Vanderbilt 2026 Quarterback Battle: Curtis vs Berlowitz vs Dickey

Vanderbilt's Quarterback Competition Heats Up as Spring Approaches

Vanderbilt enters 2026 with a wide-open quarterback battle that could reshape the program's trajectory after losing Heisman finalist Diego Pavia. The Commodores face a three-way competition between incoming 5-star recruit Jared Curtis, transfer Blaze Berlowitz, and incumbent Drew Dickey, with spring practices set to determine who will lead the offense next fall.

The quarterback room underwent significant changes in December 2025 when Jeremy St-Hilaire entered the transfer portal, joining the exodus of quarterbacks from Nashville. St-Hilaire's departure leaves Vanderbilt with six scholarship quarterbacks on the roster, creating both opportunity and potential roster crunch heading into fall camp.

Jared Curtis represents Vanderbilt's highest-rated quarterback recruit in program history. The Gatorade Tennessee Player of the Year is expected to enroll early in January 2026, giving him a head start on the competition. Curtis and Texas commit Dia Bell rank inside the On300's top five overall prospects, with Curtis checking in at No. 3 nationally. His early enrollment could prove crucial in establishing himself as the frontrunner for the starting job.

Drew Dickey enters the competition with limited experience but notable production. During the 2025-26 season, Dickey posted a 2-3 record with 14 completions, one interception, and a 13.4% completion percentage. His 4.3 yards per attempt and one touchdown on nine attempts demonstrate both the challenges and potential for growth in Vanderbilt's offense.

Blaze Berlowitz brings experience from his time at New Mexico State, where he played in the 2023 Conference USA Championship Game. His transfer to Vanderbilt adds another experienced arm to the competition, though his exact statistical profile from his previous program remains unclear in the available research.

The quarterback battle takes on added significance given Vanderbilt's recent success under Pavia. The Commodores must find a replacement who can maintain offensive efficiency while potentially bringing a different skill set to the position. Curtis's 5-star pedigree suggests pro-style quarterback potential, while Berlowitz's championship experience could translate to leadership in high-pressure situations.

Vanderbilt's coaching staff faces a critical decision in determining their quarterback hierarchy. The presence of six scholarship quarterbacks creates both depth and potential for attrition, as players may seek opportunities elsewhere if they don't see a clear path to playing time. Spring practices in 2026 will be crucial for establishing the pecking order and identifying which quarterback best fits the team's offensive scheme.

The timing of Curtis's arrival could prove decisive in the competition. His early enrollment allows for maximum practice reps and classroom time before fall camp, potentially giving him an edge over players who will arrive in the summer. However, Vanderbilt's coaching staff must balance the temptation of starting a highly-touted freshman against the benefits of experience and system familiarity.

What to watch: Vanderbilt's spring practices in 2026 will provide the first real glimpse of how this quarterback competition unfolds. The Commodores' regular season opener in fall 2026 will mark the first time since Pavia's departure that a new quarterback will lead the offense under center.

Why This Battle Matters for Vanderbilt Football

The quarterback competition represents more than just a position battle—it's a referendum on Vanderbilt's recruiting strategy and offensive identity. Landing Curtis, the top recruit in Tennessee, signals the Commodores' commitment to elevating their program through elite quarterback play. His potential early impact could accelerate Vanderbilt's timeline for returning to bowl contention and building sustainable success in the SEC.

The outcome will also influence Vanderbilt's 2026 recruiting class and transfer portal strategy. A clear quarterback winner emerging from spring practice could stabilize the room and allow the coaching staff to focus resources elsewhere. Conversely, continued uncertainty might lead to additional transfers or late recruiting pushes to shore up the position.

For Curtis, Berlowitz, and Dickey, the next six months represent the most important stretch of their college careers. The winner won't just earn a starting job—they'll inherit the responsibility of leading a program in transition and potentially establishing themselves as the face of Vanderbilt football for years to come.