If you’ve ever seen a five-star quarterback juggle prom plans, seven-figure futures, and two college football juggernauts, then welcome to the chaos that is Jared Curtis’ life right now. The 6-foot-4 flamethrower from Nashville’s got the whole dang country holding its breath, and man, it’s wild. Oregon and Georgia are going toe-to-toe, NIL bags are flying, and just when UGA thought it had him locked—boom, no-show for the G-Day visit. Instead? Prom night. And that’s not even the juiciest part.
Jared Curtis, the No. 1 quarterback in the 2026 class, just took a five-figure NIL hit. On3’s valuation dropped his stock by $51K, and the streets are talkin’. The dip comes right as recruiting predictions heat up, with Oregon pulling ahead—barely—with 54% odds to Georgia’s 34%. Keep in mind, Curtis hasn’t even touched college turf yet and he’s already valued at $2.7 million. That’s generational arm talent right there, but the uncertainty? It’s messing with the money. And this whole saga’s got people shook.
Let’s back it up a bit—Curtis originally committed to Georgia in March 2024. Everything looked peachy in Athens. But come October? Man dipped. Oregon slid into the picture like a smooth-talking villain in a Netflix drama. Curtis took a trip to Eugene, watched the Ducks slap Maryland, and got the red carpet treatment from Dan Lanning and OC Will Stein. And he ate it up. Ducks have that Phil Knight money, and a QB-friendly setup that Curtis clearly respects. But don’t count out Kirby Smart just yet. The Bulldogs are used to playing the long game, and home is still home.
The real twist? His G-Day visit—supposed to be Georgia’s last swing before May 5—is off. Curtis chose prom over Kirby. And while folks are quick to say “it’s just prom,” in SEC country, that’s like ghosting a wedding to hit a high school cookout. Sources say Curtis is done with visits altogether, which makes this NIL valuation drop a little spicier. Less visibility, less leverage. But if you think this story’s just about the bag, pump the brakes.
Peter Webb, Curtis’ agent, said it best: “For Jared, it’s not about who’s going to pay him the most money… Once he’s made the decision, then we go to work.” Translation? Curtis ain’t chasing the check first—he’s picking vibes. Fit. Vision. The bag will follow. He’s got NFL on his radar, not just Saturday highlights. Still, Oregon’s modern system, that Nike-backed NIL infrastructure, and the hype around Dan Lanning’s squad? That’s tough to pass up. And yet—Kirby Smart’s been on Curtis since Day 1.
Curtis’ family split too. Curtis’ mom said about Eugene. “It was a great visit.” But also added that the fam’s got real ties to Georgia and feels at home there. Curtis knows both systems like the back of his hand. So now, we wait. May 5 is the date. Oregon’s looking loud, Georgia’s staying patient, and Curtis is keeping the cards close to his chest.
ESPN and On3 prediction for Jared Curtis’ recruiting
With Curtis playing his hand tight, ESPN’s Eli Lederman tossed his two cents in, and surprise—he’s leaning Dawgs. “The same relationships that landed Georgia Curtis’ initial commitment this past March should win out again in a tight recruitment, particularly with the Bulldogs expected to step up their NIL efforts with the 2026 class in the wake of several misses with top recruits in recent cycles.” Lederman wrote. He’s banking on UGA to crank up the NIL machine after recent misses in top-tier recruiting battles. If that happens, Curtis would be Georgia’s first five-star QB signee since Justin Fields. That’s a headline right there.
Still, Oregon ain’t slowing down. Steve Wiltfong from On3 got Oregon on his favor: “I think the Ducks have the momentum right now, but if you’re Oregon, you’re worried that he’s about to spend three days in Athens.” Look, spending 3 days in Athens can make an atheist into a believer. Ya’ll can chill, Jared Curtis’ mom loved their visit to Eugene, big time. They’ve been top-tier recruiters lately, and their NIL game is unmatched. However, Curtis canceling the Georgia visit isn’t that deep. Jared Curtis been there more times than the Athens Waffle House. There’s not much Kirby can say now that hasn’t already been said over the last two years. So maybe this move ain’t about a shift—it’s just about familiarity.
For now, there’s no official crystal ball prediction logged anywhere. It’s neck-and-neck, and we might not know until Curtis steps up to the mic on May 5. While On3 leans on Oregon, some analysts still think Georgia’s relationships and SEC proximity wins out. But let’s keep it real—the kid’s a generational prospect. Whoever lands him? That program’s eating good for the next 3-4 years. As for Curtis? Prom, paychecks, pressure—it’s just another Saturday for the most wanted man in high school football.
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