Paul Finebaum didn’t hesitate to name the best team in the SEC, confidently declaring Georgia as the conference’s top contender.

SEC football is defined by tradition, rivalry, and, most of all, excellence. With powerhouse programs like Alabama, LSU, Florida, and Tennessee in the mix every year, naming the “best” team in the conference is never simple. But when Paul Finebaum—a longtime SEC analyst and one of the most respected voices in college football—was asked to name the top team in the SEC, he didn’t even pause. His answer: Georgia.

Finebaum’s swift declaration wasn’t just an offhand comment—it was a reflection of a growing consensus in the college football world. The Georgia Bulldogs have ascended to the top tier of the sport and currently define what elite looks like in the Southeastern Conference. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind Finebaum’s confidence, break down Georgia’s continued dominance, examine how the rest of the SEC is responding, and what this means for the Bulldogs heading into the 2025 season.

Finebaum’s Statement: Georgia Reigns Supreme

Paul Finebaum is known for his candor and deep insight into SEC football, having spent decades covering the highs and lows of the conference. When asked recently on air who he believes is the best team in the SEC, he didn’t hesitate: “It’s Georgia. There’s no debate right now.”

His statement came in the context of ongoing debates about the changing SEC landscape, especially with Texas and Oklahoma joining the conference and traditional powers like Alabama undergoing coaching transitions. But to Finebaum, Georgia is the clear front-runner.

Why Finebaum Chose Georgia

There are several compelling reasons behind Finebaum’s unflinching support of Georgia as the best in the SEC:

1. Recent Dominance and National Titles

Georgia won back-to-back national championships in 2021 and 2022 under head coach Kirby Smart. They narrowly missed a shot at a third in 2023, proving their consistency at the highest level.

• 2021: Undefeated national championship season.
• 2022: Dominant repeat title run with a 15-0 record.
• 2023: Lost only one game and narrowly missed College Football Playoff inclusion.

2. Elite Recruiting

Georgia consistently brings in top-three recruiting classes. Their ability to reload rather than rebuild has made them the envy of college football.

• Multiple 5-star recruits join the program each year.
• Depth at every position—especially on defense—has created a roster that resembles an NFL farm system.

3. Kirby Smart’s Leadership

Finebaum has often praised Kirby Smart’s growth as a head coach. Once criticized for being too conservative, Smart has evolved into one of the most tactical and adaptable coaches in the game.

• Disciplined culture.
• Smart roster management, including use of the transfer portal.
• Elite defensive schemes year after year.

4. Sustained Culture of Winning

Georgia doesn’t just win games—they dominate. Their average margin of victory and ability to dismantle top opponents makes them more than just a talented team—they’re a juggernaut.

The 2025 Outlook: Can Georgia Maintain Its Hold?

Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Finebaum’s faith in Georgia looks well placed. Here’s why:

Returning Talent

• Georgia’s quarterback room remains strong, led by highly-touted prospects and seasoned players.
• Key defensive starters return, particularly in the front seven.
• The offensive line and backfield continue to be among the best in the country.

Incoming Class

• The 2025 recruiting class is again projected to be in the top three nationally.
• Elite high school players continue to choose Georgia over traditional powerhouses, including Alabama and Ohio State.

Schedule Outlook

While Georgia’s schedule will have its challenges—including marquee SEC matchups and non-conference showdowns—the team has proven it can navigate difficult terrain without dropping in performance.

The SEC Landscape: Who Are Georgia’s Challengers?

Finebaum’s bold claim has triggered responses across the SEC. While Georgia is the current benchmark, several programs are gunning for the crown.

Alabama

• Under new leadership following Nick Saban’s retirement, Alabama is entering a transitional period.
• Still a talented roster, but question marks remain about consistency and identity.

LSU

• Brian Kelly’s Tigers are on the rise, with explosive offenses and strong recruiting.
• Defense remains a concern, which separates them from Georgia’s balanced dominance.

Texas & Oklahoma (New SEC Entrants)

• Texas brings a talented roster and has already proven it can beat top SEC teams (e.g., Alabama in 2023).
• Oklahoma’s future in the SEC remains uncertain, especially with roster transitions.

Tennessee & Florida

• Both teams show flashes of potential, but inconsistency continues to hold them back.
• Georgia has dominated these rivals in recent years.

How Georgia Has Changed the SEC Standard

It wasn’t long ago that Alabama was considered untouchable in the SEC. Georgia’s rise has redefined that standard.

• Recruiting Arms Race: Other SEC schools have doubled down on recruiting budgets and facilities to keep up.
• Defensive Emphasis: Georgia’s elite defensive units under Kirby Smart have forced other programs to rethink offensive-heavy strategies.
• Player Development: Georgia has shown that it’s not just about recruiting stars—it’s about turning them into NFL-ready players.

This new standard is what has elevated Georgia and created envy across the league.

National Perspective: Is Georgia the Best in the Country?

Finebaum’s comment was SEC-focused, but the implications extend nationally. Is Georgia the best team in the entire country?

Against Big Ten Powers

• Georgia has outclassed Ohio State and Michigan in past matchups, with only narrow margins separating them at times.
• The Bulldogs’ depth is often the deciding factor late in games.

Compared to Pac-12/ACC Contenders

• With conference realignment shifting the national landscape, no Pac-12 or ACC program has consistently matched Georgia’s power and success.
• Clemson has fallen off in recent years, and Florida State remains inconsistent.

Fan and Media Reactions

Unsurprisingly, Finebaum’s comment was met with both support and pushback:

Georgia Fans

• Celebrated Finebaum’s praise as overdue recognition for a program that has worked relentlessly under Kirby Smart.

Rival Fanbases

• Alabama and LSU fans questioned the sustainability of Georgia’s success.
• Some argued that Georgia’s 2023 playoff miss is proof that they’re not invincible.

Media

• Many college football analysts backed Finebaum’s take, citing statistics and Georgia’s record under Smart.

What Must Georgia Do to Stay on Top?

Even with Finebaum’s endorsement, staying at the top requires constant evolution:

• Sustain Elite Recruiting: Continue dominating the recruiting trail, especially with new NIL dynamics.
• Adapt Offensively: Embrace offensive creativity while maintaining defensive strength.
• Stay Healthy: Injuries are one of the few things that could derail a championship-caliber team.
• Mentally Reset Each Season: Avoid complacency—a challenge every great dynasty must face.

Georgia’s Dynasty Is Here—and Finebaum’s Right

Paul Finebaum didn’t hesitate because the answer was obvious to him—and to many others paying close attention. Georgia isn’t just the best team in the SEC right now; they’ve established themselves as a dynasty in the making.

Kirby Smart’s Bulldogs are the model of excellence: recruiting, coaching, defense, and culture. As the SEC undergoes dramatic shifts with new teams and coaching changes, Georgia stands as the one constant—a team built to last, with a mission to dominate.

Whether they win the 2025 national championship remains to be seen, but Finebaum’s confidence is rooted in something more significant: a belief that Georgia isn’t just at the top—they’ve redefined what the top looks like.