The college football recruiting world was shaken recently when Jared Curtis, a highly-touted 5-star quarterback from the 2026 class, announced his decision to decommit from the University of Georgia. Curtis, regarded as one of the top quarterback prospects in his class, had initially pledged to the Bulldogs in what was seen as a major win for Georgia’s future at the position. However, after taking some time to reconsider his decision, he ultimately chose to reopen his recruitment.
Curtis’s decision sparked significant speculation among fans and analysts alike. Would he still consider Georgia? What other schools might enter the mix? To provide more insight into his thought process, Curtis recently sat down with Pete Nakos, a well-respected recruiting analyst, to discuss his decision, what he’s looking for in a program, and what comes next for one of the most sought-after recruits in the 2026 class.
When Jared Curtis first committed to Georgia, it was considered a major recruiting coup for the Bulldogs. The 6-foot-3 quarterback from Nashville, Tennessee, possessed a strong arm, impressive mobility, and a knack for making plays under pressure. Georgia’s coaching staff had identified Curtis early in the process, viewing him as a potential cornerstone of their future offensive strategy.
During the initial commitment, Curtis spoke highly of Georgia’s coaching staff, the program’s rich history, and the opportunity to compete at the highest level in the SEC. He was seen as a perfect fit for the Bulldogs’ offensive system, with a skill set that could thrive in a pro-style scheme that emphasizes both the passing game and the ability to extend plays with his legs.
However, as the recruiting process continued, Curtis found himself needing to take a step back and reevaluate his options. While Georgia remained an attractive choice, he wanted to ensure that he was making the best decision for his future, both on and off the field. This led to the surprising announcement of his decommitment, a decision that sent shockwaves through the recruiting.
In his interview with Pete Nakos, Curtis offered more clarity on why he chose to decommit from Georgia. He emphasized that his decision was not a reflection of any dissatisfaction with the Bulldogs’ program but rather a desire to fully explore all of his options. “Georgia is a great place with great coaches, and I still have a lot of respect for what they’re building there,” Curtis told Nakos. “But I felt like I needed to make sure that I was making the right choice for me and my family. It’s a big decision, and I didn’t want to rush it.”
Curtis also highlighted the importance of finding a program where he can thrive both as a player and as a student. “I’m looking for a place that feels like home, where I can build strong relationships with the coaching staff and my teammates. I want to go somewhere that will help me grow not just as a quarterback but as a person,” he said. This statement suggests that Curtis is looking for more than just a football powerhouse—he wants to find a place that aligns with his values and long-term goals.
With his recruitment reopened, Curtis has drawn interest from several major programs across the country. While he did not rule out the possibility of re-committing to Georgia, he made it clear that he is now open to considering other schools that fit his criteria. According to Curtis, some of the programs that have reached out since his decommitment include Alabama, Tennessee, and Ohio State—each of which has a history of developing top quarterbacks and competing for national championships.
Curtis spoke highly of Alabama’s tradition and the opportunity to work with a program known for producing NFL-ready players. “Alabama is definitely a school I’m interested in,” he told Nakos. “Their track record speaks for itself, and they’ve shown that they know how to get quarterbacks to the next level.”
Tennessee, located closer to Curtis’s hometown, has also emerged as a strong contender. The proximity to home and the program’s resurgence under head coach Josh Heupel have made the Volunteers an attractive option. “Tennessee is doing some exciting things, and I’ve always had a lot of respect for their program. It’s close to home, which is something I’m considering too,” he shared.
Ohio State is another school that has piqued Curtis’s interest, given its reputation for producing prolific passing offenses and NFL-caliber quarterbacks. The Buckeyes’ recent success with players like Justin Fields and C.J. Stroud has made them a top destination for elite quarterback recruits, and Curtis acknowledged that the program’s history of developing signal-callers is appealing.
As Curtis navigates the next phase of his recruitment, he remains focused on maintaining an open mind and taking his time with the process. “I’m not in a rush to make another decision,” he emphasized. “I want to take visits, get to know the coaches, and see where I feel the most comfortable. This decision is about setting myself up for success, and I want to make sure it’s the right one.”
Curtis also mentioned that he is planning to attend several games this fall, which will give him the chance to see various programs up close and get a feel for their game-day atmosphere. His schedule is likely to include visits to some of the top contenders for his commitment, including return trips to Athens, Tuscaloosa, Knoxville, and Columbus.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his recruitment, one thing is clear: Jared Curtis has the talent and potential to be a game-changing addition to any program. His ability to make plays with both his arm and legs has made him a coveted target for some of the best programs in the nation. Wherever he ends up, Curtis is sure to be a key piece of the puzzle for the 2026 class and a player who could shape the future of college football.
Jared Curtis’s decommitment from Georgia and subsequent decision to explore his options further underscores the complexities of the modern college football recruiting landscape. For Georgia, losing a commitment from a 5-star quarterback is a tough blow, but the Bulldogs remain in the running as Curtis evaluates his next move. Meanwhile, other top programs are eager to make their pitch and potentially add a player who could be a transformative force on the field.
As Curtis continues to weigh his options and navigate the recruiting process, fans and analysts alike will be closely watching where this dynamic quarterback eventually decides to play. With his talent, work ethic, and maturity, Jared Curtis is poised to make a significant impact at the next level, and his journey is far from over. Whether he ultimately ends up at Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, Ohio State, or another program, Curtis’s decision will be one of the most closely followed storylines in the 2026 recruiting cycle.