The Georgia Bulldogs are locked in a huge recruiting battle with the Oregon Ducks for the No. 1 quarterback in the 2026 class, and it doesn’t sound as if it is going to be resolved anytime soon.
Georgia and Oregon are vying for the services of Jared Curtis (Nashville, Tenn.), the fifth overall prospect and top quarterback in On3’s industry rankings for 2026.
The Bulldogs have the appeal of being a perennial contender for the national championship and have a rich history of producing elite NFL prospects.
But, with Oregon clearly on the rise under Dan Lanning, the decision is proving a very tricky one for Curtis.
Speaking to ESPN about the race for Curtis’ services, his father said: “Jared loves Georgia and that program is just a factory.
” And then you go up there and spend time in Oregon with Dan Lanning, [offensive coordinator] Will Stein and all the coaches up there — it just feels like a rocket ship.
“They’re getting better and better every year. Both schools are just great. Jared has a hard decision.”
Curtis carries an NIL valuation of $2.7 million, per On3. No other 2026 prospect has a valuation higher than $1.1 million.
As such, the NIL packages offered to him could play a significant role in his eventual decision.
The Bulldogs do have other options, having been confirmed as one of the three finalists for four-star quarterback Bowe Bentley (Celina, Texas).
But Curtis is the biggest prize available on the quarterback market his cycle, and it will be a huge statement if the Bulldogs can ultimately sway him in their direction.
Jared Curtis, a five-star quarterback in the 2026 recruiting class, has reportedly reopened his recruitment after previously committing to the Georgia Bulldogs. His decision has attracted interest from several top programs, including the Oregon Ducks, South Carolina Gamecocks, Alabama Crimson Tide, and Ohio State Buckeyes. Recent reports suggest that Curtis has connected well with Oregon’s offensive coordinator, Will Stein, and has visited the campus twice, with head coach Dan Lanning’s in-home visit in January leaving a strong impression. On3 projects Curtis’s NIL value at $2.7 million.
As of March 2025, reports indicate that Georgia is facing challenges in securing Curtis’s commitment, with Oregon currently viewed as the frontrunner. However, Curtis’s recent visit to Georgia and positive comments about the program suggest that the Bulldogs remain in contention.
Given Curtis’s high potential and substantial NIL valuation, his final decision will have significant implications for the programs involved. Recruiting experts and fans alike will be closely monitoring his upcoming visits and eventual commitment.