The Ohio State Buckeyes remain laser-focused on their quest to win the College Football Playoff, but their eyes are also firmly set on the future. The program has already begun to assemble its 2026 recruiting class, with its efforts centered on landing one of the most highly regarded quarterbacks in the country. This dual focus reflects Ohio State’s commitment to maintaining its position as a powerhouse in college football for years to come.
Currently, Ohio State and Georgia are leading the race to secure a 6-foot-3, five-star quarterback who has quickly become one of the most sought-after prospects in the 2026 class. However, the Buckeyes also face an immediate challenge as they prepare for the 2025 season. With their current starting quarterback, Will Howard, expected to declare for the NFL Draft, the team must decide who will take the reins under center.
Fortunately, Ohio State’s roster includes highly touted freshman quarterback Julian Sayin, who was one of the top recruits in his class. Yet Sayin isn’t guaranteed the starting spot, as he may face stiff competition from another rising star—five-star quarterback Tavien St. Clair, the crown jewel of Ohio State’s 2025 recruiting class. This internal competition could set the stage for a dynamic quarterback battle, but it does little to address the program’s long-term future.
This is where the 2026 recruiting class comes into play. Securing one of the nation’s top quarterbacks would not only solidify Ohio State’s depth at the position but also provide much-needed stability for seasons beyond 2025. Landing a premier talent would be a significant coup for head coach Ryan Day and his staff.
According to recruiting analysts at On3.com, Ohio State is currently the frontrunner to land Jared Curtis, a standout quarterback from Nashville Christian School and the top-ranked prospect in the 2026 class. On3 projects that the Buckeyes have a 50% chance of signing Curtis, with Georgia trailing at 36%. The North Carolina Tar Heels, buoyed by the addition of Bill Belichick to their program, are also in the mix.
Securing Curtis won’t be easy, especially with the high stakes involved in modern recruiting. Ohio State will likely need to present a compelling NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deal to entice Curtis. On3 estimates Curtis’ NIL valuation at a staggering $937,000, making him one of the most lucrative prospects in the 2026 class.
Curtis was initially committed to Georgia but decommitted from the Bulldogs in October, creating an opening for other programs to make their pitch. As Ohio State ramps up its recruitment efforts, the competition with Georgia will be fierce, given the Bulldogs’ strong track record of developing NFL-caliber quarterbacks.
Despite the stiff competition, Ohio State has reason for optimism. Curtis has already expressed interest in the Buckeyes’ program, citing his positive relationships with the coaching staff. “Me and Coach [Chip] Kelly have a good relationship,” Curtis told On3.com’s Steve Wiltfong during a November 16 interview. “And Coach [Ryan] Day, I’ve got on the phone with him a couple times. They develop quarterbacks a lot as well, and they have the talent around them. That’s exciting.”
Curtis’ comments highlight Ohio State’s reputation for quarterback development, a factor that has drawn elite talents to Columbus in recent years. With a strong NIL pitch and continued engagement from the coaching staff, the Buckeyes have a legitimate shot at landing this generational talent.
As the recruiting battle unfolds, it will be fascinating to see if Ohio State can overcome stiff competition from Georgia and North Carolina to secure Curtis’ commitment. Adding the five-star quarterback to their roster would not only bolster their 2026 class but also reinforce their standing as one of college football’s elite programs. The stakes are high, and the Buckeyes are fully invested in making this recruitment a resounding success.
BREAKING: Ohio State Predicted to Land Projected $937,000 No.1 Star QB Over Georgia
