Vanderbilt Commodores have reason to celebrate as Jared Curtis, a top‑ranked quarterback from the high school class of 2026, has been added to the Maxwell Football Club’s 2026 Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year watch list. The honor places him among 37 players vying for the award that recognizes the most outstanding freshman in college football.
Award Watch List Highlights
Curtis arrives in Nashville as the most highly decorated recruit in Vanderbilt football history. Every major recruiting service placed him at the summit of the 2026 quarterback rankings, and his name quickly became synonymous with the Commodores' offensive future.
Coach Clark Lea has already spoken of Curtis in the same breath as NFL veterans Jay Cutler and Matthew Stafford, praising his explosive release and ball flight. "His skill set reminds me of the best I’ve seen at the college level," Lea said, underscoring the high expectations surrounding the youngster.
The competition for the starting quarterback spot is already taking shape. Blaze Berlowitz earned the week‑one starter nod, but Curtis remains in the mix for the long‑term position. He is slated to see action in Vanderbilt’s season opener against Austin Peay, even though Berlowitz will take the first snap.
Curtis’s rise has been supported by a network of high‑profile visits and endorsements. Former Commodores coach Nate Bargatze, along with players Diego Pavia and Tim Corbin, have attended his high school games, while his performance against Missouri further cemented his reputation.
Beyond the on‑field accolades, the watch‑list inclusion signals national attention for both the player and the program. As the Commodores look to translate early promise into sustained success, Curtis’s development will be a focal point for fans and analysts alike.