Georgia HC Kirby Smart had fought tooth and nail to secure No. 1 QB Jared Curtis’ commitment. However, on the early signing day, hometown legacy Vanderbilt finally won him over. With the Commodores on the rise, Curtis felt his QB1 stars aligning. Now, more good news is on the way, as he receives more breathing space in Vandy’s locker room.
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On Dec. 4, reports emerged that quarterback Drew Dickey is planning to enter the transfer portal. So far, he has been the backup QB for Diego Pavia and has received limited reps on the field. In 2024, he made just one appearance against Virginia Tech. The following season was no better.
During their first bye week, head coach Clark Lea shared that Drew is dealing with some cardiac issues and will be out for the season. Seeking further treatment, he did not make further appearances.
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“We’re focused on getting him healthy and feeling good,” Coach Lea said in October. “Obviously, that’s the priority.”
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In just two appearances this season, he recorded two attempts for 28 yards.
Vanderbilt QB Drew Dickey intends to enter the NCAA transfer portal, per the @APSportsAgency. He’s been the back-up to Diego Pavia at Vanderbilt and played in three career games there. pic.twitter.com/md6Q0Np2UQ
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) December 4, 2025
But it wasn’t always a grim picture. Owing to Vanderbilt’s poor 2023 record, three QBs headed for the portal. Drew remained the only scholarship quarterback on the roster. During the signing day in December 2023, he exuded confidence in earning the starting position.
“Coach, you bring in whoever you want,” Dickey said. “I’m going to beat him out.”
But in January 2024, Diego Pavia arrived and won the QB1 spot. Presently, he is in his last year of eligibility. In the next season, Drew could have had a shot. However, with Jared Curtis’ arrival, things changed.
Praising his new signee, head coach Clark Lea stated that Jared will absolutely have a chance to compete for the starting job. So, when Curtis flipped to Vanderbilt yesterday, Drew’s future at the Commodores appeared blurry. He became the first Vanderbilt player to announce his intent to transfer this season. With limited playing time and constant health struggles, it makes sense for Dickey to hit the portal. Last year, they lost 20 players. Other players might leave this season, but they got their QB1.
Jared Curtis ramps up competition in the QB room
So far in his high school career, Jared Curtis has recorded 9528 yards and 123 touchdown passes. His ground attack seems equally impressive, with 48 scores on 2,199 yards. With such a gaudy resume, head coach Clark Lea couldn’t contain his excitement.
“He’s the best prospect in the country,” Lea shared on Tuesday. “He’s a young player still, we have a ton of belief in his potential, and we’re going to need to be patient with his development as he transitions, but I just appreciate his belief in what we’re doing. I appreciate his strength of personality in making a decision.”
Indeed, Jared’s flip to Vanderbilt was a huge deal. Both Georgia and Oregon were in heavy pursuit. In May 2025, when he re-committed to the Dawgs, he had said, “I think they’re a powerhouse.” But Vandy’s grit won him over. He is the No. 1 QB in the class of 2026. For a program that recorded a 2-10 record just two years ago, it means a lot to land a five-star recruit.
In a year’s stretch, Diego Pavia led Vandy to national prominence by beating powerhouse Alabama, achieving a 7-6 record. The 2025 season has been even more impressive. Holding a strong 10-2 record, Vanderbilt is fighting for a playoff spot.
That competitiveness and opportunity brought Curtis back to his hometown team. As Coach Lea put it, “he (Jared) saw some of himself in Diego.”
For Jared Curtis, Drew’s announcement means less competition. Pavia is in his last year of eligibility and will leave Vanderbilt next season. With QB Dickey reportedly planning to leave, Curtis’ stock as the QB1 is on the rise.
Written by
Edited by
Pranav Kotai