Jared Curtis NC State v Vanderbilt

Jared Curtis of the Vanderbilt Commodores celebrates after a comeback victory against the NC State Wolfpack at FirstBank Stadium on Sept. 19, 2026, in Nashville.

 Photo: Getty Images/Johnnie Izquierdo

Vanderbilt is still a step below the SEC’s best. Future success will go through Jared Curtis, the Dores’ five-star homegrown quarterback, though the freshman could not do enough to overcome a lackluster defensive effort and penalty mistakes.

Curtis contributed a few rookie mistakes of his own, helping Ole Miss notch six touchdowns by halftime on the way to a 52-17 victory. Gray skies brought occasional rain showers and mild temperatures after Hurricane Isaias made landfall near Destin, Fla.