Smart Praises Freshman Quarterback
Georgia Coach Kirby Smart Praises Vanderbilt Freshman Quarterback Jared Curtis Before Clash
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Key Points
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Smart said Vanderbilt arguably should have made the College Football Playoff the previous season, citing its record and the teams it beat, and described the Commodores as a physical team built in a similar mold to Georgia.
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Curtis is listed at 6 feet 3 inches and 230 pounds. He first pledged to Georgia in March 2024, reconsidered that fall, chose Georgia over Oregon in May 2025, then flipped to Vanderbilt on Dec. 2.
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Curtis’s return to Sanford Stadium comes ten months and one day after he flipped to Vanderbilt on the eve of signing day; he was elevated to starter after sharing backup duties for his first two games.
Georgia coach Kirby Smart has no hard feelings about Jared Curtis flipping from the Bulldogs to Vanderbilt. Smart praised the freshman quarterback ahead of Saturday's game in Athens, calling him strong, quick and powerful with impressive athleticism and arm talent. Curtis, a former five-star recruit listed at 6-foot-3 and 230 pounds, is now the Commodores' starter after sharing playing time early in the season according to Dawning of the Dawg.
Smart said recruits are not committed until they sign, expressing respect for Vanderbilt and coach Clark Lea. The Georgia coach also praised the Commodores as a physical team built similarly to his own program according to Heavy. Curtis first pledged to Georgia in March 2024, reconsidered that fall, chose Georgia over Oregon in May 2025, then flipped to Vanderbilt on December 2 according to Worldnews.
Why Curtis Left Georgia for Nashville
Opportunity — not money — drove Curtis's decision to flip to Vanderbilt according to Worldnews. The five-star quarterback was the No. 2 overall player in the 2026 recruiting class when he committed to Georgia. Curtis's return to Sanford Stadium comes ten months and one day after he flipped on the eve of signing day, making his game debut against his former program a unique moment.
Smart's Respect for Vanderbilt's Physical Program
Smart said Vanderbilt arguably should have made the College Football Playoff last season. He cited the Commodores' record and the teams they defeated as evidence of their strength according to Heavy. Smart compared Vanderbilt's physical style to Georgia's own program, indicating respect for coach Clark Lea's building approach and the caliber of talent on the roster.
Curtis's Path From Backup to Starter
Curtis was elevated to starter after sharing backup duties for his first two games with Vanderbilt according to Tennessean. The freshman's quick progression to the starting role reflects the coaching staff's confidence in his arm talent and athleticism. However, his status for Saturday remains uncertain due to an undisclosed injury, with him listed as questionable on the team's initial injury report according to Tennessean.
Vegas Adjusts Odds After Curtis Injury Report
The betting spread for Georgia versus Vanderbilt shifted immediately after Curtis was listed as questionable according to Dawning of the Dawg. Sportsbooks quickly recalibrated odds once the injury news broke, reflecting the impact Curtis's availability has on the game's outcome. If Curtis cannot play, Vanderbilt will likely start a backup quarterback facing the No. 2 Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium.
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