Kirby Smart’s 5-Star Jared Curtis Contingency Plan Revealed as Lane Kiffin & Brent Venables to Suffer Major Blows

It’s getting real spooky out here in the 2026 recruiting trenches. Feels like one of those old Western standoffs—Oregon and Georgia squaring up, hands twitching over the holsters, waiting for Jared Curtis to make his move. The 5-star QB has got coaches sweating, fanbases praying, and boosters probably refreshing On3 like it’s fantasy football draft night. He’s the No. 1 quarterback in the country, and he’s dragging this out like it’s a Prison Break episode. But behind the scenes? Kirby Smart’s already plotting—he’s got a ‘Plan B’ locked and loaded, and if it hits, Lane Kiffin and Brent Venables might just take L’s so big they echo into the offseason.

Let’s run it back real quick. Jared Curtis—6’4″, 225 lbs of certified flamethrower energy—was all-in on Georgia back in March 2024. Dawgs fans thought they bagged the crown jewel. But by October? Curtis hit the brakes, pulled out the AUX cord, and dipped. That’s when Oregon’s Dan Lanning rolled in with his slick West Coast offense and Nike-funded hospitality. Curtis watched the Ducks’ body Maryland and got the Will Stein masterclass. He left Eugene with a grin and a whole lot to think about.

Now? We’re days away from his May 5 commitment. On3’s got Oregon leading the race with a 54.2% chance, Georgia trailing behind at 36.9%. The Ducks are cooking, and even Curtis’ mom said, “It was a great visit.” And Curtis’s agent, Peter Webb, made it crystal clear: “It’s not about who’s going to pay him the most… Once he’s made the decision, then we go to work.” So yeah, it ain’t just about the money. But let’s not act like those Nike NILs are fugazi.

If Oregon snatches Curtis, Georgia isn’t going to cry in the corner. Nah, Kirby Smart’s already got the backup chess moves locked in—and they’re about to hit Brent Venables and Lane Kiffin like a late blitz on 3rd and long. Let’s talk about Bowe Bentley real quick. The Celina, Texas star lit up 4A ball like a Christmas tree—3,211 passing yards, 47 touchdowns, plus 923 yards and 16 scores on the ground. Led his team to a perfect 16-0 run and a state title. Oklahoma has been all over him, and they even locked down a commit from four-star QB Jaden O’Neal. But guess what? Georgia’s knocking. Bentley’s got officials set: UGA on June 6–8, Oklahoma on June 13–15, and LSU on June 20–22. If Smart loses Curtis, he’s crashing Venables’ party and putting OU’s QB room in a blender.

And then there’s Landon Duckworth, the dual-threat demon from Jackson High in Alabama. Over 3,000 yards and 39 touchdowns as a junior. Ole Miss had him trending hard after his South Carolina decommitment, and Kiffin already landed Rees Wise, but he still wants Duckworth. Georgia’s sniffing around too. Duckworth’s official visits include Georgia, FSU, and Ole Miss. He straight up said after his Ole Miss visit, “Everything was good.” Translation? He ain’t locked in yet. Kirby could steal one from Lane too, if things line up.

Kirby Smart’s Plan B might just be his Plan A

Let’s be real: missing out on Jared Curtis would sting, but it wouldn’t be the end of the world for Georgia. Why? Because their Plan B could start for 90% of D1 schools today. Bentley’s stats last year were video-game level. And with his official visit to Athens coming before the one to Norman? That’s intentional. Kirby’s trying to close early. Flip a Sooners lock, and suddenly Brent Venables is on the recruiting ropes.

Same goes for Kiffin. Duckworth’s dual-threat juice fits Ole Miss perfectly, but if Smart whispers sweet NIL nothings in his ear and offers a shot at the SEC throne? That might change everything. Especially since Georgia’s already let him know he’s more than just a backup plan—he’s a future star.

Bottom line: Jared Curtis is the domino. Once he tips over on May 5, the whole 2026 board’s about to shake. If Jared Curtis chooses Oregon, don’t blink—Kirby Smart will be moving fast, and someone’s QB room is getting hijacked. Whether it’s Bentley, Duckworth, or even O’Neal if things get wild, Georgia’s not going home empty-handed. But somebody else might. And if you’re Lane Kiffin or Brent Venables, you might want to check your depth chart twice before fall camp. Because Kirby isn’t here to play checkers. The real question is: who’s getting checkmated when the smoke clears?