Full Breakdown
Vanderbilt Names Blaze Berlowitz Starter Over Five-Star Freshman Jared Curtis
8/26/2026, 11:13:37 AM
Core Decision: Starter Selection for the Season Opener
Vanderbilt announced that senior quarterback Blaze Berlowitz will start the Commodores’ season-opening game against Austin Peay on Sept. 5. The decision was reported by ESPN and confirmed by multiple outlets. Five-star true freshman Jared Curtis, the highest-rated recruit in program history, is expected to see limited action in the same game but will not be the initial quarterback.
Background & Context
The quarterback competition began in spring camp and intensified through fall practice. Curtis, a 6-foot-3, 230-pound quarterback from Nashville Christian School, flipped his commitment from Georgia to Vanderbilt in December 2025, becoming the No. 2 quarterback in the 2026 recruiting class according to 247Sports. His arrival was promoted as a potential “Day 1” successor to Heisman runner-up Diego Pavia, who led Vanderbilt to a 10-win season in 2025.
Berlowitz, a dual-threat passer from Cushing, Oklahoma, transferred from New Mexico State after the 2023 season and has spent three years in Tim Beck’s offensive system, backing up Pavia for two seasons. Coach Clark Lea, who signed a long-term extension in November 2024, emphasized experience over raw talent when making the Week 1 decision.
Data & Statistics
- Blaze Berlowitz: 9-of-17 passing (131 yards, 1 TD) and 11 rushes (81 yards, 1 TD) in six appearances last season. Career totals include 265 passing yards, 117 rushing yards, three touchdowns (two passing, one rushing) and one interception in seven games across New Mexico State and Vanderbilt.
- Jared Curtis: Ranked No. 4 overall prospect and No. 2 quarterback in the 2026 class by 247Sports; high-school career amassed over 9,500 passing yards and 2,100 rushing yards.
- Recruiting Impact: Curtis’ flip was described as the most significant recruiting win of Lea’s tenure.
Official Statements & Responses
Former Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia praised Berlowitz on social media, calling the decision “well earned” (The Tennessean).
Why It Matters
Choosing a veteran quarterback for the opener gives Vanderbilt a “steady hand” while allowing Curtis to acclimate to the speed of college defenses without the pressure of immediate ownership. The non-conference slate—Austin Peay, Delaware, and NC State—offers a low-risk environment for Curtis to receive snaps and for coaches to evaluate his development before the SEC stretch begins.
The SEC schedule will feature road games at Auburn and Georgia shortly after the non-conference stretch, presenting a steep escalation in competition. If Berlowitz struggles, the program may accelerate Curtis’ involvement; several analysts project a potential start for Curtis in mid-October, possibly the home game against Arkansas.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the timeline for Curtis assuming the starting role. CBS Sports suggests a natural transition could occur by the Week 7 home game against Arkansas in mid-October, while other outlets note that Curtis could see increased workload as early as the NC State game in Week 3. No definitive timetable has been announced by the coaching staff.
Verbatim Quotes
- “WELL EARNED- been watching this king from the start of time at NM STATE when he took over in the championship game at 18 years old and BALLED- yall better stand down this man the truth!” — Diego Pavia, tight end Eli Stowers and coach Jerry Kill — Diego Pavia, former Vanderbilt quarterback (The Tennessean)
