Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart met with the media on Tuesday evening to discuss various aspects of the program, from the upcoming season and recruitment to player development and team dynamics. As one of the most successful coaches in college football, Smart’s media appearances are always highly anticipated, as he provides insight into his team’s progress and the strategic decisions that shape Georgia’s future. With the 2025 season approaching, Smart’s words hold significant weight, especially given Georgia’s dominance in the SEC and their recent national championships.
In his Tuesday evening press conference, Kirby Smart offered several key insights into the current state of the program, his coaching philosophy, and the expectations for his players in the coming months. The meeting covered a variety of topics, including team performance, recruiting, player leadership, and more. Let’s dive into the key takeaways from Smart’s meeting with the media.
1. Program Culture: Consistency and Leadership
One of the first topics Smart addressed was the culture he has built within the Georgia program. Since taking over as head coach in 2016, Smart has worked tirelessly to instill a culture of excellence, discipline, and accountability. For Smart, success is not just about winning games but about developing young men who are equipped to succeed on and off the field.
“We’ve built something special here at Georgia,” Smart began. “But it’s not about one season or one group of players. It’s about the culture we continue to build. Our goal is to get better every single day, and our players understand that. Whether you’re a freshman or a senior, the expectations are the same. We hold everyone accountable, and that’s what drives our success.”
Smart emphasized the importance of leadership, both from the coaching staff and the players themselves. As Georgia moves into the 2025 season, Smart believes that strong leadership within the locker room will be crucial in maintaining the level of play that has become synonymous with Georgia football.
“We’ve got a great group of leaders this year,” Smart continued. “Guys who know what it takes to win. They set the tone every day in practice. The leadership from within is just as important as anything we do as coaches. When the players take ownership, the team operates at a higher level.”
This commitment to leadership and accountability has helped Georgia stay at the top of the SEC and national rankings for the past several years. The Bulldogs have built a culture of winning that begins with the players and is reinforced by the coaching staff, ensuring that no one gets complacent.
2. Team Development: Focus on Position Battles and Key Players
With the 2025 season on the horizon, Smart was asked about specific players and position battles that would shape the team. As always, Georgia has several position groups full of talent, but there are also some areas where competition is fierce, and Smart is excited about the internal battles taking place during spring practice.
“We’ve got a lot of good players, and competition makes us better,” Smart explained. “There are some key position battles that will shape the team moving forward, and that’s what makes spring ball so important. You want to see who steps up when the lights are on, and who can take their game to the next level. It’s always good to see guys push each other for playing time.”
One of the most talked-about position battles this offseason is at quarterback. With Stetson Bennett moving on to the NFL, the Bulldogs will need to find a new leader at the position. Smart spoke about the quarterbacks currently vying for the starting role, noting that the competition is healthy and encouraging.
“We’ve got a talented group of quarterbacks,” Smart said. “We’ve got some guys who have been here for a while and know the system, and we’ve got some young guys who are eager to prove themselves. It’s going to be an open competition, and we’ll see who rises to the occasion. We want a guy who is not only talented but who can manage the offense and make smart decisions.”
Smart also mentioned other positions of importance, including the offensive line and defensive backfield, where Georgia has some new faces but also experienced players who will play pivotal roles.
“We’ve got a lot of depth on the offensive line, which is always a good thing,” Smart said. “We’ve got some young guys coming in who are going to challenge for spots, and we’re excited to see how that develops. On defense, we’ve got some experienced leaders in the secondary, but we also have some young guys who are hungry for playing time. The competition will be intense, and that’s what makes us better as a team.”
As always, Georgia’s success will be predicated on depth. While the Bulldogs boast star players, they also have a wealth of talent across the roster that allows them to maintain a high level of play even if a few injuries occur.
3. Recruiting: Maintaining the Pipeline of Talent
Recruiting is a constant focus for Kirby Smart, and the head coach touched on how Georgia is continuing to build a top-tier roster through their recruiting efforts. In recent years, Georgia has been one of the top schools in the country when it comes to recruiting, consistently bringing in elite players at every position.
Smart highlighted the importance of recruiting in maintaining Georgia’s level of success, stating that the program has built strong relationships with recruits across the country. He also emphasized that recruiting is not just about landing the highest-rated players, but about finding the right fit for the program.
“It’s not just about stars,” Smart said. “We look for guys who fit the culture of Georgia football. Guys who are committed to working hard, who want to be part of something bigger than themselves, and who are willing to do whatever it takes to succeed. We want guys who will contribute to the team dynamic, both on and off the field.”
Smart noted that Georgia’s recruiting efforts are ongoing, with the program continuing to build relationships with recruits, their families, and high school coaches. With another top-ranked recruiting class on the horizon, Smart is focused on making sure that the Bulldogs have the talent needed to sustain their success for years to come.
“We’ve got a great staff that’s working hard on the recruiting trail, and we’re excited about the future,” Smart added. “But we also have to continue to develop the players we have here now. Recruiting is a key part of what we do, but it’s just one piece of the puzzle.”
4. Expectations for 2025: High Standards and Championship Goals
As usual, the expectations for Georgia football in 2025 are high. With the success the program has had over the past few years, Smart knows that anything short of a national championship will be seen as a disappointment by many. However, he was quick to point out that his focus remains on the process, not just the outcome.
“Our goal is always to get better,” Smart said. “We don’t just focus on the end result. We focus on the day-to-day process of getting better, developing our players, and doing the little things that lead to success. If we do that, the wins will come.”
Smart also acknowledged the challenges Georgia will face in the competitive SEC, where teams like Alabama, LSU, and Tennessee are always vying for dominance. Despite these challenges, Smart remains confident in the Bulldogs’ ability to compete at the highest level.
“The SEC is a tough conference, and every game is a challenge,” he said. “But we’ve built something special here at Georgia, and we’ve got the players and coaches in place to compete for championships. Our focus is on being the best version of ourselves every day.”
Smart was also asked about the importance of maintaining balance in the program, especially given the high expectations and the constant pressure to perform at a championship level. He responded by emphasizing the importance of mental toughness and resilience.
“It’s important to stay grounded,” Smart said. “We have to stay focused on what matters, which is developing our players, getting better every day, and playing the game the right way. When you’re as successful as Georgia has been, there are always high expectations, but it’s important to keep things in perspective.”
5. Fan Support: The Role of Georgia Fans in the Program’s Success
Throughout his press conference, Smart also took time to acknowledge the vital role that Georgia fans play in the program’s success. The fanbase is one of the most passionate and supportive in the country, and Smart knows how important their support is to the team.
“Our fans are incredible,” Smart said. “They bring so much energy to the stadium, and it means a lot to the players and coaches. When you have a fanbase that’s as passionate as ours, it makes a difference. The support we get from the Bulldog Nation is unmatched.”
Smart also expressed gratitude for the fans’ continued support, particularly through challenging times, and reminded everyone that the relationship between the program and its supporters is a two-way street.
“We’re grateful for the support, and we want to make them proud,” Smart added. “Our fans are a big part of what makes Georgia football special, and we’re working every day to live up to their expectations.”