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Woah! You need to take the exit at the right moment before it is too late. That’s what 5-star QB Jared Curtis has learned and is trying to stand as an example for. The season was yet to drop curtains when the top quarterback in the Class of 2026 walked back on his commitment to Kirby Smart and Georgia. For the ones who judged Curtis for taking this risk, four months later, the 5-star prospect has offers from six top schools. What’s more surprising is the fact that Smart and Co. want to try their luck yet again. But will Curtis make a U-turn?

Looks like he has made up his mind. Among Georgia, Oregon, and Auburn, Jared has found his favorite. However, amidst dropping hints, the $800k setback must be lingering in his heart.  

As per the reports, Curtis had given his words to the Bulldogs in March 2024. However, in October he released a statement stating, “When I first committed to Georgia, I wasn’t fully aware of what was to come, including the other options I’ve been truly blessed to have but could not consider.” That confirmed how he wanted to explore the other options. Offers started to outpour for the No. 6 prospect, No. 1 quarterback nationally, and the top player in Tennessee. While the race to land the 5-star QB now is between the top three- the Bulldogs, the Ducks, and the Tigers, Curtis’ heart beats for only one team.

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On February 3, he re-shared a post from Duck Zone on his IG story. He had kept the intrigue intact by not going for any message or caption on the story. The original post’s caption has been enough to put the fans on the edge of their seats. The caption read, “Oregon is TRENDING for 2026 No. 1 QB Jared Curtis.” The post had a tweet from On3 Recruits that quoted the player from his interview with analyst Steve Wiltfong

Curtis reportedly told On3 Recruits, “Since I decommitted my relationship has got better and better and I can’t wait to go up there for my OV.” He has been high on the Ducks for quite some time now. Do you remember what Curtis said back in October? “My interest in Oregon is above the others right now. It’s my relationship with Coach Stein and Coach Lanning. It’s great, and we had a great time when we went up there.” Looks like the Oregon charm has not dampened over these few months. While the recruitment race turns out to be in Curtis’ favor, he has hit the backseat in the other front. 

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What’s your perspective on:

Did Jared Curtis make the right call by stepping back from Georgia? What's your take?

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The Bill Belichick factor behind Jared Curtis’ sudden fall  

As Curtis might be too busy to pick up his favorite team from the buffet of offers, his NIL valuation had taken a dip. Walking into the new year, the QB held a NIL valuation of $3.5 million. After the dip, Curtis now stands with a valuation of $2.7 million. Yes, that’s how he lost $800k fortune at a time when players like Bryce Underwood squeezed in some more money with NIL. Well, we are yet to be sure about the reason behind this steep fall. However, it has to do a lot about the player’s move as well.

For instance, Curtis’ picture with the new North Carolina Tar Heels HC Bill Belichick went viral after the ex-NFL HC paid him a visit. So, the prospect of his joining the legend’s team might have sparked hopes in the college football landscape. Sadly, Curtis rejected the offer to move into Chapel Hill. But looks like the quarterback will have multiple chances to lift his NIL valuation. 

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If Jared Curtis’ Oregon dreams come true, that will be the secret to ward off all his worries when it comes to his NIL valuation. Dan Lanning’s program is among the teams with the highest NIL valuation of players in the whole country. Last season, the Ducks’ NIL valuation was around a $23 million budget. Curtis must weigh his options wisely—choosing what’s best for both his game and his financial fortune.

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Did Jared Curtis make the right call by stepping back from Georgia? What's your take?

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