Vanderbilt has made its decision at quarterback ahead of the 2026 college football season, with Blaze Berlowitz earning the starting job after competing with highly touted freshman Jared Curtis.
The Commodores entered fall camp with a major question at the position. Following the departure of star quarterback Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt needed to identify a new leader for its offense. After the quarterback competition, Berlowitz emerged as the choice to open the season.
Blaze Berlowitz Wins Vanderbilt Quarterback Battle
Berlowitz, a senior quarterback, has been selected to start Vanderbilt’s 2026 season opener against Austin Peay on September 5.
The decision came after a closely watched competition between Berlowitz and Curtis, a five-star freshman and one of the most highly regarded recruits in Vanderbilt football history.
While Curtis is expected to receive playing time in the opener, Berlowitz will take the field as Vanderbilt’s starting quarterback. The matchup will also mark the first career start for the veteran signal-caller.
Berlowitz Brings Experience to Vanderbilt
Although Berlowitz has limited college playing experience, he enters the 2026 season with more experience in the program than Curtis.
Last season, Berlowitz appeared in six games for Vanderbilt. He completed nine of 17 passing attempts for 131 yards and one touchdown. He also contributed on the ground, rushing 11 times for 81 yards and a touchdown.
Before joining Vanderbilt, Berlowitz spent time at New Mexico State. He appeared in one game for the Aggies during the 2023 season before following Tim Beck to Vanderbilt.
His most notable action at New Mexico State came in the Conference USA Championship Game, when he completed 10 of 19 passes for 134 yards and a touchdown.
Jared Curtis Still Expected to Play
Vanderbilt’s decision to start Berlowitz does not mean Curtis will be kept on the sideline.
Curtis is expected to see action against Austin Peay in Week 1. The Nashville native was one of the biggest recruiting additions in Vanderbilt’s recent history and was ranked among the nation’s top players in the 2026 recruiting class.
Curtis was rated the No. 4 overall player and No. 2 quarterback in the 247Sports composite rankings for his class. Vanderbilt flipped the highly regarded recruit from Georgia on National Signing Day.
That combination of recruiting pedigree and expected playing time makes the quarterback situation one of the most intriguing storylines surrounding Vanderbilt entering the season.
Replacing Diego Pavia Is a Major Challenge
Whoever takes over the quarterback position faces a difficult task following Pavia’s departure.
Pavia produced one of the most productive seasons in Vanderbilt history, throwing for 3,539 yards and 29 touchdowns. He also finished second in the Heisman Trophy voting, raising expectations for whoever succeeds him.
Berlowitz will therefore enter the season under significant pressure to provide stability and production at quarterback.
The decision to give the starting role to an experienced senior suggests Vanderbilt values his familiarity with the offense and college football environment. At the same time, Curtis’ involvement gives the Commodores another potential playmaker to develop throughout the season.
Vanderbilt’s 2026 Season Begins September 5
Vanderbilt will open its 2026 campaign against Austin Peay on Saturday, September 5, with kickoff scheduled for 6 p.m. CT.
The Commodores will then face Delaware in Week 2 before hosting NC State in Week 3. The matchup with NC State will provide Vanderbilt with its first game against a power-conference opponent this season.
For Berlowitz, the season opener represents an important opportunity. After spending much of his college career in a reserve role, he will finally have the chance to lead Vanderbilt’s offense from the opening snap.
What’s Next for Blaze Berlowitz?
The 2026 season could become a defining year for Berlowitz. Vanderbilt has trusted the veteran quarterback to begin the campaign, but his performance will likely determine how the quarterback rotation develops as the season progresses.
With Curtis also expected to play, Vanderbilt has created an interesting dynamic at the position. Berlowitz has the experience advantage, while Curtis brings elite recruiting credentials and significant long-term potential.
The Commodores will now look to determine whether Berlowitz can provide enough consistency to guide the offense while helping Vanderbilt remain competitive in the SEC.
For now, the answer is clear: Blaze Berlowitz is Vanderbilt’s starting quarterback to open the 2026 season.
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