No. 5 Georgia lost the No. 1 quarterback in the Class of 2026, per the 247Sports Composite, as five-star prospect Jared Curtis announced on Thursday that he won’t be playing for coach Kirby Smart and the Bulldogs.

Curtis, the No. 6 overall prospect in 2026 per the 247 Sports Composite, is also ESPN’s top QB prospect for that graduating class. He committed to Georgia in March after a 25-touchdown, 2,522-yard season as a sophomore at Nashville (Tenn.) Christian School.

Curtis posted a statement on X detailing his decision: “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.”

The 6-foot-4, 225-pound signal-caller had selected Georgia on March 23 over fellow powerhouses Ohio State, Texas, Alabama and Oklahoma. In 2022 as a freshman, Curtis was runner-up for Tennessee’s Mr. Football after leading his school to a 10-3 mark and throwing 27 touchdowns.

This season for 6-1 Nashville Christian, Curtis has thrown for 18 scores and 1,624 yards and ran for 385 yards and 11 TDs, with an 18:3 touchdown-to-interception ratio.

In the wake of Curtis’ announcement, Georgia has just two commitments from the Class of 2026 — four-star cornerbacks Jontavius Wynn and Dominick Kelly, who pledged in July to join the Bulldogs.

Last year, Georgia also lost a five-star QB commitment when Dylan Raiola opted for Nebraska last December.

–Field Level Media