In a stunning turn of events, five-star linebacker Jared Curtis has shut down any rumors surrounding his recruitment and officially flipped his commitment to the West Virginia Mountaineers football team, choosing them over heavyweights Georgia Bulldogs and Oregon Ducks. Curtis, one of the most highly sought-after prospects in the nation, made headlines with his unexpected decision, sending a strong message about the rising potential of the Mountaineers’ football program.
Curtis, a standout at linebacker and one of the top defensive recruits in the 2026 class, has long been regarded as a game-changer with his impressive blend of size, speed, and instincts. At 6-foot-3 and weighing 225 pounds, Curtis has the physical attributes that make him an elite linebacker, capable of excelling both in pass coverage and against the run. His speed and ability to cover ground quickly have drawn comparisons to some of the best linebackers in college football.
The recruitment process for Curtis has been closely watched, with numerous power programs vying for his services. He had originally committed to Georgia, one of the most successful and dominant programs in recent years, but rumors began circulating that his commitment was not as solid as many had assumed. As speculation grew about potential flips, Curtis put an end to the chatter by announcing his decision to commit to West Virginia.
Choosing the Mountaineers over Georgia and Oregon is a major victory for head coach Neal Brown and the West Virginia football program. Curtis’s commitment adds another highly touted recruit to the Mountaineers’ growing pipeline of talent, signaling a major shift in the program’s recruiting success. Despite facing stiff competition from the perennial powerhouses of Georgia and Oregon, West Virginia was able to land Curtis thanks to a combination of factors, including the personal relationships he built with the coaching staff, the team’s defensive development under defensive coordinator Jordan Lesley, and the potential for early playing time.
Curtis has spoken highly of the Mountaineers’ coaching staff, citing the close-knit family atmosphere and the vision for the future of the program as key reasons for his decision. His connection with Coach Brown and defensive coaches played a significant role in his flip. Curtis also expressed excitement about the opportunity to play in the Big 12 Conference, which he feels will offer him a unique platform to showcase his talents against top competition.
This commitment marks a milestone for West Virginia’s recruiting efforts and further solidifies the Mountaineers as a team to watch in the coming years. Curtis’s decision is a major boost for the program’s defensive future and sends a strong message to other recruits that West Virginia is a serious contender for elite talent on the national stage. As Jared Curtis joins the Mountaineers, West Virginia’s rise in college football appears more promising than ever.
