Kirby Smart stated that the Georgia Bulldogs are “a long way from good” early in spring practices, emphasizing the need for improvement and development.

As spring practices unfold for the Georgia Bulldogs football team, head coach Kirby Smart has made it clear that his team still has a long road ahead to reach their potential for the upcoming 2025 season. Despite the Bulldogs’ dominance over the past few seasons, which has included national championships, SEC titles, and consistent playoff berths, Smart is not taking anything for granted. Instead, he has focused on the areas where Georgia still needs to improve, emphasizing the importance of growth during the spring.

In a recent press conference, Smart openly stated that his team is “a long way from good,” referencing how far they still need to go before they can compete at the level they expect. For many, the comment might have raised eyebrows, given the program’s remarkable success in recent years. But for Smart, it was a wake-up call and a statement that should serve as a reminder that Georgia’s dominance is not guaranteed—no matter how successful the program has been in the past.

This article will delve deeper into what Kirby Smart’s comments reveal about the current state of the Georgia Bulldogs, what they need to improve on this spring, and how Smart’s leadership will continue to shape the team’s future.

The Context: A History of Excellence Under Kirby Smart

Under Smart’s leadership, Georgia has experienced an unprecedented level of success in college football. Since taking over the program in 2016, Smart has transformed Georgia into a perennial powerhouse. The Bulldogs have made the College Football Playoff in multiple seasons, and they have claimed two national championships in recent years (2021 and 2023).

However, despite these accomplishments, Smart has made it clear that there are no shortcuts to success. The Bulldogs will not rest on their laurels, and they are aware that a lack of development in the spring can affect their performance in the fall.

Georgia’s national championships have come with a specific formula—outstanding recruiting, exceptional coaching, a relentless defense, and a dynamic offense. But the college football landscape is always evolving, and Smart knows that complacency is the enemy.

Every year, Georgia faces new challenges, with other SEC programs—like Alabama, Tennessee, and LSU—constantly improving. For Georgia to stay at the top, they must continue to raise their standards and strive for improvement in every facet of the game.

Smart’s Focus on Development: Why They’re ‘A Long Way From Good’

In his spring press conference, Smart didn’t sugarcoat his assessment of the Bulldogs. He acknowledged that the team has a lot of talent, but they still need to put in the work to get where they need to be.

“There’s a lot of individual talent out there, but there’s a long way to go to be a good football team. We’re not there yet,” Smart said. “We need to develop, grow together, and continue to build chemistry. You can’t just roll the ball out and expect success.”

For Smart, this is not an attempt to downplay his team’s potential, but a realistic assessment of where the Bulldogs are right now. Georgia has lost a significant number of key players to the NFL, including top-tier stars like Stetson Bennett, Jalen Carter, and Brock Bowers. Replacing these players and filling their roles with capable and effective players is no small task. While Georgia has recruited at a high level and brought in talented young players, it’s a different challenge to integrate these players into the program and ensure they can perform at the highest level when it matters most.

Key Areas of Improvement for Georgia in Spring 2025

As Smart pointed out, there is still plenty of work to be done in spring practices. Let’s take a closer look at the areas where Georgia must improve to ensure that they’re ready for the 2025 season.

1. Quarterback Development

One of the biggest question marks for Georgia heading into spring 2025 is at the quarterback position. Stetson Bennett, who led the Bulldogs to two national titles, is no longer with the program, and Georgia must find his replacement.

In the spring, Smart has been evaluating a few candidates to fill the void left by Bennett, including Carson Beck and Brock Vandagriff. Beck, who served as Bennett’s backup, has the most experience and could be the frontrunner for the starting job. However, Smart has made it clear that the position is still up for grabs, and no one has claimed it yet.

The development of the quarterback position is critical for Georgia’s success in 2025. Without a strong and confident leader under center, the Bulldogs’ offense could struggle, especially in high-pressure games. This is where spring practices become even more crucial. The coaches need to evaluate which quarterback can not only execute the playbook effectively but also lead the team in big moments. Smart emphasized the importance of consistency and decision-making, qualities that are essential for Georgia’s new quarterback to succeed.

2. Offensive Line Play

Another area that Smart highlighted as a potential concern is the offensive line. Although Georgia has had one of the best offensive lines in the nation in recent years, they have lost some key players due to graduation and the NFL Draft. Replacing those linemen with talented but unproven players is a significant challenge.

In 2025, Georgia must continue to develop its offensive line to ensure that the running game stays strong and that the quarterback has time to throw. The Bulldogs have great running backs, but without proper blocking up front, it will be difficult to establish a dominant rushing attack.

During spring practices, Smart is focusing on getting the offensive line in sync, making sure that the players understand the nuances of their assignments, and ensuring they work well together as a unit. Without a solid offensive line, the entire offense could be limited, so this is an area Smart is closely monitoring.

3. Replacing Defensive Stars

Georgia’s defense has been one of the most dominant in college football over the past few seasons. Under defensive coordinator Will Muschamp, the Bulldogs’ defense has been a force to be reckoned with, featuring stars like Jalen Carter and Nolan Smith, who both went on to be selected in the NFL Draft.

With these key defensive players now gone, the question is: who will step up and take their place?

Smart has long emphasized the importance of depth on defense, and this spring, he will be evaluating the players who are in line to replace these departed stars. Names like Mikel Williams and Malaki Starks have already started to emerge as potential standouts, but there is still much work to be done. Smart will be looking for players who can make an impact in both the pass rush and the secondary.

For Georgia to continue to be a top-tier team, they must maintain their defensive identity. The spring practices are vital for developing the next generation of Bulldogs defenders who can continue to execute Smart’s aggressive defensive scheme and maintain the program’s reputation for toughness.

4. Wide Receiver Development

While Georgia’s offense has been known for its physical, run-heavy style, the Bulldogs have made strides in recent years to improve their passing attack. The emergence of Ladd McConkey and Dominick Blaylock as reliable wide receivers has been a key part of Georgia’s offensive success, but the Bulldogs need more depth at the position in 2025.

This spring, Smart is focused on finding and developing the next crop of wide receivers who can contribute immediately. Arian Smith and Rahsaan St. Pierre are two names to watch, but Georgia’s coaching staff will be keeping a close eye on how each player performs in spring ball. A balanced offensive attack—one that can both run and pass effectively—is essential to Georgia’s continued dominance, and wide receiver play is an integral part of that balance.

5. Special Teams

Special teams might not always get the same amount of attention as offense and defense, but Smart knows how crucial they are to a team’s overall success. From kickoffs to field goals, punting, and return teams, special teams can have a huge impact on the outcome of games.

Georgia has a strong history of success in the special teams unit, but Smart has indicated that there is still work to be done to fine-tune this area. In spring practice, the Bulldogs will be working on both individual and team drills to ensure that special teams are an asset, not a liability.

Kirby Smart’s Leadership and Long-Term Vision

While Georgia may be “a long way from good” right now, Kirby Smart’s leadership has been a driving force in the Bulldogs’ rise to dominance. Smart has always been known for his meticulous attention to detail and his high expectations. His commitment to excellence has been a cornerstone of Georgia’s success, and his ability to develop players and keep them focused on the task at hand is unmatched.

Smart is also a master at adapting to changes in college football. The game is constantly evolving, and what worked last year might not work this year. That’s why Smart’s ability to continue building upon Georgia’s recruiting success and developing young talent is crucial to the program’s future.

Smart’s comments about being “a long way from good” should be seen as a reflection of his high standards and his dedication to making Georgia the best it can be, even after achieving so much success.

Looking Ahead: A Strong 2025 Season?

While it may seem like Georgia has a long way to go before they are “good,” don’t count them out. With Kirby Smart at the helm, the Bulldogs are well-equipped to continue their dominance. The spring practices are a time for growth and development, and Smart is committed to using this time wisely.

The 2025 season presents a new challenge for Georgia—one that will require players to step up and fill the voids left by departed stars. But with Smart’s leadership, the Bulldogs will continue to build on their rich history

, develop young talent, and position themselves for another shot at greatness. While there is still work to be done, Georgia is in good hands, and the team’s long-term vision remains as strong as ever.

In the world of college football, success is never a guarantee. It takes hard work, constant development, and the willingness to embrace every opportunity that comes your way. For Kirby Smart and the Georgia Bulldogs, they know that another opportunity is ahead—but they are fully aware of the work it will take to get there.