"It’s either Auburn or Georgia": Football fans react as No. 1 QB Jared Curtis trims his list down to 6 schools

The recruitment race for Jared Curtis, the nation’s No. 1 quarterback in the 2026 class, has intensified as he narrows his options to six programs: Oregon, Georgia, Alabama, Ohio State, Auburn and South Carolina.

Curtis, ranked as the No. 4 overall player and No. 2 QB by the 247Sports Composite, decommitted from Georgia in October following several campus visits, reigniting speculation about his future.

Among his top choices, Oregon has garnered significant attention. Jared Curtis has previously stated that the Ducks are leading his recruitment, having developed a strong rapport with the program after a visit to Eugene.

However, fans have noted the crowded quarterback rooms across his shortlist.

“Oregon has Dante Moore, Alabama has Ty Simpson, Ohio State has Julian Sayin, and South Carolina has Air Noland. If he wants to play right away, it’s either Auburn or Georgia,” a fan commented.

Another dismissed Ohio State as an option, stating,

“He’s not coming to OSU; we don’t need him.”

Image via Ig@hayesfawcett3

Here is how fans expressed their reactions:

"Which one is the number #1 Qb in the class of 2026 him or Faizon,"

Image via Ig@hayesfawcett3

"Quarterbacks who want to win Freshman of the Year go to SOUTH CAROLINA,"

Image via Ig@hayesfawcett3

Despite Oregon’s strong recruiting class, including 4-star QB Jonas Williams, Curtis remains a priority for the Ducks. Oregon’s 2026 recruiting class, ranked No. 1, is anchored by top talents such as TE Kendre Harrison, OT Kodi Green and RB Tradarian Ball.

Curtis is set to visit Alabama on February 1. His junior season was stellar, earning him the 2024 Gatorade Tennessee Football Player of the Year award.

Leading the Nashville Christian High School to a 13-1 record and a state championship, Curtis amassed 2,830 passing yards, 40 touchdowns and three interceptions on 208 attempts. He averaged 217.7 yards per game.

He also rushed for 637 yards and 18 touchdowns, recording 40.3 yards per game.

Jared Curtis plans to make official visits before commitment

Jared Curtis, the No. 4 overall prospect in the 2026 class according to On3, is taking a measured approach to his college decision. Last month, Curtis shared with On3’s Chad Simmons that he intends to finalize his commitment after completing his official visits.

“I will wait until official visits to make my decision,” Curtis shared with On3 on a piece posted on Friday. “I will get out more. When official visits open up, I will get down on some visits, see the school and see what I like about it. The factors when I make a decision will be the coaching staff, my relationship with the coaching staff and the class they bring in this year. Those and the class I would bring in with me would be the biggest things.”

One of Curtis’s top contenders, Oregon has maintained a competitive quarterback roster. They secured 2023’s No. 3 quarterback and No. 4 overall prospect, Dante Moore, through the transfer portal.

However, one of their 2025 QB signees transferred to Cal, leaving legacy QB Akili Smith Jr. and former 4-star Austin Novosad, the No. 10 QB from 2023, on their depth chart.

With 10 of the top 15 quarterbacks in the 2026 class already committed, Jared Curtis stands out as a premier uncommitted talent.