Before committing, top quarterback prospect Jared Curtis hosts coaches from Georgia and Oregon.

As one of the most sought-after quarterback prospects in the 2026 recruiting class, Jared Curtis has become a central figure in college football recruitment discussions. Curtis, a dual-threat quarterback out of Nashville Christian School in Tennessee, has the size, arm strength, and mobility to make a major impact at the collegiate level. Standing at 6’4″ and weighing 225 pounds, he has all the tools that top programs like Georgia and Oregon desire in a quarterback.

With his recruitment heating up, Curtis is now in the critical stage of his decision-making process, a stage that involves hosting visits from coaches representing two of the country’s most prestigious football programs: the University of Georgia and the University of Oregon. These visits are key moments in Curtis’s recruitment, where he will gauge the fit between his future aspirations and the values, coaching philosophy, and opportunities each program offers.

Background on Jared Curtis

Before diving into the details of the visits, it’s important to understand what makes Jared Curtis such a special talent. As a high school quarterback, Curtis has demonstrated an exceptional blend of physical tools and football IQ. In his junior year, Curtis threw for over 3,500 yards and 40 touchdowns, while also rushing for another 600 yards and 10 touchdowns. His ability to make plays both with his arm and his legs has made him one of the most exciting quarterback prospects in the nation. Schools have been falling over themselves to recruit him, with many projecting him as an eventual star at the next level.

Curtis had initially committed to Georgia in 2024, making waves as the Bulldogs’ future signal-caller. However, in a surprising move, Curtis decommitted from Georgia in October 2024, leaving the door open for other programs to make their pitch. The timing of his decommitment aligned with his increased focus on the future, knowing that his decision would shape his development as a quarterback and set the stage for his eventual career in the NFL.

Since decommitting, Curtis has become a top target for a number of top-tier programs, including Alabama, South Carolina, and Ohio State. However, it is Georgia and Oregon—two programs with very distinct coaching philosophies—that are the front-runners in the race for his signature.

The Georgia Bulldogs’ Push for Curtis

When it comes to Georgia, the program’s history of developing quarterbacks, coupled with its recent success under head coach Kirby Smart, makes it a powerful contender for Curtis’s commitment. Smart and offensive coordinator Mike Bobo have worked tirelessly to maintain their relationship with Curtis following his decommitment, reminding him of the program’s vision for his development.

Georgia’s reputation as a “quarterback factory” has played a key role in attracting top talent like Curtis. The Bulldogs have been able to produce NFL-caliber quarterbacks like Matthew Stafford, Jake Fromm, and most recently, Stetson Bennett, who led Georgia to back-to-back national championships in 2022 and 2023. These successes on the field have established Georgia as one of the nation’s premier programs for developing quarterbacks for the next level. For Curtis, this is an appealing factor, as he looks to follow in the footsteps of these quarterbacks and eventually make his own mark in the NFL.

Furthermore, Curtis has a long-standing relationship with both Coach Smart and Coach Bobo. Bobo, who has a rich history of coaching quarterbacks, has been especially influential in building a rapport with Curtis. The two have spent considerable time together during past visits to Athens, discussing Curtis’s strengths, areas for development, and the ways in which Georgia can provide him with the tools to succeed. These conversations have been pivotal in Curtis’s thought process, as he evaluates where he can best develop his game.

During a recent visit to Georgia, Curtis spent extensive time with Coach Bobo, learning about the offensive system and discussing how it could be tailored to his skill set. The Bulldogs’ commitment to creating a balanced offense that utilizes both the passing and running game aligns well with Curtis’s strengths as a dual-threat quarterback. As Curtis weighs his options, Georgia’s consistent pitch, combined with the program’s track record of success, makes it a program that is hard to overlook.

Oregon Ducks’ Push for Curtis

While Georgia has been a consistent presence in Curtis’s recruitment, Oregon has emerged as a strong contender as well. The Ducks, led by head coach Dan Lanning and offensive coordinator Will Stein, have built an exciting, up-tempo offense that appeals to Curtis’s style of play. Unlike Georgia, which has traditionally relied on a pro-style offense, Oregon’s fast-paced, spread system offers Curtis the opportunity to showcase his dual-threat abilities in a more wide-open environment.

Oregon’s rise as a national contender under Lanning has also made it an attractive destination for Curtis. In recent years, the Ducks have established themselves as a powerhouse in the Pac-12, regularly competing for conference championships and earning spots in major bowl games. Oregon’s high-scoring offense has been led by quarterbacks like Bo Nix, who had a breakout season in 2023, and the Ducks have shown a willingness to let their quarterbacks make plays with both their arm and their legs. For Curtis, this style of play could be the perfect fit, as it allows him to use his athleticism to make dynamic plays in both the passing and running games.

Lanning and Stein have made strong inroads with Curtis during his recruitment, visiting him multiple times and showing genuine interest in his development. Curtis has expressed admiration for Lanning’s leadership and the culture he has cultivated at Oregon, as well as the rapport he has developed with Coach Stein. The Ducks have also highlighted their recent quarterback development, focusing on how Curtis could thrive in their system.

One key factor for Curtis as he evaluates Oregon is the proximity to home. While Oregon is a significant distance from Nashville, the idea of playing on the West Coast, in a program with national aspirations, could be an enticing option for Curtis. Being in a program that consistently competes for major titles offers a unique opportunity for Curtis to challenge himself and potentially take his game to new heights.

Curtis’s Visits and What He’s Looking For

The visits Curtis is hosting from Georgia and Oregon are crucial in determining where he will ultimately commit. During these visits, both coaching staffs are providing him with a comprehensive look at their programs, facilities, and future plans. Curtis is taking this process seriously, as it will shape his college experience and set the foundation for his career.

One of the most important aspects Curtis is considering is the relationship he has with each coaching staff. He values transparency and open communication, and he has been careful to develop strong relationships with the coaches from both programs. Beyond the X’s and O’s of football, Curtis is looking for a coaching staff that will support his growth as both a player and an individual.

Another factor Curtis is prioritizing is the program’s ability to develop quarterbacks. Both Georgia and Oregon have proven they can develop successful quarterbacks, but Curtis wants to know where he will have the best chance to reach his potential. The offensive schemes, coaching philosophies, and overall development programs are all key components of this decision.

Curtis is also weighing how each program’s offensive style suits his skill set. While Georgia’s pro-style offense would give him a more traditional quarterbacking experience, Oregon’s spread offense would allow him to flex his dual-threat abilities. Curtis has expressed that he feels comfortable in both systems but is looking for the one that offers the best opportunities for growth.

Lastly, Curtis is considering the overall football culture at each school. He wants to be part of a program that has a winning tradition, a strong fan base, and a positive environment. Both Georgia and Oregon check these boxes, making it an incredibly tough decision for the talented quarterback.

As Jared Curtis prepares to make his decision, the visits from Georgia and Oregon represent pivotal moments in his recruitment. Both programs offer distinct advantages, and Curtis will need to carefully weigh all of the factors at play. Whether he chooses to stay closer to home at Georgia or embark on a new adventure at Oregon, one thing is clear: Curtis is a special talent who will make an impact wherever he goes.

His commitment decision will not only shape his future but also the future of whichever program he chooses. With his combination of athleticism, football IQ, and leadership, Curtis is poised to be one of the most impactful quarterbacks in the 2026 class, and whichever school lands him will be gaining a true franchise quarterback for the future.