Vanderbilt football is making a quarterback change.
Commodores coach Clark Lea announced Tuesday, Sept. 15, he's handing the offense to true freshman Jared Curtis against NC in Week 3. Curtis is a former five-star recruit and highest-ranked prospect in program history.
Vanderbilt started veteran Blaze Berlowitz in its first two wins against Austin Peay and Delaware this season, but he largely struggled before being replaced by Curtis in the 35-26 win against the Blue Hens in Week 2.
Curtis completed 14-of-22 passes for 210 yards with a touchdown in the win, also rushing for three scores. He played sparingly in the season opener, although he threw for 60 yards on 7-for-9
passing.
"He's earned it, he's worked really hard," Lea told reporters. "Obviously, on Saturday, the first drive I think it showed some things were part of the concerns, just through training camp some of the operational issues. But we really wanted coming out of last week to get him in early and get him a couple of series back-to-back.
"The idea that he was able to score a touchdown on that first drive with all the issues, I mean, that was impressive. As he settled in the game, I thought the game really slowed down for him."
The Nashville native has been viewed as the Commodores' future at the position since he flipped his commitment from Georgia before the early signing period started last year. He was the No. 4-ranked player nationally and No. 2 quarterback of the 2026 recruiting class, per 247Sports' Composite rating.
Delaware took a 17-14 lead into halftime against Vanderbilt before Curtis entered and led the Commodores on three scoring drives in the third quarter. Vanderbilt was also held to 28 points against FCS Austin Peay in the season opener.
Vanderbilt, which won 10 games last season with Heisman Trophy runner-up Diego Pavia at the helm, is hoping to keep its momentum moving forward as a program. Curtis fulfilling his projection as one of the best prospects in the country would certainly help.
Jared Curtis stats
Here's a look at Curtis' game-by-game stats this season, along with highlights from his extended action against Delaware:
- vs. Austin Peay: 7-of-9 passing for 60 yards; three carries for 22 yards
- vs. Delaware: 14-of-22 passing for 210 yards; eight carries for a yard with two touchdowns
WHAT A CATCH 👀#SCTop10 pic.twitter.com/H3K57fQ8Yf
— Vanderbilt Football (@VandyFootball) September 12, 2026
Jared Curtis recruiting ranking
Curtis was the No. 4-ranked player in the 2026 recruiting class, per 247Sports' Composite rankings. He was the No. 2-rated quarterback, only behind current Tennessee starter Faizon Brandon, another true freshman starter in the SEC.
Curtis' reported offers list is filled with top-tier programs, from Georgia, Alabama, Ohio State, Texas, Oregon and Indiana, to name a few.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Vanderbilt football's future starts now: Jared Curtis takes over at QB
