Kirby Smart’s Coaches Poll ballot for the end of the year

Kirby Smart’s Coaches Poll Ballot for the End of the Year: A Strategic Reflection on the 2025 College Football Season

As the 2025 college football season winds down, coaches across the country prepare to submit their final Coaches Poll ballots, determining the rankings for the top 25 teams in the nation. Among the most influential voices in the Coaches Poll is Kirby Smart, the head coach of the University of Georgia Bulldogs. Smart, known for his tactical acumen, meticulous attention to detail, and deep understanding of the game, brings a unique perspective to the ballot, which reflects both his program’s performance and his broader analysis of the national landscape.

In this article, we will dive into Kirby Smart’s likely approach to the Coaches Poll at the end of the 2025 season. We’ll look at how Smart’s rankings might reflect his own team’s performance, as well as his evaluation of other programs across the country. Given Georgia’s continued dominance in college football under Smart, his ballot carries significant weight and provides insight into how he views the best teams in the nation.

Kirby Smart’s Philosophy on Ranking Teams

Before we break down Kirby Smart’s potential Coaches Poll ballot, it’s important to understand his philosophy when it comes to rankings. While some coaches might prioritize records or offensive/defensive statistics, Smart has always emphasized the importance of matchups, consistency, and a well-rounded team. In his eyes, the best teams are those that can win in a variety of ways, whether through dominating the line of scrimmage, executing high-level schemes, or making critical plays in high-pressure situations.

Smart also values conference strength and the quality of opponents played throughout the season. Given that Georgia plays in the SEC, the nation’s most competitive conference, Smart will likely place a strong emphasis on teams that have demonstrated the ability to win tough games against high-quality competition. He also has a deep understanding of the importance of postseason performance, knowing that a team’s strength should carry through the entirety of the season, including conference championships and bowl games.

Georgia’s Position on Smart’s Ballot

At the start of the 2025 season, Georgia enters the year as one of the favorites to win the national championship. Having won back-to-back titles in 2021 and 2022, the Bulldogs are once again stacked with talent, particularly on defense, and have the pedigree to be considered one of the top teams in the nation.

Georgia’s Performance in 2025
By the end of the season, Smart will have likely considered Georgia’s overall performance in terms of both its regular-season record and its competition within the SEC. With a tough conference schedule, including games against teams like Alabama, Tennessee, and Florida, Georgia’s strength of schedule will be a key factor in where Smart ranks the Bulldogs. Additionally, Smart will be looking at how Georgia performs in its conference championship game, which could potentially serve as a defining factor in Georgia’s final standing in the Coaches Poll.

If Georgia has maintained its high level of play, Smart would likely place the Bulldogs at or near the top of his ballot, likely in the No. 1 or No. 2 spot, especially if they have only one or no losses and have demonstrated dominance in key matchups. Even if they face a challenge in the SEC Championship Game, Georgia’s overall body of work, including the continued development of their quarterback and offense, as well as their dominant defense, would make them a strong contender for a top position.

Assessing the SEC and Other Contenders

While Georgia is undoubtedly a contender for the No. 1 spot, Smart’s ballot will also be influenced by his evaluation of other top teams across the country. This includes other perennial powerhouses in the SEC and teams from other conferences that have made noise in the 2025 season.

Alabama

Nick Saban’s Alabama Crimson Tide is always a fixture in any conversation about the top teams in the nation, and the 2025 season is no different. With a stellar recruiting class and a history of bouncing back from adversity, Alabama is always a force to be reckoned with. Alabama’s ability to reload, even after key departures, will make them a contender for the Coaches Poll’s top spots.

Smart will likely place Alabama in the top 5, possibly as high as No. 3, depending on their performance throughout the season. If Alabama has only one loss and has been competitive in their games, especially if that loss came to a highly ranked team like Georgia, they would still warrant a high ranking. Given that both teams compete in the SEC, it is crucial to consider the quality of the matchups and how Alabama fares against other top-tier teams in the conference.

Ohio State

The Ohio State Buckeyes, under head coach Ryan Day, are always a fixture in the national title conversation. Ohio State’s explosive offense, led by one of the best quarterback programs in the country, will be a key factor in their ranking. Smart has great respect for Big Ten teams, particularly Ohio State, who have proven to be a consistent threat in the College Football Playoff in recent years.

If Ohio State has navigated a tough Big Ten schedule and demonstrated offensive firepower while improving defensively, Smart will likely place them in the top 3 or top 4 of his Coaches Poll ballot. Their overall body of work, particularly if they have made it to the Big Ten Championship Game or earned a Playoff berth, will justify a strong position.

Michigan

Like Ohio State, Michigan is another Big Ten powerhouse that Smart will consider when filling out his ballot. Michigan has developed into a strong contender under Jim Harbaugh, with a tough, physical style of play that mirrors Smart’s own program. If Michigan has earned a spot in the College Football Playoff or has had a standout season, Smart could rank them within the top 5 teams. Their ability to dominate the trenches, both offensively and defensively, will impress Smart, and their toughness is something he values highly in his own team.

Florida State

Florida State has made great strides under Mike Norvell, and by the 2025 season, they are likely to be one of the top teams in the country. If the Seminoles have maintained an unbeaten record and have defeated tough opponents in the ACC, Smart may place them within his top 5 or top 10. Florida State’s impressive defense, solid quarterback play, and improving offensive line could elevate them to a high ranking, especially if they’re able to make a deep run in the College Football Playoff.

Evaluating Other Key Teams: The Dark Horses and Contenders

In addition to the traditional powerhouses, Smart will also consider teams that have emerged as potential contenders during the 2025 season. Programs like Tennessee, Penn State, Washington, and Texas have all had moments of brilliance, and Smart will look closely at how they perform down the stretch.

For example, if Tennessee has had a breakout year and only suffered one loss, they may find themselves in the top 10, thanks to their high-powered offense and improved defense. Similarly, Texas, with their strong recruiting classes and solid play, could earn a spot in the top 10, especially if they’ve secured a win over a top-tier team in the Big 12.

Undefeated Teams and the Playoff Race

If there are undefeated teams at the end of the season, Smart will have to weigh the strength of their schedules and how they performed in key games. For example, an undefeated Washington squad from the Pac-12 or an undefeated Penn State team from the Big Ten would be hard to ignore, even if they are not from the power conferences traditionally associated with top-tier football programs. Smart’s rankings would consider how these teams performed against both ranked and unranked opponents and whether they earned their playoff spot by beating other playoff-caliber teams.

Smart’s Balancing Act: Record vs. Quality of Wins

One of Kirby Smart’s hallmarks as a coach is his ability to assess a team’s full body of work, not just their record. He knows that a team’s success is determined by more than just wins and losses. Quality wins matter, as does the ability to dominate in all phases of the game.

For example, a team that might be 12-1 but has struggled in key moments against lesser opponents might not fare as well in Smart’s ballot, even if their record is strong. Conversely, a team that has been consistent, dominant, and performed well against tough competition might earn a higher ranking, even if they have one or two losses on their record.

The Final Vote: Kirby Smart’s 2025 Coaches Poll Ballot

By the end of the 2025 season, Kirby Smart’s Coaches Poll ballot will be a reflection of Georgia’s dominance, as well as a well-reasoned assessment of the best teams across the country. Expect Smart to place his own team, Georgia, in the top 1 or 2, given their strong performance and continued excellence. Other top teams, such as Alabama, Ohio State, Michigan, and Florida State, will also feature prominently on his ballot.

Smart will likely prioritize teams that have demonstrated consistency, toughness, and the ability to perform in high-pressure situations, making his ballot a highly respected and insightful look at the best teams in college football. As always, Smart’s deep knowledge of the game and his commitment to excellence will ensure that his Coaches Poll ballot is a reflection of both the teams and players that have earned their place among the nation’s elite.