Why Jared Curtis flipped from Georgia football to Vanderbilt

Why Jared Curtis flipped from Georgia football to Vanderbilt

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Why Jared Curtis flipped from Georgia football to Vanderbilt

Just hours before the early signing period in 2025, five-star quarterback recruit Jared Curtis flipped his commitment from the Georgia Bulldogs to the Vanderbilt Commodores. The timing of Curtis' decommitment made it very difficult for Georgia to find another quarterback recruit, but eventually the Bulldogs landed four-star Bryson Beaver, who transferred from the Oregon Ducks.

Curtis announced his commitment to Vanderbilt in a rush after reporters leaked his decision before he told his family and agent. He has nothing but positive things to say about Georgia and coach Kirby Smart.

Curtis was the No. 1 ranked quarterback recruit in the class of 2026 and his loss was a significant blow to Georgia's recruiting class. However, Georgia now has a chance to get revenge on the field, if Curtis plays. Curtis is listed as questionable on the SEC availability report. The No. 2 Bulldogs host the Commodores at 12:45 p.m. ET on Saturday, Oct. 3.

So why did Curtis flip from Georgia to Vanderbilt?

"I do love Georgia," Curtis said via a social media post. "I love the coaches and players there. They have been so good to me and my family. I know they would do everything to help me be successful.

"They are the best program in the country for a reason. The past year it's where I wanted to be and definitely where my parents have wanted me to go.

"That's part of what makes this so hard. You try to make everyone who has been good to you and done so much for you happy, and when you can't it sucks. But I gotta walk my path that feels right in my heart, at the end of the day this has to be my decision."

Vanderbilt University freshman quarterback Jared Curtis (2) throws in practice

Instead of attending "the best program in the country", Curtis elected to stay home and attend Vanderbilt. He played high school football for Nashville Christian in Nashville, Tennessee. Curtis is the Commodores' highest ranked recruit in program history.

One factor is that Curtis has much easier path for early playing time at Vanderbilt. At Georgia, he would've had to wait behind Gunner Stockton. He did not start the Commodores' season opener, but he helped them beat NC State in miraculous fashion in his first career start.

Curtis added that he is embracing the underdog mentality at Vanderbilt. "My parents showed me the underdog can be a winner," Curtis said. He and Vanderbilt are certainly the underdogs on Saturday. Georgia is favored by 25 points.

Jared Curtis' commitment to Vanderbilt

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This article originally appeared on UGA Wire: Why Jared Curtis flipped from Georgia football to Vanderbilt

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