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Arrival of Five-Star QB Jared Curtis Pivotal Visit for Oregon

On3 imageby:Justin Hopkins•about 22 hours
Jared Curtis
2026 Nashville (Tenn.) Christian School quarterback Jared Curtis with Dan Lanning on a visit to Oregon. (Photo by: Jared Curtis)

In all of my time covering Oregon, and believe me, I’ve been around a while, I never thought I’d imagine in this position. We’ve all witnessed the rise of the program the last two decades. Oregon has become such a recognizable brand around the world it’s one of the most marketable brands there is.

A lot of hard work, money, success, energy have gone into putting Oregon where it is today. We often, daily, talk about five-star recruits the Ducks are in the thick of it for. It might be a top five, a visitor or even better, a commit.

Oregon is hosting arguably its most important recruit of the 2026 cycle on campus this weekend. And if you ask Dan Lanning, they are all important. And he’s right they are. But push aside the coach speak and most recognize the magnitude of the recruitment of Nashville (Tenn.) quarterback Jared Curtis.

The 6-foot-3, 225-pounder is the No. 1 ranked quarterback in his class and No. 5 player nationally. He checks all of the boxes to label him the most important of this cycle.

Winning the recruitment of a guy like Curtis, going head-to-head with Georgia and pulling the guy they want most out of their (relative) backyard, is a statement recruiting win. Just like Dakorien Moore a year ago.

With Curtis however, he can give Oregon a seismic advantage recruiting other targets. He’ll be a huge help luring offensive weapons to Oregon. From all over the country. But he’ll also help recruit defensive targets and specifically some from that same Southeast region.

Furthermore, beyond that, he’s a seamless fit on this roster. We don’t know the future but you could see a spot where Curtis might find himself in a great spot to lead this offense after the Dante Moore era. We don’t know if Dante will be here for a year or two, but either scenario gives Curtis a great opportunity to step right in.

When you sign the No. 1 quarterback, people take notice. In this class and beyond. And keep in mind that’s a huge selling point in the transfer portal too.

Let’s not forget one other important factor, Dan Lanning is a defensive head coach. This shows he’s not just committed to the defensive side of the ball. Oregon is and has been one of the most balanced teams the past few seasons.

The Curtis recruitment has a lot riding on it. The family will arrive in Eugene Saturday evening and spend a few days in town. They’ll be treated to great meals and quality time with coaches who have cleared calendars for this event. He’s the only recruit coming to town in this time.

There will be a buzz around campus Monday mid-morning as the Curtis family is shown around campus and meeting with academic advisors, counselors and others around the University.

It feels like Oregon has really pushed in every chip to get to this point with Curtis. Will Stein has developed a tremendous relationship with the five-star and detailed how he will fit right into his dynamic offense.

This weekend is huge and there will be a buzz around Eugene as Curtis and his parents get one (expected) final look at Oregon before making his big decision.

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