5-Star QB Jared Curtis Sparks Outrage, Chooses Alabama Over Auburn, Georgia, and Ohio State: A Brutal Snub for SEC Rivals
The recruitment saga surrounding 5-star quarterback Jared Curtis reached its dramatic climax this week when the highly sought-after prospect announced his commitment to Alabama, igniting a wave of shock and outrage across the SEC and beyond. Curtis, a product of an elite high school program in Georgia, had been one of the most highly-coveted quarterbacks in the 2025 class, and his decision was expected to send ripples through college football recruiting. However, what many didn’t anticipate was the sheer intensity of the backlash that would follow his choice of Alabama over SEC rivals Auburn, Georgia, and even Ohio State.
Curtis had been the focal point of an intense recruitment battle for months, with several top programs pulling out all the stops in their efforts to secure his services. Auburn, where Curtis’ family has deep ties, seemed like a likely landing spot. Georgia, with its powerhouse offense and recent success under head coach Kirby Smart, was another front-runner. Meanwhile, Ohio State, known for producing top-tier quarterbacks, was always going to be a formidable contender. Yet, when Curtis unveiled his decision in a highly-publicized ceremony, it was Alabama that emerged victorious.
Alabama, under the leadership of head coach Nick Saban, has long been a dominant force in college football, and their success has only grown in recent years with a renewed focus on developing top-tier quarterbacks. Curtis, who is known for his arm strength, poise in the pocket, and high football IQ, fits the mold of the type of quarterback Saban has been actively recruiting to continue the Crimson Tide’s offensive evolution. The commitment represents another feather in Saban’s already illustrious recruiting cap, solidifying Alabama’s place as one of the most feared programs in the country.
However, Curtis’ decision has drawn fierce criticism, particularly from SEC fans and coaches. For many, the snub of Auburn—where Curtis’ family has a storied legacy—feels like a betrayal. Auburn fans, who had held out hope that their local hero would stay close to home, were left reeling from the news. Some even took to social media to voice their displeasure, calling the decision a “slap in the face” to the program that had recruited Curtis for years.
Georgia, on the other hand, is facing similar frustration. Many believed that Smart’s success with quarterbacks like Stetson Bennett and the emergence of the Bulldogs as a national powerhouse would sway Curtis in their favor. The decision to choose Alabama over Georgia has further fueled the rivalry between the two SEC giants, with fans now eagerly awaiting future matchups that could carry even more weight with Curtis involved.
Even Ohio State, which was considered a major threat in the race for Curtis, is feeling the sting. Known for producing elite quarterbacks like Justin Fields and CJ Stroud, Ohio State was hoping to continue its tradition of churning out NFL-caliber signal-callers. Curtis’ decision to stay in the SEC and go to Alabama is seen as a blow to the Buckeyes’ national aspirations, as it keeps another top recruit from heading to the Big Ten.
For Nick Saban, this commitment is a clear statement that Alabama’s reach extends well beyond its traditional recruiting territories. The Alabama Crimson Tide’s ability to pull a coveted recruit like Curtis, amid stiff competition from some of the most successful programs in college football, is a testament to the program’s enduring dominance and Saban’s unmatched ability to sell his vision for the future.
As the dust settles from Curtis’ announcement, SEC fans and coaches are left to digest the brutal snub, knowing that Alabama just gained a major asset that could shape the league’s landscape for years to come. The fallout from this decision is likely to reverberate throughout the recruiting world, with Alabama now firmly positioned as the team to beat.