Vanderbilt Names Starting Quarterback
Vanderbilt Names Blaze Berlowitz Starting Quarterback Ahead of Five-Star Freshman Jared Curtis
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Key Points
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J Jared Curtis is a Nashville native and widely regarded as the No. 4 overall prospect nationally and the No. 2 quarterback in the 2026 class per the 247Sports Composite.
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Berlowitz appeared in six games last season as the backup to Diego Pavia, and in those appearances went 9-for-17 for 131 yards with a TD, plus 81 rushing yards and a rushing TD.
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Curtis is expected to play in Week 1 against Austin Peay, but the initial starter is Berlowitz, with a planned gradual rollout for Curtis across early games.
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Vanderbilt’s early schedule features three straight home games (Austin Peay, Delaware, NC State) before SEC play at Auburn on Sept. 26, creating a phased path to integrating Curtis.
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Curtis’ recruitment included flipping from Georgia to Vanderbilt in December 2025 after a high-profile push, including support from Nashville comedian Nate Bargatze.
Vanderbilt has named Blaze Berlowitz, a senior transfer from New Mexico State, as the starting quarterback for the 2026 season opener against Austin Peay on September 5 The Tennessean. Five-star freshman Jared Curtis, the No. 2 quarterback prospect nationally, will still see action but begin in a limited role as the Commodores phase in the Nashville native gradually rather than rush him into SEC play SI.
Berlowitz Gets Early Snaps Over Five-Star Curtis
Berlowitz appeared in six games last season as Diego Pavia's backup, completing 9 of 17 passes for 131 yards with one touchdown 247Sports. He also rushed for 81 yards and a touchdown. The senior brings playbook familiarity and stability to a position that demands immediate results. Curtis will get snaps in Week 1 but will not start, preserving his development for later in the season.
Curtis Was the No. 4 Overall Prospect Before Flipping to Vanderbilt
Curtis ranks as the No. 4 overall prospect and the No. 2 quarterback in the 2026 class per 247Sports Composite 247Sports. The Nashville native flipped from Georgia to Vanderbilt in December 2025 after a high-profile recruitment push, including support from local comedian Nate Bargatze. His elite arm talent and high ceiling make him a long-term solution, but the staff wants him seasoned before throwing him into SEC competition.
Staged Rollout Lets Curtis Develop Before Mid-Season Start
Vanderbilt's schedule supports a phased approach. The Commodores open with three straight home games against Austin Peay, Delaware, and NC State before traveling to Auburn on September 26 for SEC play SI. The plan is to give Curtis limited snaps in early non-conference games to build confidence. If his development proceeds as hoped, Curtis could potentially take over mid-October or later in the season.
Strategy Balances Stability and Long-Term Growth
Berlowitz provides a steady hand to manage early workload and win games against lower-tier opponents The Tennessean. Curtis brings explosiveness and upside but needs reps away from SEC defenses. This approach avoids the risk of starting a true freshman in conference play while keeping the quarterback competition alive. Vanderbilt gets instant production from Berlowitz while investing in Curtis's future as the program's franchise quarterback.
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