Eagles star linebacker Nolan Smith has never been one to mince words, and his recent declaration is sure to stir the ever-heated debate in football circles across the country. In a candid moment that felt less like a hot take and more like an inevitable truth to him, Smith named the state of Georgia as the undisputed top dog in high school football. The claim wasn’t whispered or qualified. It was loud, proud, and delivered with the kind of conviction only someone who’s lived it can express. And whether you agree or not, Smith’s perspective is impossible to ignore.
Born and raised in Savannah, Georgia, Nolan Smith’s football journey is deeply intertwined with the Peach State’s gridiron culture. A former five-star recruit and a product of IMG Academy in Florida, Smith never lost sight of where his football roots truly lie. While he did move to IMG for exposure and development, he made it clear that his foundation—his grit, mentality, and drive—was built under the Friday night lights of Georgia.
So when asked which state truly owns the crown in high school football, Smith didn’t hesitate. “It’s Georgia. Always has been, always will be,” he said. “Nobody’s putting out talent like us. We’ve got dogs on every level—speed, strength, IQ. We don’t just play football. We live it.”
That statement may ruffle feathers in traditional powerhouses like Texas, California, and Florida—states that have long dominated the conversation around elite high school football. But Nolan Smith isn’t interested in popular opinion. He’s interested in facts, results, and the wave of elite talent pouring out of Georgia year after year.
Smith’s argument is rooted in more than just pride. It’s backed by data and recent history. Over the past decade, Georgia has surged into the national spotlight as a factory for top-tier football talent. The state consistently ranks among the top five in the number of players sent to Division I programs, and it’s not uncommon to see Georgia athletes headlining recruiting classes at powerhouse programs like Alabama, Georgia, Clemson, Ohio State, and LSU. In the 2024 NFL Draft alone, Georgia was well represented, with multiple first-round picks hailing from the state’s talent-rich programs.
But for Smith, it’s not just about the numbers. It’s about the mentality. “We’re raised different down here,” he explained. “From a young age, we’re taught to be physical, fast, and smart. It’s not just about getting to the league—it’s about dominating when you get there. Georgia boys don’t just play; we change the game.”
That swagger, that unrelenting confidence, has been a hallmark of Smith’s career. At Georgia, he was a centerpiece of the Bulldogs’ championship-winning defense, a unit lauded as one of the greatest in college football history. He played with edge, leadership, and passion—qualities that now serve him well in the NFL as he carves out a reputation with the Philadelphia Eagles.
What’s more compelling is that Smith isn’t the only one making this argument. In recent years, coaches, scouts, and analysts alike have noted the rise of Georgia high school football. The level of competition, the coaching, the facilities—it all rivals, and in many cases surpasses, what’s found in other traditional strongholds. From metro Atlanta to rural towns across the state, football is more than just a game—it’s a culture. A proving ground. A way of life.
Programs like Buford, Grayson, Colquitt County, Cedar Grove, Lowndes, and North Gwinnett have become synonymous with excellence. These schools aren’t just winning state titles—they’re producing All-Americans and NFL prospects at an alarming rate. The depth of competition in Georgia is also noteworthy. In some regions, even second and third-string players are being recruited by top colleges. That kind of depth speaks volumes.
Smith sees that as the ultimate separator. “In Georgia, it’s iron sharpens iron every day. You’re not getting better playing against weak competition. Down here, you’ve got to bring it every snap, every play. If you don’t, someone’s taking your spot. That pressure builds champions.”
Critics may argue that Texas still holds the edge with its massive stadiums and die-hard fan bases, or that Florida’s sheer athleticism remains unmatched. But Smith fires back with a different kind of pride—one rooted in humility and hard work. He points to the players who have come out of Georgia and reshaped the landscape of both college and pro football.
Names like Trevor Lawrence, Deshaun Watson, Roquan Smith, Derrick Brown, Kyle Hamilton, and Justin Fields—all Georgia products—have gone on to become household names at the highest levels. The list grows each year, and with it, so does Georgia’s claim to the throne.
Smith also highlighted how Georgia’s coaching at the high school level has drastically evolved. “Our coaches aren’t just drawing up plays—they’re teaching kids how to be pros. How to read defenses, how to lead, how to manage the game. That’s why our guys show up ready on Day 1 when they hit college.”
And it’s not just about the elite players either. Georgia has become known for developing high-IQ football minds and disciplined, well-rounded athletes. The commitment to strength and conditioning, film study, and scheme execution is what, in Smith’s view, separates Georgia from the rest.
From the outside looking in, Smith’s claim might be seen as bold, but from within the Georgia football fraternity, it’s a sentiment shared by many. There’s a growing movement, especially among current and former players from the state, to claim the top spot. It’s not just noise—it’s a reflection of a decade-long transformation that’s turned Georgia into an undeniable football powerhouse.
The state’s success isn’t limited to players. Georgia’s coaches are being plucked for college and even NFL jobs. The infrastructure at many of the top high schools rivals that of small colleges. The exposure, thanks to national television games, elite camps, and social media, has skyrocketed. Georgia has not only caught up to the traditional giants—it may have passed them.
Still, Smith knows the conversation isn’t likely to end anytime soon. Rival states will defend their turf. Texas will point to its pageantry and participation numbers. Florida will lean on its legacy of explosive athletes. California will showcase its polished quarterbacks and skill players. But for Smith, the scoreboard—and the draft board—does the talking.
“We’re not asking for respect anymore,” he said. “We’re taking it.”
It’s that hunger, that chip on the shoulder, that has always defined Nolan Smith—and it mirrors the attitude of Georgia football as a whole. No matter how many accolades come their way, there’s always the sense that they have more to prove. That the job isn’t done. That they’ll outwork, outthink, and outfight whoever’s in front of them.
Smith’s claim, then, is less about throwing shade at other states and more about standing up for his roots. For him, Georgia football is a brotherhood—a community built on sweat, sacrifice, and relentless pursuit of greatness. It’s where boys become men. Where stars are forged. Where legacies begin.
Whether or not Georgia holds the top spot in every metric is still up for debate. But in the heart of Nolan Smith—and in the eyes of countless players who’ve walked the same path—there’s no doubt. Georgia is the gold standard. And if you want to challenge that, Smith welcomes it.
