The recruiting world was abuzz on Wednesday as Auburn quarterbacks coach Kent Austin made his way to the home of Jared Curtis, the No. 1 quarterback prospect in the 2026 class. Curtis, a dynamic signal-caller with a blend of elite arm talent and athleticism, has been the centerpiece of conversations among college football powerhouses vying for his commitment. Austin’s visit underscores Auburn’s determination to secure a player who could redefine their quarterback room for years to come.
Hailing from Nashville, Tennessee, Jared Curtis has been described by recruiting analysts as a generational quarterback prospect. Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 210 pounds, Curtis combines physical tools with a football IQ that belies his years. His junior season showcased his ability to command an offense, dissect defenses, and make plays with both his arm and legs.
Curtis’s poise in the pocket and ability to extend plays under pressure have drawn comparisons to NFL stars like Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen. It’s no surprise that nearly every major program in the country is vying for his signature, making Austin’s visit a critical step in Auburn’s recruitment strategy.
Kent Austin’s in-home visit highlights Auburn’s commitment to strengthening its quarterback position under head coach Hugh Freeze. The Tigers are looking to build on their recent recruiting successes and establish themselves as a perennial contender in the Southeastern Conference. Landing a player of Curtis’s caliber would be a game-changer for the program, signaling a new era of offensive firepower on The Plains.
Austin, a veteran quarterbacks coach with a proven track record of developing top-tier talent, has been instrumental in Auburn’s recruiting efforts. His visit to the Curtis household emphasized the importance the Tigers place on building relationships and presenting a clear vision for the future.
According to sources close to the Curtis family, the visit went exceptionally well. Austin spent time discussing Auburn’s offensive philosophy, player development strategies, and how Curtis could fit into the program’s long-term plans. He also shared insights into Hugh Freeze’s track record of producing NFL-ready quarterbacks, a point that likely resonated with the Curtis family.
In addition to discussing football, Austin made an effort to connect on a personal level, emphasizing the family atmosphere Auburn prides itself on. This holistic approach to recruiting has been a hallmark of Auburn’s strategy and could play a pivotal role in swaying Curtis’s decision.
While Auburn’s visit marks a significant step forward, the battle for Jared Curtis’s commitment is far from over. Powerhouses like Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State, and Texas are all in hot pursuit, each offering unique selling points to the highly sought-after quarterback.
Alabama boasts a tradition of developing quarterbacks into NFL stars, while Georgia’s recent success in the College Football Playoff makes them a tempting option. Meanwhile, Ohio State’s high-powered offense and Texas’s resurgence under Steve Sarkisian add more layers of intrigue to Curtis’s recruitment.
As Curtis navigates the recruiting process, his focus remains on finding a program that aligns with his goals both on and off the field. While he has yet to set an official timeline for his decision, the in-home visit from Austin is expected to be the first of many as programs ramp up their efforts to secure his commitment.
For Auburn, this visit is a clear statement of intent. The Tigers are not just interested in landing Curtis; they are positioning themselves as a program that can help him achieve greatness. With a supportive coaching staff, a passionate fan base, and a proven developer in Kent Austin, Auburn has made a compelling case for why Curtis should consider The Plains his future home.
The recruitment of Jared Curtis is shaping up to be one of the most exciting storylines in the 2026 class. Auburn’s proactive approach, led by Kent Austin’s in-home visit, demonstrates the program’s ambition to secure a player who could elevate the Tigers to new heights. While the competition remains fierce, Auburn has shown it’s willing to leave no stone unturned in the pursuit of the nation’s top quarterback.
As the recruiting battle unfolds, one thing is certain: Jared Curtis has the potential to transform any program he chooses, and Auburn is determined to make sure that program is theirs.