Kirby Smart and the Georgia Bulldogs are in unfamiliar territory at the moment.
On September 28, the Bulldogs lost 41-34 to the Alabama Crimson Tide, their first regular-season loss since 2020. They now head to Austin for a showdown with the top-ranked Texas Longhorns, where a loss would make Georgia’s quest to make a fourth straight SEC Championship Game very tough.
Making things worse for Smart and his coaching staff is the fact that on Thursday, 2026 five-star quarterback commit Jared Curtis announced he would de-commit from Georgia and re-open his recruitment.
Thankful! pic.twitter.com/CzoWv0rHu3
— Jared Curtis 2026 QB (@Jaredcurtis37) October 17, 2024
“This morning I spoke with coach Smart and [offensive coordinator Mike Bobo] and let them know that I still love Georgia, but would like to take some more time to explore all my options so I can make the best, most informed decision for my future,” Curtis said in his statement.
The junior prospect noted that he didn’t feel right staying committed to Georgia while still talking to other schools.
“I let them know it just doesn’t seem right or fair to stay committed while checking out other programs. I want people to know where I stand and I’ve learned that making big decisions takes time,” Curtis added.
Curtis, a Nashville native, is the No. 4 player in ESPN’s 2026 recruiting rankings, and the top quarterback. He committed to the Bulldogs on March 23, picking Georgia over the Alabama Crimson Tide, Oklahoma Sooners, Ohio State Buckeyes, and Texas Longhorns.
Curtis said his focus is solely on his high school season for now, so it could be a while before he re-commits somewhere.
[Jared Curtis, ESPN]
