The fourth-ranked Georgia Bulldogs are exerting great effort to defeat the top-seeded Texas Longhorns in the battle for SEC supremacy. For the first time since the 2021 national championship game, Georgia is an underdog. The Bulldogs have turned around their season (still unconvincing though) after their loss to Alabama. Back-to-back two wins, and now they have a chance to go to the top again. However, Kirby Smart, looking to have seamless week ahead of the game, was hit by a concerning development when it comes to recruiting. 

Smart’s 2026 class received a blow on Thursday night as a 5-star quarterback makes a risky move ahead of Georgia’s Week 8 trip to Texas. Yes, Jared Curtis, the No. 1 QB in the 2026 class, has now de-committed from Georgia. On October 18, On3 Recruits uploaded a video where the national analyst Steve Wiltfong revealed Curtis’ decision as per his X post, stating, “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. 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.“

Moreover, Curtis mentioned, “My focus now is taking care of business during the rest of our high school season and being a great teammate and leader. I look forward to making the most of an open recruiting process in the months ahead.”

Thus, according to Steve, Curtis can choose from a long list of formidable programs for commitment. In the summer, Curtis traveled to South Carolina and USC for a game. Moreover, Alabama doesn’t have a quarterback in the 2026 class to date. “So I think it’ll only depend on if he gets involved with a school that already has a quarterback committed that would kick some dominoes,” said Steve.

Curtis’ commitment to the Bulldogs over several top programs came on March 23. Programs like Texas, Oklahoma, Ohio State and Alabama were also looking at the a top prospect from Nashville Christian (TN). While this news wouldn’t have pleased Smart, he still has a game to look forward to.

What to watch out for: Kirby Smart’s Georgia vs. Texas game?

With a commanding 31-point victory over Oklahoma, Texas is still one of college football’s 11 unbeaten teams. Texas is 2-0 in SEC play behind the top-ranked scoring offense in the country. On the other hand, with quarterback Carson Beck’s play leading the way, Georgia is 3-1 in SEC play and looking to avoid a costly second conference loss after losing to Alabama a few weeks prior. The team ranks ninth in the FBS in passing efficiency.

However, FanDuel Sportsbook lines see Texas as a 5-point favorite against Georgia. Along with that, based on the FPI’s calculations, Texas leads the SEC with a 95.5 per cent chance of making it to the College Football Playoffs and is expected to win 11.8 games this season. But nothing is predictable in CFB.

Safe to say, a number of Georgia players are hurt going into the game, including running back Broderick Robinson, who will be sidelined. Tate Ratledge’s standing is still in doubt. Robinson will sit out in this contest. Smael Mondon, another linebacker, will not be playing. So, it will be challenging for the Bulldogs. But don’t leave hope, as there are players like Jordan Hall, Carson Beck, Jared Wilson, and so on. So, it will surely be a breathtaking matchup. Let’s see if Georgia’s position in college football is determined by this game.