Kirby Smart and Georgia Bulldogs projected to get exactly what they want on recruiting front

Kirby Smart and the Georgia Bulldogs are currently head to head with Dan Lanning and the Oregon Ducks to land 2026 five-star quarterback Jared Curtis.

However, according to ESPN’s Eli Lederman, the Bulldogs should win the recruiting battle.

“The same relationships that landed Georgia Curtis’ initial commitment this past March should win out again in a tight recruitment, particularly with the Bulldogs expected to step up their NIL efforts with the 2026 class in the wake of several misses with top recruits in recent cycles,” Lederman said.

It was reported last week that Georgia is expected to be more aggressive in the NIL space for 2026 recruiting and landing Curtis will only confirm that.

Curtis initially committed to Georgia but chose to explore other options back in October. He is the No. 3 overall prospect in On3’s 2026 Class Rankings, No. 1 at the quarterback position, and No. 1 QB in the state of Tennes

The 6-foot-4, 220-pound rising senior led his Nashville high school football team to a 13-1 record and a state title after completing 70 percent of his passes for 2,830 yards with 40 touchdowns and three interceptions during the 2024 regular season. He also added another 637 yards and 18 scores on the ground. Curtis was named the 2024 Gatorade Tennessee Football Player of the Year for his outstanding efforts.