What Jared Curtis' commitment means for Vanderbilt as 5-star QB flips

Vanderbilt football has a Heisman contender at quarterback. On Dec. 2, the Commodores secured their post-Diego Pavia future by landing 5-star quarterback Jared Curtis of Nashville Christian, who flipped his commitment from Georgia.

Curtis is the No. 1 player nationally in the 247Sports composite.

No. 12 Vanderbilt (10-2) recruited Curtis throughout the second half of its season, which included Vandy hosting "College GameDay," beating Tennessee and being in contention for the College Football Playoff. Vanderbilt coach Clark Lea signed a long-term extension Nov. 28, paving the way for Curtis to commit. Curtis is expected to make things official with the Commodores as the early signing period begins Dec. 3.

Here's what the flip means for the program:

Vanderbilt football's highest-rated recruit ever

Vanderbilt has never landed a 5-star recruit. In fact, its previously highest-rated recruit according to 247Sports was linebacker Omarii Sanders, a 2027 4-star prospect who committed Nov. 29.

Sanders is a top-60 player in his class. Curtis is a top-5 player no matter, and perhaps No. 1, depending on which rankings you use.

Vanderbilt's class is ranked No. 29 nationally with Curtis' commitment.

Vanderbilt has its likely starter for 2026

The appeal of a place like Vanderbilt for a quarterback like Curtis is that there's no need to sit a year. The Commodores have a clear opening at QB, and Curtis can fill it.

Although Pavia advocated for New Mexico State transfer Blaze Berlowitz to get the job first before giving it up to Curtis, it seems likely that Curtis would win the job right away. That could push Berlowitz or other quarterbacks on the roster into the portal.

Jared Curtis' commitment likely appealing to portal players

Quarterbacks are usually the most expensive positions in the transfer portal. While Curtis will require a significant investment too, the Commodores won't have to win a bidding war and can spend money on other positions.

Receiver has long been an issue for the program, and with Eli Stowers likely to declare for the 2026 NFL draft, tight end is a need too. Receivers and tight ends in the portal would likely find playing with Curtis appealing.

Or Vanderbilt could go a different direction and try to land a stud defensive player, particularly a pass-rusher. The Commodores' defense was lacking against several top teams in 2025 and one defensive star could go a long way in helping.

Vanderbilt football, after Diego Pavia, isn't going away

Some saw Vanderbilt as a one-year wonder that would retreat to being a bottom-feeder after Pavia left. Early in the season, there was speculation that Lea could jump ship, heading off to a bigger name with more resources because he'd hit his peak with the Commodores. But that was never how Lea saw things. He was serious about wanting to compete for titles, and he signed an extension to stay at Vanderbilt.

The Commodores probably won't equal their 10-2 from 2025 in 2026. It's not just Pavia; Vanderbilt was one of the oldest teams in college football with several key contributors departing. And teams like Michigan and Nebraska have shown that a 5-star freshman quarterback alone can't land a team in the CFP.

But the Commodores should be a consistent bowl team that can win eight or nine games in good years and have a shot at the CFP when the stars align. Curtis helps keep Vanderbilt's window open to reach the higher end of that range.

Aria Gerson covers Vanderbilt athletics for The Tennessean. Contact her at [email protected] or on X @aria_gerson.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: What Jared Curtis commitment means for Vanderbilt football