Vanderbilt turning to true freshman Jared Curtis ahead of power conference matchup

While a decent debut, his play against Delaware after Berlowitz struggled with a 3-of-9 passing performance in the first half left Lea with an easy decision.

"He's earned it," Lea told reporters when announcing his decision to turn to the true freshman. "The second half, in particular, he showed real command and control over the offense."

Arguably Curtis' best throw came on his touchdown strike on the final play of the third quarter, when he rolled to his left and pump faked before fitting the ball in a tight window to senior tight end Walter Taylor.

Vanderbilt's offense moved much more efficiently with Curtis in the game, and next he'll aim to take advantage of a potentially favorable matchup against NC State.

Back in Week 0, the Wolfpack had a dreadful defensive performance in a 34-8 loss to the Virginia Cavaliers. Transfer senior quarterback Beau Pribula didn't produce eye-popping numbers but was remarkably efficient, finishing 9-of-11 for 155 yards and adding 110 yards on 15 carries.

A Wolfpack coverage bust led to receiver DaShawn Martin being left wide open on a 47-yard touchdown early in the third quarter. Senior Vanderbilt wideout Junior Sherrill, who had a 35-yard completion on Curtis's first attempt of the second half against Delaware and is averaging 18.2 yards per catch this season, could easily exploit any similar defensive lapses.

Vanderbilt, which set a single-season program record with 10 wins last season, is seeking consecutive 3-0 starts for the first time this century.

Giving Curtis his first start against NC State will allow him an extra week of full first-team reps, which could be vital with Vanderbilt's SEC opener looming at Auburn on Sep. 26. The Commodores then travel to the Associated Press No. 2 Georgia Bulldogs (2-0), whom Curtis flipped his commitment from last December, and host No. 8 Ole Miss Rebels (2-0) the following two weeks.

Vanderbilt can expect to take some lumps starting the true freshman; the drop-off in experience from him and former six-year senior Diego Pavia, the starter the past two seasons (2024-25), is staggering. But as the better prospect, Curtis could eventually give the Commodores a higher ceiling.

How high? Saturday may be a preview.