In the ever-evolving world of college football, success is often defined not only by wins and championships but by consistency and the ability to overcome adversity. For the University of Georgia Bulldogs, that consistency has largely come from one man: head coach Kirby Smart. Since taking over the program in 2016, Smart has transformed Georgia into one of the most dominant forces in college football, culminating in back-to-back national championships in 2021 and 2022. However, even with this remarkable success, Smart faces a new challenge in 2024: maintaining the “Georgia Standard” amidst a wave of offseason departures and significant roster turnover.
The offseason is always a critical time for any program, but Georgia’s challenges this time are particularly notable. Several key players have left, either for the NFL Draft or through graduation, and Smart will need to navigate these changes while keeping his program at the top. The “Georgia Standard,” a term coined by Smart himself, represents the culture of excellence, hard work, and discipline that defines his program. It’s a standard that has guided Georgia through its recent successes, and it will be the guiding principle as Smart faces the challenge of rebuilding while maintaining the program’s elite status.
The “Georgia Standard” Defined
The “Georgia Standard” is more than just a catchphrase or slogan. It is the backbone of Kirby Smart’s coaching philosophy and the defining characteristic of Georgia football under his leadership. The concept revolves around the idea that Georgia football is not defined by individual players or specific moments of success but by a sustained culture of excellence. It emphasizes hard work, discipline, accountability, and a relentless drive to improve, both on and off the field.
At its core, the “Georgia Standard” is about creating a winning mindset. Smart has often described it as a commitment to the process: doing the little things right every day, focusing on improvement, and refusing to settle for anything less than the best. The success of Georgia’s football program over the past few years—culminating in national titles, SEC championships, and a plethora of NFL draft picks—has been a direct reflection of this standard. The Bulldogs’ defense, for example, has become one of the most feared in college football, with Smart’s coaching acumen and emphasis on physicality and preparation setting the tone for his players.
The idea behind the “Georgia Standard” is simple: the program must operate at a consistently high level in every aspect, from player development to recruiting to game preparation. And while it’s easy to maintain such a high standard when you have a roster brimming with talent, it becomes more difficult when key players leave, and the team undergoes a period of transition.
The Offseason Losses
For the Georgia Bulldogs, the 2023 offseason presented significant challenges. After winning back-to-back national championships, Smart saw several key players depart, either for the NFL Draft or graduation. Among the most notable departures were quarterback Stetson Bennett, a two-time national champion and one of the most accomplished quarterbacks in Georgia history, and several key defensive players, including Jalen Carter, Nolan Smith, and Kelee Ringo, all of whom were integral parts of Georgia’s defense.
Bennett’s departure leaves a massive void at the quarterback position. As a dual-threat leader, he was not only a stable presence in the huddle but also an emotional leader for the team. His poise, composure, and clutch performances in key moments were pivotal in Georgia’s two national titles. Replacing a quarterback like Bennett, who played such an integral role in the team’s success, is no small task.
Defensively, Georgia’s losses were just as significant. Jalen Carter, considered one of the best defensive linemen in college football, was a game-changer who wreaked havoc on opposing offenses. Nolan Smith, a dynamic edge rusher, was another key contributor to Georgia’s defensive dominance. Kelee Ringo, the cornerback who made the crucial interception in the 2022 National Championship game, was another key loss. These players represented the core of Georgia’s defense and helped define the “Georgia Standard” of toughness, physicality, and execution.
While losses like these would be devastating for most programs, Georgia is not like most programs. The Bulldogs have built a deep, talented roster, and Kirby Smart has developed a reputation for recruiting and developing players at an elite level. However, even the deepest rosters require careful management, and Smart must now find ways to replace these high-level contributors while maintaining the culture and standard that has made Georgia so successful.
The Next Man Up Mentality
In the face of these departures, Kirby Smart has instilled a “next man up” mentality within the program. This philosophy is central to the “Georgia Standard” and reflects the belief that no matter who leaves, the program must continue to operate at an elite level. The Bulldogs have always been able to reload rather than rebuild, and Smart’s ability to develop talent and create competition within his roster has been one of the program’s defining traits.
For example, while Stetson Bennett’s departure leaves a big gap at quarterback, Georgia has a wealth of talent at the position. Players like Carson Beck and Brock Vandagriff, both highly rated recruits, are ready to step into the role. Beck, in particular, has spent significant time learning behind Bennett and has shown flashes of promise. The battle for the starting quarterback position will be intense, but it will also push the players to perform at their best.
Defensively, Georgia has recruited some of the top players in the country. While the loss of standouts like Carter, Smith, and Ringo will be felt, Smart has recruited a new crop of defenders who are ready to step in and continue the program’s defensive dominance. Players like Michael Williams, a highly touted defensive lineman, and Jaheim Singletary, a cornerback with tremendous upside, will be asked to make an immediate impact. The depth and talent of Georgia’s defense ensure that Smart will have a new wave of players who can continue to uphold the program’s defensive excellence.
The “next man up” mentality is essential not only in terms of replacing players but also in maintaining the culture of competition. Smart has created an environment where players are constantly pushed to improve, and where the expectations for excellence are non-negotiable. The idea is that no player is irreplaceable, and everyone must contribute to upholding the “Georgia Standard.”
Player Development and Coaching Excellence
Kirby Smart’s coaching acumen will also play a significant role in maintaining the “Georgia Standard.” One of Smart’s greatest strengths has been his ability to develop players into elite-level talents. Whether it’s grooming a quarterback like Stetson Bennett from walk-on to national champion or transforming defensive prospects into NFL-ready players, Smart has consistently proven his ability to coach up his roster.
Smart’s leadership style emphasizes discipline, attention to detail, and mental toughness. He demands that his players execute the game plan at the highest level and focus on the little things that can make the difference in close games. This focus on development will be critical as Georgia works through its offseason losses and integrates new talent into the system.
Georgia’s coaching staff, led by Smart, has also been instrumental in maintaining consistency. The program’s success is not just about one coach or one player; it’s about the collective effort of a highly skilled coaching staff that understands the nuances of the game and how to develop players for long-term success. Coaches like Will Muschamp (defensive coordinator) and Todd Monken (offensive coordinator) have played key roles in shaping Georgia’s championship-caliber units. The continuity and expertise of the coaching staff will help guide Georgia through this transitional phase while maintaining the high standards that have defined the program.
Recruiting and the Future of Georgia Football
A major reason why Kirby Smart has been able to maintain Georgia’s dominance despite offseason losses is his ability to recruit at the highest level. The Bulldogs have been consistently ranked among the top teams in recruiting, and the 2024 class promises to be no exception. The influx of talent will ensure that Georgia remains at the forefront of college football.
Smart’s recruiting success is a direct reflection of the culture he has built in Athens. Players want to be a part of a program that competes for championships, develops talent, and holds everyone to the highest standards. As long as Smart remains at the helm, Georgia will continue to attract the top high school football players from around the country, ensuring that the program remains a national powerhouse for years to come.