The last time Georgia signed the nation’s No. 1 quarterback, George W. Bush was president and “The Dark Knight” had just released in theaters.

Nearly 20 years later, history repeated itself.

Jared Curtis, the top-ranked quarterback and No. 2 overall player in the 2026 class according to 247Sports, committed to Georgia on Monday afternoon at a ceremony at Nashville Christian School in Tennessee.

Curtis chose the Bulldogs over Oregon, recommitting to the school he first picked in March 2024 before backing off that pledge last fall.

“Just the stability in the coaching staff and knowing coach [Kirby] Smart and [offensive coordinator] coach Mike Bobo are there,” Curtis said. “Those are my two biggest commitments at UGA, and just building a connection with them is always special.”

Curtis, listed at 6-foot-3 and 225 pounds, becomes Georgia’s first five-star quarterback commitment since Brock Vandagriff in 2021. His 0.9980 Composite rating makes him the second-highest-rated quarterback prospect in school history, behind only Justin Fields. He ranks ahead of Matt Stafford, Jacob Eason and Vandagriff.

Curtis brings elite arm talent and dual-threat mobility to Athens. In 2024, he completed 70.2% of his passes for 2,830 yards, 40 touchdowns and just three interceptions. He also rushed for 637 yards and 18 scores, leading Nashville Christian to a 12-1 record and a state title.

“Otherworldly,” Nashville Christian head coach Jeff Brothers said. “He’s just got an amazing ability to make every throw, but to make every throw catchable.”

Curtis decommitted in October to fully explore his options, telling his coach he didn’t want to feel “greasy” visiting other programs while pledged to one. His decision to recommit to Georgia follows visits to both finalists this spring.

“He’s matured a lot while he’s been in high school,” Brothers said. “The ups and downs of all of it have given him a maturity I think is rare because he is now three years into this process.”

Bobo, who recruited Stafford out of Texas in May of 2005, now gets a chance to develop another top quarterback prospect in Curtis.

“If Jared was chasing the best compensation package, this may have been over a long time ago,” said Peter Webb, Curtis’ agent with QB Reps. “His interest in Georgia and Oregon – and really the difficulty in this decision – has been motivated by the relationships he’s developed during the recruiting process and the unique opportunities both programs provide.”

Curtis’ decision moved Georgia’s 2026 class from No. 25 to No. 17 in the 247Sports Team Composite rankings. He’s now the eighth commit in the class and its first five-star.

Assuming he enrolls early in December, Curtis could have a chance to compete for playing time as a freshman. Georgia’s quarterback room is expected to see significant change with the departure of Carson Beck to Miami while Gunner Stockton and Ryan Puglisi battle it out for the starting spot this year.

Now, though, with a decision finalized and his focus turned toward early enrollment, the Bulldogs have their leader for the 2026 class — and possibly for years to come in Athens.