In the rapidly evolving world of college football recruiting, timing is everything—and for 5-star quarterback Jared Curtis, the timing of his latest decision has sent shockwaves through the recruiting landscape. The elite signal-caller out of Nashville’s Nashville Christian School has canceled a previously scheduled visit just days before announcing his final commitment between two powerhouse programs: Oregon and Georgia.
As the No. 1 quarterback in the class of 2026, Curtis’ movements are monitored closely by fans, analysts, and coaches alike. The cancelation of his trip—originally planned for Alabama—adds fuel to the fire of speculation surrounding where the 6-foot-4, 225-pound phenom will land. With just days remaining before his long-awaited decision, every clue matters. And this one might be a game-changer.
Curtis has been at the forefront of the 2026 recruiting cycle since his breakout sophomore season, during which he passed for over 3,200 yards and 40 touchdowns while leading Nashville Christian deep into the state playoffs. His blend of arm strength, football IQ, and athleticism has drawn comparisons to former Georgia star Matthew Stafford and even shades of Trevor Lawrence in terms of poise.
More than 25 Power Five schools extended offers to Curtis before he even hit his junior year. Among them were Alabama, LSU, Michigan, Ohio State, Texas, and Clemson. But as the cycle matured, it became clear that two programs had separated themselves in his mind: Dan Lanning’s Oregon Ducks and Kirby Smart’s Georgia Bulldogs.
The canceled visit to Alabama raised eyebrows immediately. The Crimson Tide were considered a long shot to flip Curtis at this stage, but the visit was expected to keep Nick Saban’s successor firmly in the mix. By withdrawing from that trip, Curtis has all but confirmed what many insiders already suspected—this is a two-horse race.
Sources close to the Curtis family say the decision to cancel wasn’t a slight toward Alabama but rather a reflection of how close the final choice between Georgia and Oregon has become. “It’s about focus,” one recruiting source said. “He wants to dial in and compare the final two schools head-to-head. There’s no room for distractions.”
Dan Lanning and the Oregon Ducks have emerged as a recruiting juggernaut, especially when it comes to skill positions. Landing Jared Curtis would be the crown jewel of an already impressive 2026 class and a major statement as Oregon transitions into its new Big Ten reality.
The Ducks have pitched Curtis on the opportunity to lead a high-octane offense that maximizes quarterback mobility and vertical passing. Lanning and offensive coordinator Will Stein have already had success molding Bo Nix into a Heisman contender and developing a pipeline of NFL-caliber talent.
“Oregon sees Curtis as the face of the future,” a Ducks insider told 247Sports. “They’re pitching him on being the next great quarterback to take the program to a national title. And there’s a belief that he fits the mold perfectly.”
Additionally, Oregon’s bold branding, Nike backing, and revamped facilities have made an impression on Curtis during his multiple visits to Eugene. The culture and development environment are clearly appealing—and the Ducks have gone all-in.
On the other side is Georgia—a program that needs no introduction. With two national titles in the last four years and a reputation for producing elite defenders and increasingly productive quarterbacks, the Bulldogs offer a level of stability and prestige that few can match.
Kirby Smart’s staff has made Curtis a priority since the moment they began evaluating 2026 quarterbacks. Offensive coordinator Mike Bobo has developed a strong rapport with the Curtis family, and the Bulldogs’ track record of developing QBs into NFL-ready talents (most recently Stetson Bennett and Carson Beck) is hard to ignore.
Sources in Athens believe the Bulldogs are quietly confident in their positioning. “He loves the culture here,” a Georgia staffer said. “He knows he’d be surrounded by elite talent and play against the best every week. That matters to him.”
Additionally, Georgia has built a reputation for building leaders, not just players. That message has resonated with Curtis, whose maturity and leadership traits have been praised since his freshman year.
From all indications, Curtis is zeroing in on factors beyond glitz and glamor. Those familiar with his mindset say he’s considering the coaching stability, scheme fit, player development, and long-term NFL preparation each school provides.
Georgia may offer more exposure in the loaded SEC and a more traditional path to national titles, while Oregon offers a chance to be a program-changing cornerstone as it enters a new conference and navigates the evolving college football landscape.
Both schools have dynamic offensive systems, but Oregon’s approach might appeal slightly more to Curtis’ dual-threat ability. Still, Georgia’s recent evolution into a more balanced, quarterback-friendly team gives the Bulldogs a strong pitch as well.
Family also plays a major role. Curtis’ parents have attended nearly every visit, and their input is believed to carry considerable weight. While they’ve remained tight-lipped, sources indicate both campuses impressed them—though Georgia may have a slight edge in terms of proximity and comfort.
Recruiting analysts are divided. On3 currently gives Oregon a narrow lead in its Recruiting Prediction Machine (RPM), while 247Sports lists Georgia as “warm” with no Crystal Ball predictions logged yet.
Steve Wiltfong of 247Sports said, “I’ve spoken to people on both sides who feel optimistic. That usually tells me that the player is doing a great job of keeping things close to the vest. But canceling the Alabama visit definitely signals we’re getting to the endgame.”
Rivals’ Adam Gorney added, “Oregon’s momentum is very real, but don’t underestimate Kirby Smart. He’s won a lot of these late-stage battles before. This is going to be a heavyweight clash.”
Wherever Curtis lands, the ripple effect will be significant. His decision could influence other top 2026 recruits, especially wide receivers and offensive linemen who want to play alongside an elite quarterback.
For Oregon, landing Curtis could mark a new era under Lanning—one in which the Ducks consistently pull 5-star quarterbacks from SEC country. For Georgia, it would reinforce their dominance in recruiting and signal that they remain the destination for the nation’s best.
Alabama, Ohio State, Texas, and others will watch closely. With Curtis off the board, the quarterback dominoes in 2026 could start to fall rapidly.
Curtis is expected to announce his commitment within the next week, possibly during a nationally televised segment or via social media. He’s expected to inform coaches of his decision privately first, as a sign of respect, before going public.
Until then, both Georgia and Oregon will make their final pitches. Each school’s coaching staff has maintained constant contact and virtual meetings, and both are working to secure final conversations with Curtis and his family before decision day.
No official final visit is scheduled before the announcement, a sign that Curtis is satisfied with what he’s seen and heard. “He’s ready,” a family acquaintance said. “He’s been through the process, asked the right questions, and now it’s just about trusting his gut.”
Jared Curtis’ decision looms large not just for Georgia and Oregon, but for the national recruiting landscape. His rare combination of talent and leadership makes him a program-defining player—the kind of quarterback that can tilt conference power structures and elevate a team to championship contention.
With the canceled visit to Alabama, all signs point to a dramatic, high-stakes decision between the SEC’s reigning powerhouse and the West Coast’s rising juggernaut. One thing is certain: wherever Jared Curtis goes, winning is likely to follow.
