Ranking Every Starting Quarterback in the Kirby Smart Era for the Georgia Bulldogs

Since taking over as head coach of the Georgia Bulldogs in 2016, Kirby Smart has built one of the most dominant programs in college football. His tenure has included multiple College Football Playoff appearances, SEC championships, and a pair of national titles. A key part of that success has been the play of his quarterbacks, who have led the Bulldogs on their quest for dominance. Some have been elite game managers, while others have provided star power and leadership that defined an era. Here, we rank every starting quarterback of the Kirby Smart era, evaluating their impact, production, and legacy.

7. D’Wan Mathis (2020)

Mathis was named the starter for Georgia’s season opener in 2020 against Arkansas but struggled mightily in his debut. He completed only 8 of 17 passes for 55 yards and an interception before being replaced by Stetson Bennett. Mathis transferred to Temple after the season and never fully capitalized on his time at Georgia. While he had the talent and physical tools, he is ranked last due to his short-lived tenure as the Bulldogs’ starter.

6. JT Daniels (2020-2021)

Daniels, a former five-star recruit, transferred from USC to Georgia in 2020 and was expected to provide stability at the quarterback position. After recovering from an ACL injury, he took over late in the 2020 season and impressed with strong performances against Mississippi State and Cincinnati. In 2021, he began the season as the starter but was sidelined due to injury, allowing Stetson Bennett to take over. Though Daniels showed flashes of brilliance, his inability to stay healthy and the rise of Bennett left him in a supporting role. He later transferred to West Virginia and then Rice.

5. Jacob Eason (2016-2017)

Eason was the first major quarterback recruit of the Kirby Smart era and showed promise as a true freshman in 2016. He had a strong arm and the physical tools to succeed, throwing for 2,430 yards and 16 touchdowns. However, an early-season injury in 2017 led to Jake Fromm taking over, and Eason never reclaimed his starting job. He transferred to Washington, where he finished his college career before being drafted into the NFL. While his potential was undeniable, his time as a starter was brief.

4. Greyson Lambert (2016)

Lambert, a transfer from Virginia, was the starting quarterback when Smart took over in 2016. However, he quickly split time with Jacob Eason before being relegated to a backup role. While not the most dynamic quarterback, Lambert was a steady presence in his limited action. His ranking reflects his experience but also his lack of significant impact on the program’s long-term success.

3. Jake Fromm (2017-2019)

Fromm took over as the starting quarterback in 2017 after Eason’s injury and never looked back. He led Georgia to an SEC Championship, a College Football Playoff appearance, and a national championship game berth in his first season. Fromm was known for his poise, leadership, and efficiency, finishing his career with over 8,000 passing yards and 78 touchdowns. While he wasn’t the most physically gifted quarterback, his ability to execute the offense and win big games made him a defining figure in the Smart era.

2. Stetson Bennett (2020-2022)

Bennett’s story is one of the greatest in Georgia football history. Originally a walk-on, he left the program only to return and eventually lead Georgia to back-to-back national championships. After taking over as the full-time starter in 2021, Bennett silenced doubters with clutch performances and steady leadership. His ability to make big plays in crucial moments helped Georgia dominate college football in 2021 and 2022. Though he wasn’t the highest-rated recruit or the most physically gifted quarterback, his legacy as a two-time national champion cements his place near the top of this list.

1. Stetson Bennett (2021-2022)

While some may debate placing Bennett at the top, his impact on Georgia football is undeniable. He led the Bulldogs to two national titles, a feat no other Georgia quarterback had accomplished in the modern era. His combination of mobility, accuracy, and leadership made him the perfect fit for Smart’s offense. Bennett’s ability to elevate his play in big games, including CFP matchups, separates him from the rest. He may not have been the most talented quarterback to start for Smart, but he was the most successful.

Final Thoughts

Kirby Smart has had a mix of highly touted recruits and underdog stories at quarterback during his tenure. While some, like Eason and Daniels, showed flashes of elite talent, others, like Fromm and Bennett, left lasting legacies with their leadership and success. As Georgia continues to recruit and develop quarterbacks, the standard set by these players will serve as a benchmark for future Bulldogs signal-callers.