Vanderbilt ‘blazing’ trail with QB1 pick, but there’s a 5-star twist

Vanderbilt knew going into the season that they would need to replace Diego Pavia as QB1. It has been a fight between Jared Curtis and Blaze Berlowtiz for the first start of the season.

Now, a decision has been made on QB1, but with a twist, according to Pete Thamel of ESPN.

“Vanderbilt senior Blaze Berlowitz will be the starting quarterback to open the season for the Commodores. He’ll make his first career start against Austin Peay on Sept. 5. Five-star true freshman Jared Curtis will also play in that game, marking his first career snaps,” Thamel posted on X, formerly Twitter.

Berlowitz is entering his senior season at Vanderbilt. He initially was a backup to quarterback Diego Pavia at New Mexico State, but saw little action. He attempted just 19 passes in 2023, completing ten of them for 134 yards with a touchdown and an interception. He followed his head coach, Jerry Kill, and Pavia to Vanderbilt in 2024. Berlowitz did not see action in 2024, but attempted 17 passes in 2025. He completed nine of the passes for 131 yards and a touchdown. Now, Berlowitz will get his first start.

Meanwhile, Curtis was a five-star recruit in the 2026 recruiting cycle. He was initially committed to Georgia, but decided to flip his commitment to Vanderbilt, becoming the highest-ranked recruit to ever sign for Vandy.

Whoever ultimately ends up with the QB1 job has some big shoes to fill. Pavia passed for 3,539 yards and 29 touchdowns. He also ran for 862 yards and ten touchdowns last season. Pavia also finished second in Heisman voting.

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