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Vanderbilt Names Five-Star Freshman Jared Curtis Starter vs. NC State

Coach Clark Lea accelerated the quarterback decision after Curtis’ relief performance, handing the freshman an immediate test against tougher opponents.

Overview

  • Clark Lea announced Tuesday that true freshman Jared Curtis will make his first career start at quarterback on Saturday against NC State.
  • Curtis seized extended playing time against Delaware, completing 14 of 22 passes for 210 yards and one passing touchdown while adding two rushing touchdowns and no interceptions.
  • The move reverses the staff’s earlier phased plan that opened the season with senior Blaze Berlowitz as the starter and had intended a longer evaluation window.
  • Curtis’ first start is a quick jump in competition that will shape Vanderbilt’s offensive identity and could determine who leads the team into SEC games at Auburn and at Georgia.
  • Curtis is the highest-rated recruit in Vanderbilt history after flipping from Georgia, and his promotion highlights how elite recruiting pedigree can force an accelerated role change for a program.