high-tempo, up-tempo offense that is both dynamic and explosive, something that appeals to Curtis’s skill set.

The Ducks have long been known for their innovative offense, and Lanning’s staff has continued that tradition. With a focus on spreading the field and attacking defenses with speed, Oregon’s offense provides the perfect environment for a quarterback like Curtis to thrive. Lanning’s ability to develop quarterbacks, paired with Oregon’s state-of-the-art facilities and extensive network of high-level recruiting contacts, makes the Ducks an intriguing option for Curtis.

In his conversation with Lanning, Curtis was reportedly impressed with the coach’s vision for the future of the program. Lanning emphasized how Curtis could be the centerpiece of a high-flying offense that aims to compete for national championships. The opportunity to play in an offense that fits his strengths, alongside an up-and-coming program, was something that caught Curtis’s attention. Additionally, Lanning discussed how Oregon’s commitment to developing its players academically and athletically would help Curtis reach his full potential both on and off the field.

The chance to be part of a program that is building something special and is on the rise in the college football world is certainly appealing for Curtis. Lanning’s energy and drive to take Oregon back to the top have resonated with Curtis, making the Ducks a strong contender for his commitment.

Ohio State: Tradition and Winning Culture

Ohio State is a program with a rich football tradition, a history of success, and a commitment to developing elite quarterbacks. Under head coach Ryan Day, the Buckeyes have been one of the top teams in college football, consistently competing for national championships and producing NFL-caliber talent. Day’s reputation as an offensive mastermind and quarterback developer is one of the key reasons why Ohio State is such an attractive option for Curtis.

Day’s offensive system has proven to be incredibly quarterback-friendly, as evidenced by the success of recent quarterbacks like Justin Fields, Dwayne Haskins, and CJ Stroud, all of whom have gone on to the NFL. The opportunity to join a program with a proven track record of quarterback development and a national championship pedigree is a major draw for Curtis. Day’s ability to tailor the offense to the strengths of his quarterback, while giving them the tools to succeed at the highest level, is something that Curtis values.

In his conversation with Day, Curtis reportedly expressed excitement about the possibility of joining the Ohio State program and being part of its storied history. Day emphasized how Curtis’s leadership qualities and football intelligence would fit perfectly into Ohio State’s culture, where winning is expected and every player is held to the highest standard. Day’s confidence in Curtis’s ability to lead the Buckeyes to a national title resonated with the quarterback, further solidifying Ohio State as a top contender in the recruitment race.

Jared Curtis’s Conversations with Lanning and Day

When speaking to both coaches, Curtis focused on two primary factors in his decision-making process: his development as a quarterback and the opportunity to compete for championships. Both Lanning and Day were able to present compelling visions for Curtis’s future, but in different ways.

With Lanning, Curtis was impressed by the opportunity to play in an offense that emphasized creativity and explosiveness. Lanning’s high-tempo, fast-paced offense is built around the ability of the quarterback to make quick decisions, move the ball efficiently, and stretch the field. This type of offense, combined with Oregon’s growing football program, made a strong case for Curtis’s potential impact in Eugene.

On the other hand, Day’s pitch was centered around Ohio State’s tradition of success and its winning culture. Curtis was drawn to the idea of joining a program that has a history of competing for national titles and producing NFL quarterbacks. Day’s ability to develop quarterbacks who have gone on to succeed at the next level was a major selling point for Curtis, who is focused on both his college success and his future aspirations in the NFL.

In the end, Curtis is likely looking for a program that offers a combination of both developmental opportunity and competitive success. While both Oregon and Ohio State offer distinct advantages, Curtis’s decision will ultimately come down to where he feels he can best grow as a player, compete for championships, and set himself up for a successful future in the NFL.

What Does the Future Hold for Jared Curtis?

As the 2027 recruiting cycle comes to a head, all signs point to a thrilling conclusion for the recruitment of Jared Curtis. Whether he commits to Oregon or Ohio State, it’s clear that he is one of the most sought-after quarterback recruits in the country, and both programs are eager to add him to their respective rosters.

For Curtis, the decision is about more than just playing time or accolades. It’s about finding the right environment to develop his skills, make an impact on the field, and ultimately position himself for success at the next level. Both Oregon and Ohio State have strong programs, talented coaching staffs, and championship aspirations, making this a decision that will shape the trajectory of his career.

As we wait for Curtis’s final commitment, the conversation between the top quarterback recruit and two of the premier programs in college football only adds to the excitement and anticipation surrounding his recruitment. The future is bright for Jared Curtis, and whichever program he chooses will be getting a generational talent with the potential to leave a lasting legacy in college football.