The Georgia Bulldogs’ 2026 class currently ranks 2nd nationally, justifying UGA’s blueblood standards. The class is stacked with talent, with 5-star commits like Jared Curtis and Kaiden Prothro. However, now, there’s a monkey on Kirby Smart’s back. An SEC program that is after Kirby Smart’s 2026 crown jewel, Jared Curtis.

Rivals’ Steve Wiltfong appeared with Josh Newberg on 17th November and talked about whether Jared Curtis could finally flip for the second time. Wiltfong touted Vanderbilt for moving in aggressively for Curtis’s commitment, and he didn’t rule out the possibility. “Jared Curtis was there back in Athens after all that stuff with Vanderbilt. Can we now say with absolute certainty that he’s going to sign with Georgia?” asked Newberg. Wiltfong’s response was straightforward.

“We cannot,” said Wiltfong, and described why Vanderbilt has emerged as an unexpected contender to flip the 5-star QB. “I still think that Vanderbilt has a pulse in this recruitment, and communication will continue with the Vanderbilt staff. Talking to some sources around Jared Curtis, one of the biggest factors in his recruitment as he winds this thing down is that he wants to play early. And so I think he wants to play as a true freshman,” said Wiltfong. Vanderbilt surely offers the QB a freshman start guarantee.

Vanderbilt right now has Diego Pavia, exceeding all expectations and charting the team’s playoff course, with an 8-2 season record. However, as much as we like Diego Pavia to play forever (which would be great), he loses eligibility this year. Clark Lea then would need a new QB1, and 5-star QB Jared Curtis has everything to offer, just in his freshman season.

Want arm talent? The guy has 483 completions for 7,665 yards and throws 30+ yards accurately in tight windows. How about physicality? The Nashville, Tennessee, native averages 7 yards per carry, accumulating 2,113 rushing yards. Not to mention, the guy is a proven leader who has led his team to state titles. All of that surely makes him a Diego Pavia-esque QB-leader combo. No wonder Clark Lea is after him.

In contrast, Georgia already has a QB in redshirt junior Gunner Stockton, who would play in the 2026 season, too. That rules out Curtis’s plans for a freshman start at Kirby Smart’s camp. But playing guarantee isn’t the only thing driving Curtis’ interest towards Vanderbilt.

Can Georgia leapfrog Vanderbilt and prevent Jared Curtis from a second flip?

It’s almost ironic that Jared Curtis wants to move on again from Georgia. Notably, the QB already had a decommitment saga with Georgia on October 17th, 2024. But after visiting different programs, including showing incredible interest towards Oregon, Curtis finally came back to Georgia. But now that he wants to move away from UGA again, one wouldn’t help but wonder if Kirby Smart is wasting energy on his pursuit.

For one, the QB had visited Vanderbilt recently in October, fueling the flip rumors. But why Vanderbilt? The other aspect driving Curtis’ interest in Vandy is his in-state ties. It surely is a big deal for him to commit to a program that is not just in his state, but in his city as well. Not to mention, Vanderbilt has more than made their case after defeating SEC heavyweights like LSU, Auburn, and Alabama in 2024. Still, according to Steve Wiltfong, nothing is set in stone yet.

“Dialogue will continue with the Georgia staff, and a lot of love for Georgia. We came right out of the gate. He asked me a direct question. I think he still signs with Georgia and this program that he’s been committed to twice…But Vanderbilt is still in the mix,” said the Rivals’ reporter. Curtis is the consensus top recruit in the 2026 class, and that will surely shoot up Vandy’s recruiting pedigree after landing him. Not just that, Vandy could build around him and not miss Diego Pavia too much after he departs.

Still, Curtis’ commitment is contingent on Clark Lea signing an extension. Something he hasn’t done yet. It’s also worth noting that Vanderbilt hasn’t yet presented an NIL offer to the $1.8 million valued Curtis. So if one of these two things doesn’t happen, Curtis is probably staying at Georgia.