Ohio State offensive coordinator Chip Kelly is making an aggressive push on the recruiting trail, recently visiting elite 2026 quarterback Jared Curtis – just days after the legendary Bill Belichick paid Curtis an in-home visit.
Curtis, the No. 1 quarterback in his class, has quickly become one of the most sought-after recruits in the country.
The 6-foot-4, 225-pound signal-caller from Nashville Christian previously committed to Georgia but reopened his recruitment, drawing heavy interest from college football’s top programs.
Last season, Curtis put up staggering numbers, throwing for 2,830 yards and 40 touchdowns while adding 637 rushing yards and 18 more scores on the ground – leading his team to a state championship.
His dynamic skill set has made him a top priority for powerhouse programs, including Ohio State, Georgia, Alabama, Auburn, South Carolina, Oregon – and yes, those mighty North Carolina Tar Heels.
Kelly’s visit underscores the Buckeyes’ strong interest, but another unexpected contender has emerged: North Carolina.
Belichick, who stunned the football world by accepting a $10 million deal to take over the Tar Heels program, recently made his presence felt in Curtis’ recruitment.
The legendary former New England Patriots coach personally visited the star quarterback, adding a new layer of intrigue to an already competitive battle.
“Arguably the greatest coach of all time. Definitely want to get up there and meet him,” Curtis previously said of Belichick.
Belichick’s move to UNC has already altered recruiting dynamics.
While the Tar Heels were initially outside Curtis’ top choices, his presence has quickly put them in the conversation.
Known for his strategic mind and defensive expertise, Belichick is now looking to expand UNC’s national footprint and bring top-tier talent to Chapel Hill.
Curtis has already hosted several high-profile coaches during the NCAA’s contact period, which runs through Feb. 1.
Georgia’s Kirby Smart and Alabama’s Kalen DeBoer have both made their pitches, and now Kelly’s visit signals that Ohio State is fully engaged in the battle to land the five-star quarterback.
Meanwhile, Ohio State head coach Ryan Day is focused on the Buckeyes’ quarterback competition for 2025.
With Will Howard headed to the NFL, all eyes are on the battle between Julian Sayin, Lincoln Keinholz, and incoming five-star freshman Tavien St. Clair.
“These guys are going to compete their tail off,” Day told 97.1 The Fan. “And we have some good quarterbacks in the system, and, you know, I shared with all of them that you know now, this was the week leading up to the national championship game that you know you had an opportunity to watch.
“And so you got to really utilize that, because that’s exactly what we’re looking for in a leader here at quarterback.
“So when you guys come back in about two weeks, you gotta look different, you gotta walk different, you gotta act different, because now you’re fighting to become the starting quarterback at Ohio State.
“We have some really talented guys in that room, and, you know, looking forward to see what the competition brings.”
Day also spoke about just how valuable Kelly has been for the program.
“For him to come and leave the head coaching position, to come work with me meant a lot,” Day said. “He really helped me this year [and I] spent more time outside of the quarterback room.”
With elite programs battling for Curtis and Ohio State looking to solidify its future at quarterback, the Buckeyes’ QB situation remains one of college football’s most compelling storylines.
What are your thoughts on the recruitment of Curtis? … As for the 2025 season, is the starting job Sayin’s to lose???
