Jared Curtis, a highly coveted five-star quarterback from Nashville Christian School in Tennessee, has quickly become one of the top recruits for the 2026 class. Standing 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighing 225 pounds, Curtis combines impressive size, skill, and athleticism, making him an attractive prospect for elite college programs across the country. His recruitment has been dynamic, and recent developments suggest that the Oregon Ducks are now serious contenders, joining powerhouse programs such as Georgia, Alabama, and Ohio State.
Originally, Curtis committed to the University of Georgia in March 2024, but by October of the same year, he decommitted and reopened his recruitment. This shift allowed other programs to ramp up their efforts to land the talented quarterback. Curtis has shown particular interest in Oregon, praising the Ducks’ coaching staff, especially offensive coordinator Will Stein and head coach Dan Lanning. He spoke highly of their discipline and the way they utilize quarterbacks in their offensive schemes, stating, “They’re well-coached, and they’re disciplined. What they do in their offense with the quarterbacks and getting players around them.”
As part of his recruitment process, Curtis has visited several potential schools, including attending Oregon’s game against Maryland in November 2024. He was impressed by the atmosphere at Autzen Stadium, noting, “Holding 55,000 people, the stadium was still unbelievably loud. That’s probably the biggest thing.”
Curtis has also planned official visits to other top programs, including Ohio State on November 23, 2024, and Alabama on November 30, 2024, for their game against Auburn. These visits are integral to his decision-making process, as he is looking for a program where he can build strong relationships with the coaching staff and find a good fit overall. Curtis has emphasized that his final decision will be influenced by the coaching staff’s stability and the quality of the recruiting class at each school.
On the field, Curtis has been outstanding, posting stellar numbers in his junior year with 2,116 yards, 26 touchdowns, and just three interceptions while completing 70.7% of his passes. He also showcased his dual-threat capabilities, rushing for 411 yards and 12 touchdowns, which earned him a nomination for Tennessee’s Gatorade Player of the Year.
As of January 2025, Curtis has narrowed his options to Oregon and Georgia. He has official visits scheduled to both schools in June, with Oregon on June 6 and Georgia on June 13. While he plans to make his decision after these visits, Curtis acknowledged that a strong impression from either program could lead him to commit sooner. This strategic approach underscores his focus on making well-informed decisions based on personal experiences and connections.
The Oregon Ducks have positioned themselves as strong contenders in Curtis’s recruitment. With the coaching staff’s stability, reflected in recent contract extensions for Lanning and Stein, and their proven success in developing quarterbacks, Oregon has become an attractive destination for top recruits like Curtis. A commitment from him would not only enhance Oregon’s 2026 recruiting class but also solidify the program’s reputation for nurturing quarterback talent.
In conclusion, Jared Curtis’s recruitment exemplifies the fierce competition within college football recruiting. With Oregon emerging as a top contender alongside traditional powerhouses, the coming months will be crucial in determining where this highly sought-after quarterback will continue both his athletic and academic career.