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 a 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 top QB in the 2026 class, has now de-committed from Georgia. On October 18, Curtis himself broke the news with an X post. 

As per his post, “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 On3’s national analyst Steve Wiltfong, 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. Notably Curtis is not the only quarterback who remains uncommitted.

According to On3, most of the top 10 QBs are committed. For instance, Faizon Brandon is committed to Tennessee. But apart from, him, also recommitted is Ryder Lions, who is out of California. The rest of all are committed to top programs. But, why there is so much talk, particularly about Curtis?

Curtis is a gifted passer. He is a natural thrower of the football and can spend it to all levels of the field. He has improved such greatly from his sophomore to junior year that his completion percentage has skyrocketed. He has been completing about 68% of his passes and has also become more dangerous as a runner this year as a junior. However, according to Steve, it’s the throwing that stands out right away and this is what has attracted the colleges so early to him.

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 top prospect from Nashville Christian School. 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.