Recruiting Showdown: Vandy Eyes UGA QB as Coaching Changes Stir LSU's Plans

Crunch Time for College Football Recruiting

With exactly 32 days remaining until the first early signing period for the 2026 recruiting class, the atmosphere is heated. As the regular season draws to a close, teams are ramping up their recruitment efforts amid crucial decisions that will shape their rosters for years to come.

This past Saturday marked the beginning of what many consider a pivotal month in college football recruiting, where programs scramble to bring high-caliber talent on campus before final commitments are made. In this post, I'll delve into some of the standout stories emerging in this critical phase.

Vanderbilt's Bold Play for Jared Curtis

Vanderbilt is attacking the recruitment of five-star quarterback Jared Curtis, currently committed to the Georgia Bulldogs. Situated as the No. 2 overall QB, Curtis recently took trips to Nashville, where the Commodores aimed to pitch staying home as the potential successor to Diego Pavia.

However, is this pursuit a long shot? While Vanderbilt has shown determination, many insiders feel Curtis' pledge to Georgia remains steadfast. Following a brief uncommitment, he reaffirmed his commitment in May and seems set on enrolling at UGA in early 2026.

"I'm still pretty confident in what we have going on with him," said a source connected to Curtis' recruitment. "It would be pretty shocking to me if he landed anywhere else."

Even though it appears unlikely that Curtis will flip to Vanderbilt, the Commodores are not backing down. After a strong season with a 7-1 record, they have every reason to keep pushing for this local talent.

The Volatile QB Market

Outside of Curtis, the quarterback recruiting landscape seems to be stabilizing, with nearly all Power 4 programs having at least one commitment for 2026. However, there's still a plethora of uncommitted prospects, particularly four-star Tradon Bessinger, who has recently decommitted from Boise State.

This Kaysville, Utah native is notably drawing interest from programs like BYU, Iowa, and UCLA. Positioned uniquely due to plans to finish his basketball season in high school, he may wait until February to sign, allowing time to navigate potential coaching shifts throughout the country.

"I'm a kid where I'm not going to go to a big-time program like Ohio State and just sit behind some five-stars that will transfer in all the time," Bessinger stated. "I want to go play as early as I can."

LSU's Coaching Change: The Ripple Effect

The midseason firing of LSU coach Brian Kelly has sent shockwaves through the recruiting class, particularly affecting the nation's No. 1 overall prospect, Lamar Brown. As a key player from nearby Erwinville, Louisiana, Brown's commitment could determine the stability of LSU's 2026 class.

Despite the changes, LSU has managed to retain all current commitments. But with teams like Texas A&M and Miami circling, Brown's future is uncertain. As of now, he seems inclined to stay with LSU, where he feels at home, but anything can happen in such a dynamic landscape.

"It would really surprise me if that kid didn't come here," noted a source within the program.

The Race for Messiah Mickens

The recent firing of Penn State coach James Franklin has had a significant impact on running back Messiah Mickens. After reopening his recruitment, he's caught the attention of schools like Oklahoma and Indiana, with several imminent visits planned. His next steps may very well dictate the direction of his recruitment.

Mickens is seeking a program that prioritizes player development and coaching stability. With the interim staff at Penn State trying to hold onto him, his decision will be pivotal.

Final Thoughts: The Coming Month

As we gear up for the early signing period, there's no shortage of excitement or uncertainty in college football recruiting. The interplay between commitments, coaching changes, and the relentless chase for top talent is sure to create a thrilling atmosphere in the closing weeks.

As fans and sports enthusiasts, we should brace ourselves for a whirlwind of activity, shaping the future of college football. Let's keep our eyes on these pivotal recruiting battles as we head into this crucial month.