Historic College Football Program Surprisingly Low in Rankings After Landing Star QB

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Dave Holcomb | Last updated May 18, 2025 3:50 PM ET

The Georgia Bulldogs landed a huge victory on the recruiting trail with the recommitment of five-star quarterback Jared Curtis. But according to ESPN, the Bulldogs still have a lot of work to do.

On Wednesday, ESPN ranked Georgia's 2026 recruiting class at No. 15 in the country.

"The Bulldogs have been a consistent staple among the top three overall classes during Kirby Smart's tenure and look to be a contender to do so again in 2026," ESPN's Craig Haubert wrote. "A big step toward finishing near the top again is bringing five-star quarterback Curtis back into the mix. After a decommitment, the Bulldogs were able to fend off other suitors, most notably Oregon, and give themselves a potential impact QB for the future.

"Curtis might need to adjust to a relatively steep jump in competition level, but he has elite physical tools, including a smooth, quick release and the ability to change arm angles."

In addition to Curtis, the Bulldogs have emphasized offensive playmakers in the 2026 class.

"With three of their top four pass catchers from 2024 having moved on and the fourth likely to leave after this season, Georgia is bringing in new receiving targets with speed," Haubert added. "Vance Spafford out of California won the fastest-man competition last summer at the UA Future 50 event and in-state prospect Brady Marchese has been recorded hitting over 22 mph in game play."

On Tuesday, On3's Chad Simmons and Steve Wiltfong predicted the Bulldogs to land five-star tight ends Mark Bowman and Kaiden Prothro.

Getting both Bowman and Prothro would give the Georgia offense two more offensive playmakers for next year's class. It would also boost the Bulldogs 2026 recruiting ranking.

With recruiting season heating up @RustyMansell_ has some updates on Georgia’s 2026 class including a name drawing comparisons to Brock Bowers. Watch: pic.twitter.com/0kwCaZCi2m
— Sudu (@sudu_tv) May 17, 2025

Based on the 247 Sports composite rankings, Georgia has the 12th-best 2026 recruiting class. The Bulldogs hold that ranking despite only nine commitments.

Landing Curtis didn't vault Georgia's 2026 class into the top 10. But it might not take too many more elite prospects for the Bulldogs to make a significant jump up the rankings.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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