Exploring possible landing spots for 5-star QB Jared Curtis following de-commitment from Kirby Smart's Georgia Bulldogs  

By Aman Sharma

Modified Oct 18, 2024 16:37 GMT

The recruitment landscape is buzzing with the news that Jared Curtis, a five-star quarterback and top-ranked player in the Class of 2026, was reopening his recruitment.

Curtis, a standout junior from Nashville Christian School in Tennessee, had committed to Georgia in March. However, on Thursday evening, just ahead of Georgia's highly anticipated Week 8 matchup against Texas, Curtis announced his decision to de-commit from the Bulldogs.

Curtis ranked No. 4 overall in the ESPN Junior 300, and the top quarterback in the 2026 cycle has shifted his focus to exploring other opportunities. Curtis holds 39 offers from several powerhouse programs.

Curtis clarified in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) that his primary focus remains to lead his high school team to success for the rest of the season.

"My focus now is taking care of business during the rest of our high school season and being a great teammate and leader. I look forward to making the most of an open recruiting process in the months ahead. I want people to know where I stand and I've learned that making big decisions takes time."

The possible landing spots for 5-star QB Jared Curtis

#1. Ohio State

Before Jared Curtis committed to Georgia, Ohio State was widely considered the favorite to land him. Now that his recruitment is open, the Buckeyes may have the inside track again.

Curtis could be enticed by Ohio State’s history of developing top-tier quarterbacks and recruiting elite talent, wide receivers particularly. The Buckeyes’ lone commitment in the 2026 class is five-star wide receiver Chris Henry Jr., ranked No. 3 overall.

However, the presence of 2025 five-star quarterback Tavien St. Clair could create competition for the starting job in the future.

#2. Alabama

Alabama remains a perennial powerhouse, and Curtis' skills could fit perfectly into their system. Under head coach Kalen DeBoer, the Crimson Tide have shifted to a more quarterback-friendly scheme that allowed their passers to thrive.

Jared Curtis would likely compete with Keelon Russell, the No. 3 overall player in the 2025 class, for the starting job.

Curtis has already visited Alabama under Nick Saban’s leadership, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him consider playing in Tuscaloosa under the new regime.

#3. South Carolina

South Carolina is another intriguing option, especially given its recent loss of 2026 quarterback commit Landon Duckworth. Jared Curtis could be drawn to the Gamecocks, who hosted him for a visit in September when they played LSU.

The timing is ideal for Curtis to step in, as current South Carolina freshman quarterback LaNorris Sellers will be entering his junior year when Curtis arrives.

While South Carolina has a three-star quarterback, Cutter Woods, committed for the 2025 cycle, Curtis would likely be the centerpiece of the Gamecocks’ 2026 recruiting class if he chooses to head to Columbia.

Last season, Curtis threw 2,522 yards, racking up 25 touchdowns while also throwing nine interceptions.