Five-Star Plus+ QB Jared Curtis signs with Vanderbilt

There was no shortage of drama in the recruitment of Nashville Christian Five-Star Plus+ quarterback Jared Curtis, the nation’s No. 1 quarterback.

The 6-foot-3.5, 225-pounder was an early commitment to Georgia in March 2024, only to decommit from the Bulldogs seven months later. He checked out a number of other programs, but ultimately decided to join back up with UGA in May of this year.

But despite spending most of his recruitment committed to the Red & Black, he won’t sign with the Bulldogs. Instead, the hometown Vanderbilt Commodores have landed their highest-rated recruit in program history.

After weeks of speculation — and even a bit more drama — Curtis signed with the ‘Dores Wednesday during National Signing Day.

Commodores head coach Clark Lea and Co., in the midst of their best season in school history, now have their quarterback of the future. And that future could be as early as next season, with the chance to play as a freshman being a big reason for Curtis’ flip.

He’s now the No. 3 overall prospect and remains the top-ranked QB in the 2026 cycle, according to the Rivals Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all major recruiting media companies.

Jared Curtis Scouting Summary

Rivals’ Scouting and Rankings Team writes this of Curtis as a prospect:

“Elite arm talent with creative playmaking ability. Has a big frame, measuring in at around 6-foot-3.5, 225 pounds with a 9.5-inch hand prior to his junior season. Looks like the top arm talent in the 2026 cycle. Ball explodes off his hand. Generates considerable velocity on throws to all areas of the field. Has a loose, natural throwing motion. Capable of delivering impressive passes from several arm angles. A pure rotational athlete who does not need his feet set to throw accurate passes. Plays with a gunslinging mentality and is not afraid to drive the football into tight windows over the middle of the field. A fluid athlete who is tough to corral in the backfield. Dangerous playmaker and improviser.

...Had some unbelievable second-reaction plays as a junior, evading pass rushers and uncorking throws 50+ yards downfield. Made impressive strides with his accuracy and decision-making as a junior. Completed over 70% of his passes for 2,830 yards (11.1 yards per attempt) for 40 touchdowns and 3 interceptions while leading his team to a state title. Also rushed for 637 yards and 18 scores. Does not play top competition and is older for the cycle. Will need to continue improving his consistency, but the pure arm talent and playmaking ability give him one of the highest upsides in the 2026 cycle.”