Kirby Smart’s Georgia Bulldogs will be college football’s top dog despite losing massive talent, says analyst

The University of Georgia Bulldogs, under head coach Kirby Smart, have cemented themselves as one of the premier programs in college football over the past several seasons. With a commanding 2021 national championship win followed by another dominant performance in 2022, Georgia has quickly become the team to beat in college football. However, with the 2023 offseason upon us, there have been concerns regarding the massive talent departures from the program. Several key players, including some of the best to ever wear the Bulldog uniform, have moved on to the NFL, leaving a vacuum that many analysts and fans have wondered if Smart’s team can fill.

Despite losing substantial talent, including top-tier players like defensive lineman Jalen Carter, linebacker Nolan Smith, and offensive stars such as Stetson Bennett, the consensus among many college football analysts is that Georgia will remain college football’s “top dog” in 2023 and beyond. This view is built not just on past success, but on Kirby Smart’s ability to continually reload, recruit, and develop talent at an elite level. The Georgia Bulldogs, even after significant roster turnover, have built a foundation that many believe will ensure they remain at the pinnacle of the sport.

This article will explore the reasons why Kirby Smart’s Georgia Bulldogs are expected to stay on top of college football despite losing massive talent. Through Smart’s recruiting prowess, depth of talent, player development, and a program culture that breeds success, Georgia is positioned to continue its dominance.

1. The Kirby Smart Effect: Elite Recruiting Continues to Thrive

Kirby Smart has turned Georgia into one of the most feared programs in college football, and it all starts with his approach to recruiting. The Bulldogs have consistently ranked among the top recruiting classes in the nation, and they’ve produced some of the most talent-rich rosters in college football history. Under Smart’s leadership, Georgia has been a perennial powerhouse in the SEC and a legitimate contender for the national title each season.

The 2023 recruiting class may not have had the same top-end star power as the previous two years, but it still ranks among the best in the country. The Bulldogs continue to attract some of the best high school players in the nation, especially on the defensive side of the ball, which has been Smart’s calling card since his days as Alabama’s defensive coordinator. Georgia’s elite recruiting efforts ensure that the talent pipeline is well-stocked, which is a crucial factor in mitigating the loss of key players to the NFL.

Georgia’s defensive line, for example, remains one of the deepest in the nation. Even with the departure of Jalen Carter, a top NFL draft pick and one of the most dominant defensive players in recent memory, the Bulldogs have a stable of young, talented defensive linemen ready to step up. Players like Mykel Williams, a five-star recruit who flashed as a freshman, are poised to become leaders on Georgia’s defense. This continuity of talent on the roster means that Georgia will remain formidable on that side of the ball, no matter how many stars depart.

On the offensive side of the ball, Georgia continues to recruit top-tier skill players, especially at wide receiver and running back. The emergence of players like Brock Bowers, who may be the best tight end in college football, combined with a stable of highly recruited running backs, ensures that the offense will continue to function at a high level.

2. Development Overstar Power: Kirby Smart’s Ability to Cultivate Talent

While recruiting is critical, Georgia’s ability to develop talent is equally important in ensuring that the Bulldogs stay competitive year after year. Kirby Smart’s coaching staff, led by offensive coordinator Todd Monken and defensive coordinator Glenn Schumann, has shown a remarkable ability to bring out the best in their players. Whether it’s grooming young talent to step up in big moments or helping experienced players reach their full potential, Georgia’s player development is a key factor in their continued success.

Take, for example, Stetson Bennett. Bennett was far from a highly-ranked recruit when he arrived at Georgia. He had to work his way up from a walk-on to the team’s starting quarterback, and over time, he developed into one of the most efficient and successful quarterbacks in Georgia history. His two national championships were a testament to the development system in place at Georgia. Bennett’s journey epitomizes the culture at Georgia, where talent is cultivated, and players are given the opportunity to grow and succeed, no matter where they start.

In addition to Bennett, many players who were once under-recruited or seen as developmental pieces have become stars in their own right. The emergence of players like linebacker Nakobe Dean, who was a key piece in Georgia’s 2021 defense, and the development of wide receivers like Ladd McConkey show that Georgia is more than just a collection of five-star recruits; it’s a program where players evolve into game-changers.

Smart’s emphasis on developing players to maximize their potential has proven effective time and time again. The Bulldogs are known for being able to take raw talent and turn them into polished, ready-for-the-NFL prospects. With the consistent development of underclassmen, Georgia’s talent pipeline doesn’t just replenish itself—it elevates itself, ensuring continued dominance.

3. The Georgia Culture: A Winning Mindset that Fuels Success

One of the most important factors in Georgia’s sustained success is the culture that Kirby Smart has created in Athens. From his first day as head coach, Smart set out to build a championship-caliber program, and that vision has materialized into what we see today: a well-oiled football machine that attracts top recruits, develops talent, and competes at the highest level.

At the core of Georgia’s culture is an intense focus on competition, discipline, and teamwork. The Bulldogs approach every day with a championship mentality, and that mindset permeates the entire program. Whether it’s the expectation to compete in practice, the attention to detail in film study, or the drive to improve every day, Georgia’s culture creates an environment where players consistently push themselves to be the best.

This culture has also played a huge role in maintaining success even when key players leave for the NFL. Georgia’s next wave of players understands the expectations and standards that have been set, and they are motivated to continue the program’s winning ways. The leadership within the locker room—built by a strong senior class, but also by emerging stars—ensures that there is no dip in effort or focus when new players are asked to step into bigger roles. In fact, many players view stepping up as an opportunity to build on the legacy of the program and add their own chapter to Georgia football’s growing history.

The consistency in Georgia’s coaching staff, with the retention of key figures like Smart, Schumann, and Monken, also helps keep the culture intact. Stability is crucial in building a winning program, and Smart has made sure that Georgia remains grounded in its approach, even while adding new players and refining its strategies. This commitment to consistency has fostered an environment where success breeds success.

4. Quarterback Play: Carson Beck Ready to Lead

One of the most important questions heading into the 2023 season is how Georgia will replace Stetson Bennett, who led the team to two national championships. Bennett’s ability to manage games, make clutch plays, and lead the offense was critical to Georgia’s success over the past two seasons. While replacing a player like Bennett is no small task, Georgia appears to be in good hands with Carson Beck, who is poised to take over as the starting quarterback in 2023.

Beck, a former highly-ranked recruit, has been waiting for his chance to shine, and many believe this is his time. During his limited playing time in previous seasons, Beck showed flashes of his potential, including a strong arm, good decision-making, and the ability to read defenses. He has been tutored by one of the best coaching staffs in the country, and now, with a talented group of wide receivers and an elite running game, Beck has the tools at his disposal to lead Georgia’s offense to continued success.

Quarterback play is often the difference between championship-caliber teams and those who fall short. With Beck at the helm, Georgia’s offense remains in good hands. His ability to manage the game, make plays when needed, and handle the pressure of leading a program with national title aspirations will be key to Georgia’s continued dominance.

5. The SEC: Georgia’s Competitive Advantage

Another reason why Georgia will remain college football’s top dog is the strength of the Southeastern Conference (SEC), where the Bulldogs consistently face elite competition. The SEC is widely regarded as the toughest conference in college football, and playing at the highest level of competition week in and week out prepares Georgia for the rigors of the national stage. Georgia has emerged as the team to beat in the SEC, and its dominance within the conference has translated into success on the national level.

While teams like Alabama, LSU, and Tennessee will continue to challenge Georgia, the Bulldogs have proven that they can rise to the occasion and dominate in the SEC. The challenge of playing in the SEC also ensures that Georgia will always be battle-tested by the time the College Football Playoff rolls around, giving them a distinct advantage over teams from other conferences.

 The Dynasty Continues

While it’s true that Georgia will lose several key players heading into the 2023 season, the Bulldogs are well-positioned to maintain their place as college football’s top dog. Kirby Smart’s elite recruiting, player development, and championship culture ensure that Georgia’s dominance is not just a flash in the pan—it is a sustainable force that will continue to thrive for years to come.

The next chapter of Georgia football is already being written, and with the team’s depth of talent, strong leadership, and the ability to reload, the Bulldogs will remain a championship contender in the 2023 season and beyond.