On3's new No. 1 2026 QB Jared Curtis plays like a couple different NFL stars

There isn’t a more talented thrower of the football in the country, regardless of class, than On3’s new No. 1 ranked quarterback in the 2026 cycle Jared Curtis.

“He has an elastic arm,” On3’s Director of Scouting Charles Power said.

The Nashville (Tenn.) Christian School product is a dime dropper to all levels of the field, a signal-caller that can stretch a defense with the sensational over the top ability. But in addition to those unique physical traits we’ve seen growth as a player under the lights. The 6-foot-4, 225-pound Curtis has made a huge jump from sophomore to junior year as a game-manager and overall distributor of the football.

Because of that, Curtis has made huge jump in complete percentage, touchdown passes and dual-threat ability, while lowering the interceptions and mistakes from series to series and game to game.

“Taking what the defenses give me,” Curtis said.

The stats help paint the picture

Through eight games, newly-minted five-star and No. 3 prospect overall in the updated On3 Player Rankings is competing 68 percent of his attempts (56 percent last year) for 1,857 yards and 22 touchdowns (25 last year) to just three interceptions (nine a season ago). He’s bulldozed his way to 395 rushing yards and 11 more scores (13 the year prior).

“The game has continued to slow down for him,” Power said. “He’s improved his accuracy and his ability to just go through plays and I think it’s very encouraging he’s made those strides while still keeping the dynamic playmaking and ability to play free as well. He’s not playing robotic at all but also improved in all those areas.”

One of Curtis’s best traits is the Brett Favre attitude he takes the field with each Friday.

“I love that he’s tough,” Power stated. “He seeks out contact when he’s running and you can just see a lot of competitiveness in the games I’ve watched.”

“He’s maturing,” Nashville Christian School head coach Jeff Brothers added. “Things are slowing down. The game is making more sense. He’s able to evaluate situations. He’s getting some good pre-snap, post-snap understanding and just handling the general leadership situations well. He’s staying poised. Not letting the frustration of a penalty or dropped passes or overthrows get to him. He’s coachable. With all the talent, with all the things that come with being that guy, he remains a great teammate, likable good kid.”

Jared Curtis continues to develop

Following the last game of sophomore season Curtis immediately attacked the off-season from a film, weight-room and team-building standpoint.

“Doing the little things,” he said. “I gained 15 pounds. Just focused on accuracy and learning defenses all of-season. The receivers came to training with me too, learning with me.”

College coaches have been hovering around Curtis since his freshman year. The elite arm, the big, powerful hands, the easy spin from all arm angles, as Power said he’s reminiscent of a young Matthew Stafford.

“He’s a very gifted, natural-specimen,” Brothers said. “He’s got a great frame. He’s durable. He can make all the mechanical throws, can make all the off-platform throws and still throw a catchable ball. He can push it downfield as far as he wants to and can drop it off to the check-down receiver with equal efficiency.”

Where Curtis’s recruitment stands

Last week Curtis backed off an early verbal he gave Georgia but has the Bulldogs still in the thick of his recruitment. He’ll be back in Athens for the Tennessee game in November.

Oregon is a team to keep an eye on moving forward with Curtis. Curtis will also visit Auburn on Nov. 2 and has a keen eye on Alabama, Clemson, Ohio State, South Carolina and USC among others.

For more on Curtis and the top schools moving forward, he talked about it with On3’s Pete Nakos here.