In the heart of Tennessee, a young quarterback has emerged as one of the most coveted prospects in high school football. Jared Curtis, a 6’4”, 220-pound junior at Nashville Christian School, has captivated college football recruiters and fans alike with his elite arm talent, dual-threat capability, and leadership on the field. As the No. 1 quarterback in the 2026 class according to 247Sports Composite and On3 Industry Rankings, Curtis is set to announce his college commitment on May 5, 2025, choosing between two powerhouse programs: the Georgia Bulldogs and the Oregon Ducks. This article chronicles Curtis’ journey, from his record-breaking high school career to the high-stakes recruitment saga, and explores what makes him a generational talent poised to reshape college football.
A Tennessee Prodigy: Background and Achievements
Born and raised in Bellevue, Tennessee, Jared Curtis has become a hometown hero at Nashville Christian School. As a pocket passer with surprising mobility, Curtis has drawn comparisons to NFL quarterback Matthew Stafford for his arm strength and playmaking ability. His physical profile—standing between 6’3” and 6’4” and weighing 210-225 pounds—gives him the durability and presence needed for the next level.
Curtis’ high school career is a testament to his dominance. In his sophomore year (2023), he threw for 2,522 yards and 25 touchdowns while rushing for 503 yards and 13 scores, leading Nashville Christian to a 10-3 record and the Division II-A state title game. His performance earned him a runner-up nod for Tennessee’s Mr. Football award as a freshman, a rare feat for such a young player.
His junior year (2024) was even more spectacular. Curtis completed 179 of 255 passes (70% completion rate) for 2,830 yards, 40 touchdowns, and just 3 interceptions. On the ground, he added 637 yards and 18 rushing touchdowns. His dual-threat prowess powered Nashville Christian to a 49-21 victory over Columbia Academy in the Division II-A state championship, the school’s first title since 2015. Curtis’ season totals—3,584 yards and 58 touchdowns (40 passing, 18 rushing)—cemented his status as a national star.
Career Stats Overview:
| Season | Passing Yards | Passing TDs | Interceptions | Completion % | Rushing Yards | Rushing TDs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sophomore (2023) | 2,522 | 25 | 9 | 60% | 503 | 13 |
| Junior (2024) | 2,830 | 40 | 3 | 70% | 637 | 18 |
| Career Total | 7,665 | 92 | 19 | 62% | 1,663 | 38 |
Curtis’ accolades reflect his impact. In 2024, he was named Tennessee Gatorade Football Player of the Year, Tennessee Mr. Football, MaxPreps Tennessee High School Football Player of the Year, and State Championship MVP. He also earned a spot on the MaxPreps Junior All-America Football Team. Recruiting services unanimously rank him as a five-star prospect, with 247Sports placing him as the No. 2 overall player in the 2026 class and On3 ranking him No. 6 overall. Across Rivals, ESPN, and On3, Curtis is the top-ranked quarterback in Tennessee and nationally.
The Recruitment Saga: From Georgia to a 50/50 Showdown
Curtis’ recruitment journey has been a rollercoaster of commitment, decommitment, and high-stakes decisions. On March 23, 2024, he committed to the University of Georgia, drawn to head coach Kirby Smart and offensive coordinator Mike Bobo’s vision for his development. However, on October 18, 2024, Curtis decommitted, citing a desire to explore other options while maintaining respect for Georgia. His decision sparked a frenzy among top programs vying for his signature.
By January 2025, Curtis narrowed his list to six schools: Oregon, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, Auburn, and Ohio State. Official visits were scheduled for Oregon (June 6-8), Georgia (June 13-15), and South Carolina (June 20-22). Curtis visited Georgia multiple times, including in spring 2024, and made three trips to Oregon after decommitting, praising offensive coordinator Will Stein and the electric atmosphere at Autzen Stadium. To maintain fairness, he canceled planned visits to Georgia’s G-Day and Oregon’s spring game in April 2025.
By February 2025, Curtis’ decision came down to Georgia and Oregon. Sources described the choice as a true 50/50, with neither program certain of the outcome. Curtis announced he would reveal his commitment on May 5, 2025, at 4:30 PM CT, a moment that will shape the 2026 recruiting landscape. Notably, Curtis and his family prioritized relationships, coaching stability, and long-term development over financial Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) offers. Despite multi-million-dollar NIL packages on the table, Curtis rejected higher bids from other schools to focus on the best fit for his NFL aspirations.
Georgia Bulldogs: A Powerhouse Fit
Georgia, led by Kirby Smart, sees Curtis as a program-changer akin to former five-star quarterback Justin Fields. With offensive coordinator Mike Bobo and quarterbacks coach Montgomery VanGorder, the Bulldogs offer a proven track record of developing NFL talent. Despite off-field challenges, such as player arrests, Georgia’s recruiting dominance and SEC pedigree make it a strong contender. Curtis’ multiple visits to Athens underscore the deep relationships he built with the staff.
Oregon Ducks: A Rising Contender
Oregon, under head coach Dan Lanning, has surged as a Big Ten powerhouse, boasting 13 wins in 2024 and a reputation for quarterback development (e.g., Bo Nix, Dillon Gabriel). Offensive coordinator Will Stein’s system aligns with Curtis’ dual-threat style, and the vibrant atmosphere at Autzen Stadium left a lasting impression. Curtis’ parents reportedly favor Oregon, and his three visits since decommitting signal a strong connection.
Playing Style: A Dual-Threat Dynamo
Curtis’ on-field prowess sets him apart as a generational talent. His arm talent is elite, capable of making pinpoint throws under pressure, earning the Matthew Stafford comparison. His mobility adds another dimension, with 1,663 career rushing yards and 38 rushing touchdowns at an average of 6.7 yards per rush. In 2024, he improved his accuracy to a 70% completion rate, showcasing his growth as a passer.
At 6’4” and 220-225 pounds, Curtis has the physicality to withstand college football’s rigors, particularly in high-pressure conferences like the SEC or Big Ten. His leadership shines through in clutch moments, from leading Nashville Christian to a state title to earning praise for his composure. Whether threading the needle in the red zone or escaping the pocket for a big gain, Curtis combines raw talent with refined skill.
The Personal Side: Family, Faith, and Focus
Curtis’ journey is grounded in family and faith. His mother, Barbara, shared that he remained undecided as late as May 2025, highlighting the difficulty of choosing between Georgia and Oregon. The Curtis family emphasized relationships, program stability, and long-term growth, planning to pray over the decision. As a Tennessee native, Curtis has deep community ties, with local fans celebrating his role in bringing a state championship to Nashville Christian.
In an era dominated by lucrative NIL deals, Curtis’ approach is refreshing. While he is expected to secure a multi-million-dollar NIL package, his decision hinges on development and fit rather than the highest bid. This principled stance underscores his maturity and vision for the future.
Future Prospects: A Path to the NFL
Whether Curtis chooses Georgia or Oregon, he is poised to be a cornerstone of the 2026 recruiting class. His advanced skills and physical tools suggest he could compete for a starting role early in his college career. Curtis plans to graduate in December 2025 and enroll in college in January 2026, giving him a head start on acclimating to the collegiate level.
Looking ahead, Curtis’ NFL potential is undeniable. His arm talent, size, and dual-threat ability draw parallels to top professional quarterbacks. With development under elite college coaches, he could follow in the footsteps of Stafford or other NFL stars. His decision on May 5, 2025, will mark the next step in a journey that promises to captivate football fans for years to come.
Tennessee Pride and a Legacy in the Making
Jared Curtis is more than a five-star recruit; he’s a symbol of Tennessee pride. From leading Nashville Christian to a state championship to earning every major statewide accolade, Curtis has put his hometown on the map. His recruitment saga, marked by a decommitment and a 50/50 battle between Georgia and Oregon, has kept fans on edge. Yet, through it all, Curtis remains grounded, driven by family, faith, and a relentless pursuit of greatness.
As the clock ticks down to his commitment announcement on May 5, 2025, the football world awaits. Will Curtis join Georgia’s SEC dynasty or Oregon’s Big Ten ascent? Regardless of his choice, one thing is clear: Jared Curtis is a name we’ll hear for years to come, from college Saturdays to NFL Sundays.
