Vanderbilt quarterback Jared Curtis hasn't even taken his first snap for the Commodores yet, but he's already making headlines—and not just on the gridiron. The talented signal-caller recently landed a cameo role in Nashville comedian Nate Bargatze's upcoming movie, The Breadwinner, set to hit theaters at the end of May.
In the film, Curtis appears shopping for a new car while sporting a Vanderbilt cap—a subtle nod to his future on the field. The role came about through a Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal that was set in motion during the 2025 football season. Bargatze, a die-hard Vanderbilt fan, served as the guest picker on ESPN's College GameDay when the show visited Vanderbilt's campus ahead of the Commodores' game against Missouri.
At the time, Curtis was still in his senior season at Nashville Christian and faced a tough decision between Georgia, where he had originally committed, and Vanderbilt, which was making a strong push to land him as the successor to Heisman Trophy runner-up Diego Pavia. The NIL opportunity with Bargatze only added to the excitement surrounding Curtis's eventual commitment to the Commodores.
For Vanderbilt fans, this is more than just a fun movie cameo—it's a glimpse into how NIL deals are reshaping the landscape of college sports. And for Curtis, it's a chance to build his brand before he ever steps onto the field in a Commodores uniform. Whether he's starring in a film or leading the offense, all eyes are on this rising star.
