As college football enters a critical recruiting phase, numerous teams are intensifying their efforts to secure top talent ahead of the early signing period for the class of 2026, scheduled for December 3-5, 2026. With only 32 days remaining, programs are preparing for significant shifts as uncommitted prospects and potential transfers visit schools during the final weeks of the regular season.
Among the notable developments, Vanderbilt University is making a strong push to recruit Jared Curtis, a five-star quarterback currently committed to the University of Georgia. Vanderbilt, ranked ninth nationally, has engaged in ongoing discussions with Curtis, who hails from Nashville, as they aim to convince him to remain in his home state. Although the Commodores are actively pursuing Curtis, insiders suggest that his commitment to Georgia remains solid, largely due to his belief in the Bulldogs’ potential for personal development and championship success.
Vanderbilt’s efforts come at a time when Curtis has reaffirmed his commitment to Georgia after a brief decommitment last fall. One insider stated, “I’m still pretty confident in what we have going on with him. It would be pretty shocking to me if he landed anywhere else.” Curtis is expected to sign with Georgia in December, with plans to enroll in early 2026. Despite this, Vanderbilt’s strong season, with a current record of 7-1, provides them with a compelling narrative as they strive to secure Curtis as their highest-ranked signee in program history.
Evaluating the 2026 Quarterback Landscape
Beyond Curtis, the quarterback recruitment landscape for 2026 is largely taking shape. Most Power 4 programs have secured at least one quarterback commitment, but several intriguing prospects remain available. Tradon Bessinger, a four-star quarterback from Kaysville, Utah, recently decommitted from Boise State and is now attracting interest from schools like BYU, Iowa, and UCLA. Bessinger is exploring his options while completing his senior basketball season, which may lead him to delay signing until February.
Other uncommitted quarterbacks include Troy Huhn, a former Penn State pledge, who is cautiously evaluating his options following a coaching change at Penn State. Huhn has received interest from Stanford and is keeping a close watch on the coaching situation. His father noted, “It’s really day-to-day,” emphasizing the impact of potential coaching changes on Huhn’s recruitment.
The uncertainty extends to other quarterbacks as well. ESPN 300 players like Kayd Coffman (Michigan State) and Peyton Falzone (Auburn) are also facing challenges due to coaching instability. The question remains as to which players may seek new opportunities if their programs undergo significant changes.
Top Prospects and Coaching Changes
The recent midseason firing of Brian Kelly at LSU has cast uncertainty over the future of several recruits, particularly top prospect Lamar Brown, ranked as the number one overall player in the 2026 class. Brown, a defensive tackle from Erwinville, Louisiana, is seen as a cornerstone of LSU’s recruiting efforts and has yet to decommit following Kelly’s departure. Sources indicate that he is likely to remain with LSU, given his strong ties to the program and the opportunity to play at Tiger Stadium.
In contrast, four-star running back Messiah Mickens has reopened his recruitment following the firing of Penn State coach James Franklin. Mickens is now exploring options with programs including Georgia and Miami, as he seeks a coaching staff that can support his development as a player. “I’m looking for a great coaching staff and a place that can develop me,” he stated.
The wide receiver market is also seeing activity, with Davion Brown, who decommitted from Penn State, emerging as a highly sought-after recruit. Schools like Indiana and Kansas State are leading the charge for his commitment as he evaluates his options. Meanwhile, Jayden Petit, another key wide receiver prospect, is facing increased interest from Oklahoma after a recent visit, putting pressure on Wisconsin to retain his commitment.
As the early signing period approaches, college football programs are bracing for a flurry of activity, with recruitment strategies shifting rapidly in response to coaching changes and player decisions. The coming weeks will be crucial for teams looking to solidify their classes and secure the top talent necessary for future success.
