Ohio State Buckeyes Emerging as Frontrunners for 2026 Five-Star QB Jared Curtis

The Ohio State Buckeyes are laser-focused on their current College Football Playoff campaign, but that hasn’t stopped the program from making significant moves on the recruiting front for the 2026 class. The Buckeyes are now being linked to one of the most coveted prospects in the nation: five-star quarterback Jared Curtis.

Standing 6-foot-3 and ranked as the top quarterback in the 2026 recruiting class, Curtis is at the center of a heated recruitment battle. Ohio State and Georgia are leading the charge to secure the Nashville Christian School standout, with the Buckeyes holding a 50% chance of landing him, according to On3.com projections. Georgia trails closely at 36%, while the North Carolina Tar Heels remain a wildcard contender.

A Quarterback Pipeline at Ohio State

Ohio State’s recent history of developing top-tier quarterbacks has positioned the program as an attractive destination for elite prospects like Curtis. With current starter Will Howard headed to the NFL Draft, the Buckeyes face decisions at quarterback for the 2025 season.

The program already boasts freshman sensation Julian Sayin, a highly touted signal-caller expected to contend for the starting job. Sayin could face competition from five-star recruit Tavien St. Clair, the jewel of Ohio State’s 2025 recruiting class. While these players provide immediate solutions, Curtis would offer valuable depth and future security.

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NIL Stakes and Georgia Decommitment

Curtis’ recruitment is also tied to the rapidly evolving landscape of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals. On3 projects Curtis’ NIL valuation at an impressive $937,000, one of the highest among 2026 recruits. For Ohio State, securing Curtis could require a competitive NIL package to outbid Georgia and other contenders.

Curtis was previously committed to Georgia but reopened his recruitment in October, citing a desire to explore his options. Despite his decommitment, the Bulldogs remain a strong contender to win him back.

Strong Connections to Ohio State

In a recent interview with On3’s Steve Wiltfong, Curtis spoke highly of his interactions with Ohio State’s coaching staff. “Me and Coach [Chip] Kelly have a good relationship,” Curtis said. “And Coach [Ryan] Day, I’ve got on the phone with him a couple times. They develop quarterbacks a lot as well, and they have the talent around them. That’s exciting.”

Ohio State’s proven ability to develop NFL-caliber quarterbacks, combined with their loaded roster of offensive weapons, makes them a compelling destination for Curtis.

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The Road Ahead

As the recruitment of Jared Curtis heats up, Ohio State will need to navigate stiff competition from Georgia and possibly North Carolina, now coached by NFL legend Bill Belichick. Curtis’ decision will likely hinge on a combination of relationships, development opportunities, and NIL incentives.

If the Buckeyes can secure a commitment from Curtis, it would solidify their quarterback depth for years to come and further cement their reputation as a premier destination for elite talent.