Official: Nation’s Top QB Prospect Jared Commits to South Carolina Gamecocks over Auburn Tigers
In a significant development for college football recruiting, Jared Curtis, the nation’s top quarterback prospect for the 2026 class, has committed to the South Carolina Gamecocks, declining an offer from the Auburn Tigers. This decision marks a pivotal moment for South Carolina’s football program, signaling a potential shift in the competitive landscape of the Southeastern Conference (SEC).
**Jared Curtis: A Profile**
Hailing from Nashville Christian School in Tennessee, Curtis stands at 6-foot-3.5 and weighs 225 pounds. His exceptional dual-threat capabilities have garnered him a five-star rating, with On3 ranking him as the No. 1 quarterback and the No. 4 overall prospect in the 2026 recruiting cycle. Curtis’s junior season was marked by impressive statistics, leading his team to a state championship with 2,672 passing yards, 38 touchdowns, and an additional 577 rushing yards and 14 rushing touchdowns. His performance earned him the Gatorade Tennessee Football Player of the Year award for 2024.
**Recruitment Journey**
Curtis’s recruitment has been a focal point for numerous top-tier programs. Initially committing to the University of Georgia in March 2024, he decommitted in October 2024 to explore other opportunities. This decision reopened his recruitment, attracting interest from schools such as Ohio State, Auburn, Oregon, South Carolina, and Alabama. Auburn, in particular, was a strong contender, with quarterbacks coach Kent Austin visiting Curtis in January 2025 to express the Tigers’ interest.
**Decision to Commit to South Carolina**
After thorough consideration and multiple visits, Curtis announced his commitment to the South Carolina Gamecocks. This decision is a significant achievement for South Carolina, as securing a commitment from a player of Curtis’s caliber underscores the program’s growing appeal and competitive aspirations within the SEC. The Gamecocks’ coaching staff, led by head coach Shane Beamer, played a crucial role in building a strong relationship with Curtis, emphasizing a vision for the program that resonated with the young quarterback.
**Impact on South Carolina’s Program**
Curtis’s commitment is expected to have a profound impact on South Carolina’s football program. His arrival brings a high level of talent and leadership potential to the quarterback position, which could elevate the team’s offensive capabilities in the coming seasons. Additionally, securing a top-tier recruit like Curtis may enhance South Carolina’s ability to attract other elite prospects, fostering a more competitive roster and improving the program’s standing within the SEC.
**Auburn’s Position Moving Forward**
For the Auburn Tigers, missing out on Curtis necessitates a reassessment of their recruitment strategy for the quarterback position in the 2026 class. Auburn has been actively pursuing other quarterback prospects, including Landon Duckworth from Jackson, Alabama, who was once committed to South Carolina but decommitted in June 2024. The Tigers may intensify their efforts to secure commitments from other talented quarterbacks to bolster their future roster.
**Conclusion**
Jared Curtis’s commitment to the South Carolina Gamecocks represents a significant milestone in the 2026 college football recruiting landscape. His decision to join South Carolina, over offers from programs like Auburn, highlights the evolving dynamics of college football recruitment and the increasing competitiveness of programs within the SEC. As Curtis transitions to the collegiate level, his development and performance will be closely watched by fans and analysts, with expectations that he will make a substantial impact on the field for the Gamecocks.
