Five-star quarterback Jared Curtis announced a surprise decision to de-commit from the University of Georgia ahead of the team’s Week 8 trip to Texas. The move, seven months after pledging alliance to the Bulldogs, has put college teams on alert, with many of them already having made offers previously. The likes of Alabama, Ohio State, Oklahoma, and others are already in pursuit but which team is high on Curtis’s list?

The player announced his decision to de-commit to Georgia on X and expressed his continued affection and respect for the program and HC Smart. “This morning I spoke with coach Smart and [offensive coordinator Mike Bobo] and let them know that I still love Georgia but would like to take some more time to explore all my options so I can make the best, most informed decision for my future,” Curtis said.

He added, “I let them know it just doesn’t seem right or fair to stay committed while checking out other programs. I want people to know where I stand and I’ve learned that making big decisions takes time.” The 6-foot-4 signal-caller had selected Georgia on March 23 over powerhouses Ohio State, Texas, Alabama, and Oklahoma, but now he has again put himself open to offers.

After his de-commitment to Georgia, the No. 1 ranked quarterback in the 2026 class is already planning college visits to assess his next move. These include programs that he has already visited but hasn’t made any gameday appearances. So that is what is next on his calendar. However, out of an impressive list of teams, one program stands out.

Curtis intends to visit Eugene for the Ducks game against Maryland on November 9 and he has hinted that he could be making the move to the Big Ten side. The move could be significant for Oregon HC Dan Lanning and Curtis’s ambitions. The Ducks already have the No. 1 class in the 2026 cycle, with commitments from five 4-stars who are ranked inside the top 130 players nationally. This means the team is well-equipped to provide the perfect platform to the No. 1 recruit in Tennessee. And for the Ducks fans, the good news is that Curtis is also interested in committing to them.

On Monday, Curtis told On3 about his college prospects as well as discussed his future visits. He placed the Oregon Ducks at the top of his preferences for the moment. Curtis said, “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.” With a visit to Eugene planned the Ducks fans have every reason to be excited. But there is a challenge when it comes to fitting Curtis in the Oregon lineup.

The program also has a commitment from 4-star QB Jonas Williams. As such it will be interesting to see how would Curtis’s addition impact things. But Lanning will understand that plucking the services of the No. 1 QB will not only send a statement but also put them in a strong position against Big 10 rivals Penn State. But do the Ducks really need him?

Notably, after this season, Ducks’ sixth-year starter Dillon Gabriel won’t be available, with teams from across the country already scouting him for a move next year. Dante Moore, transfer quarterback, from UCLA, is expected to take over the Ducks’ offense after Gabriel leaves. But two years from now, the program will be on the lookout to shape a young prospect into an elite collegiate QB and that is when Curtis could shine. Both Lanning and offensive coordinator Will Stein will be eager to work with him to help him realize his potential. His numbers in the last two seasons alone should push Oregon to make the move.

Curtis has gone a combined 303 of 529 passing for 4,807 yards, 52 touchdowns, and 17 interceptions in 2022 and 2023 seasons. He a;sp added 161 rushes for 1,024 yards and 20 more scores during this period.

The YouTube channel of On3 Recruits shared the other details of the interview with the five-star QB. He brought up his plans for the coming month adding, “November 2nd, I think I’m going town to Auburn versus Oklahoma. The 16th, I’m going to go to Georgia versus Tennessee, getting back down there for that game, and the 30th, I think I’m going to go to, Alabama versus Auburn.”

When asked what he is looking to learn from these visits Curtis answered, “What they do on the field, pay close attention to that. Play calls like what they’re, what the coaches do, just getting up there and talking to the coaches, building a relationship with the coaches, probably the main thing, and the recruits around me.”

Curtis might still take time to decide where he goes, unlike four-star offensive tackle Aaron Dunn. Dunn de-committed from Utah on Thursday, October 17, and announced his commitment to USC the next day. But Curtis has decided to take a measured approach regarding his college decision.

“I say, I’m going to hold off for a little bit. You know, just take it step by step. You know, finish my season I have going this year. Obviously, I want to take a couple of officials, just getting up there, connect with the coaches, a couple times to each place, probably, and you know, just getting up there and checking it out.” Curtis also mentioned that “stability” in the coaching staff and having a good recruiting class are the most important factors he has in mind as he contemplates his next decision. Again this is something the Ducks will be able to offer him.

Curtis displayed some strong performances this sophomore season. The QB has completed 68% of his pass attempts for 1857 yards and 22 touchdowns in eight games. According to 247Sports, Curtis has over 35 college offers and he is already planning to visit some of them. But when can we expect him to make a final decision?

Curtis shares timeline for college decision

The top quarterback prospect for the 2026 cycle from Nashville Christian, is planning his next move carefully. During his interview with On3, he asked when we could expect a decision on his future. Curtis replied, “Probably right before my senior year,  just want to take it slowly. You know, get to each school a couple times a piece and just see what I like.”

Interestingly, despite de-committing from Georgia, he hasn’t completely shut the door on a return to the Bulldogs as he plans to visit the program for the game against Tennessee. During the interview, he mentioned his decision to de-commit from the program and added, “I just wanted to visit other places and not be committed. So you know that’s what I’m going to do and you know still keeping Georgia in the way.”

Well, the Bulldogs fans can still dream, but Curtis now has plenty of options to explore his future. It will be interesting to see if Lanning and Co. address the comments from Curtis in the coming days. Will we see Curis pull off a surprise move to Auburn or Alabama or will Oregon land him to solidify their Big 10 status?