Vanderbilt Names Blaze Berlowitz Starting QB for 2026 Season Opener

Vanderbilt University has named Blaze Berlowitz as the starting quarterback for its 2026 football season opener against Austin Peay on September 5, with five-star freshman Jared Curtis also expected to see playing time, according to reports from August 25, 2026. Berlowitz, a senior who has served as backup to former star quarterback Diego Pavia, won the starting role after a competitive battle with Curtis, a highly ranked recruit who flipped his commitment from Georgia to Vanderbilt in December 2025. Berlowitz has appeared in seven career games, including six last season, completing 9 of 17 passes for 131 yards and a touchdown, while Curtis is noted for his arm talent and explosiveness despite being a newcomer.

Vanderbilt head coach Clark Lea has commented on the quarterback competition, noting the need to evaluate both players carefully before making a final decision.

"I see growth in Jared, I think Blaze continues to do things that he does well," Lea said. "We're going to have to look at the film and we're going to have a lot of conversations. I think in a situation where you're evaluating a freshman, you need to give it time, for his development, for the game to slow down." Lea also praised Berlowitz's consistency and knowledge of the offense during training camp.

"You're kind of watching (Curtis) operate the offense tonight," Lea said. "It felt like he was at his best for the longest. And Blaze, I think Blaze has had an excellent training camp.

He's day in and day out been really consistent, and he does some things tactically with the offensive scheme around him that gives us a chance." Berlowitz will be tasked with replacing Pavia, who was a Heisman Trophy finalist in 2025 and led Vanderbilt to a program-record 10-win season that year.

In 2025, Pavia accounted for 4,401 yards and 39 touchdowns, establishing himself as a central figure in Vanderbilt's recent success after years of struggles. Berlowitz's familiarity with offensive coordinator Tim Beck's complex playbook is considered a key advantage over Curtis, who still has room to develop despite his high talent level. Vanderbilt opens its 2026 schedule with games against Austin Peay on September 5 and Delaware in Week 2, followed by challenging matchups including NC State, Georgia, Ole Miss, Alabama, Florida, and Tennessee.