Top 2026 QB chooses SEC powerhouse over Oregon

The top QB in the 2026 recruiting class has decided on his college home.

Jared Curtis announced he would be headed to Georgia next year. The nation’s top passer who’s also noted as the No. 2 overall recruit will be a great fit for Kirby Smart and his staff.

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The Nashville Christian School (Tennessee) prospect has Georgia and Oregon in his final two schools. Curtis had the choice of taking millions of dollars at either program. He’s noted as the top high school football player (No. 16 overall) with a $2.7 NIL valuation, according to On3.

Curtis will likely be working with a combined pool of revenue streams from UGA. He comes to Athens months after inking first major NIL deal with Leaf Trading Cards.

The 6-foot-4, 225-pound five-star quarterback finished his junior season 179-of-255 passing for 2,830 yards passing, 40 touchdowns and three interceptions. He also led Nashville Christian in rushing with 88 carries for 637 yards and 18 touchdowns.

Curtis led Nashville Christian to the TSSAA football Division II-A state title in December and raked in multiple accolades. He was voted as Tennessee Titans DII-A Mr. Football and also claimed the Gatorade Tennessee football player of the year award.

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“Refined and polished passer that matches a higher floor with a higher ceiling, 247Sports Andrew Ivins said about Curtis. “Possess not only the desired build for the position, but also elite pocket-passing qualities to go along with some slick athleticism. Has both the arm and the eyes to constantly tax defenses. Smooth mechanics result in pin-point accuracy on the basic throws while a powerful base helps serve up lasers to both the second and third levels.”

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This move will leave Georgia with one of the top classes in the nation for next year. The Bulldogs are coming off a loss in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal against Notre Dame. Only the third season with three or more losses under Smart. Curtis will be a huge piece for the Bulldogs’ future success.

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“Not one that has had many opportunities to throw alongside other blue-chip quarterbacks due to a series of injuries, but should be viewed as one of the top signal callers in the 2026 cycle and a potential multi-year starter for a College Football Playoff contender that can connect on the deep shots and thrive in a structured environment,” Ivins added.

Georgia will open the 2025 football season against Marshall on Aug. 30.