Analyst: Despite losing a lot of talent, Kirby Smart’s Georgia Bulldogs will still be the best team in college football.

In college football, success is often measured by championships, and in the past few seasons, the University of Georgia Bulldogs have set an exceptionally high standard for themselves. With back-to-back national championships in 2021 and 2022, Georgia has firmly established itself as one of the most dominant teams in the sport. However, as is the case with every powerhouse program, the inevitable turnover of talent – especially from a historically strong roster – leads to inevitable questions: Can the Bulldogs maintain their dominance, or will they experience a dip in performance?

For most programs, losing key players to the NFL draft and graduation would result in a rebuilding year, one where the team must reload and find new stars to step up. But when it comes to Kirby Smart’s Georgia Bulldogs, a track record of success, outstanding recruiting, and a deep, systematic culture of excellence suggest that despite the loss of significant talent, Georgia will remain the best team in college football.

The Kirby Smart Era: A Legacy of Excellence

Before diving into how the Bulldogs will remain dominant, it’s essential to first acknowledge the culture and foundation Kirby Smart has built at Georgia. Since taking over as head coach in 2016, Smart has transformed Georgia from a competitive team in the SEC into one of the most feared programs in all of college football. His leadership has not only restored the Bulldogs to national prominence but also made them an undeniable powerhouse.

Smart, a former defensive coordinator at Alabama under Nick Saban, brought with him a championship pedigree, a relentless work ethic, and an ability to recruit elite talent. Under his guidance, Georgia’s defense became one of the best in the nation, and the program began attracting top-tier recruits at virtually every position. The Bulldogs’ success on the recruiting trail has been a critical factor in their continued dominance, as Smart and his staff have consistently signed some of the highest-rated classes in the country.

While the success of Georgia under Smart cannot be understated, it’s the foundation he built – characterized by a relentless work ethic, emphasis on team culture, and development of both players and coaches – that has set the program apart. Even with a talent exodus, Georgia’s culture of excellence will be the defining factor that keeps them at the top of college football.

The Talent Drain: Losing Key Players

When a program like Georgia experiences as much success as it has over the past few years, it’s inevitable that some of its most talented players will leave for the NFL draft. After all, when players are playing at the level Georgia has reached in recent years, they’re often the best in the country at their respective positions. In the case of the Bulldogs, a number of elite players have moved on, leaving big holes to fill.

Georgia lost several key pieces from their 2023 roster, including star players like defensive lineman Jalen Carter, linebacker Nolan Smith, and cornerback Kelee Ringo. These players were integral to Georgia’s defense, which was ranked among the best in the nation and was the backbone of the team’s success. Additionally, offensive playmakers such as tight end Brock Bowers (who declared for the NFL Draft after a record-breaking career) and quarterback Stetson Bennett (a two-time national champion) were critical to the team’s offensive execution.

The departure of such star talent would, for most programs, signal a transition period. The coaching staff would need to rework schemes, implement new personnel, and find leaders to step into major roles. This talent drain has led many to wonder whether Georgia, with so many stars leaving, will be able to maintain its position at the pinnacle of college football.

The Answer Lies in the Program’s Depth

While it’s impossible to ignore the significance of the talent Georgia has lost, the reality is that the Bulldogs have been preparing for this moment for years. The reason Georgia can lose top-tier talent and continue to be a powerhouse is because of the depth they’ve built through Smart’s recruiting and development.

Georgia’s recruiting classes have been consistently ranked among the top in the nation, which means that the Bulldogs aren’t just bringing in one or two elite players per year, but rather an entire roster of future stars. Even with the loss of players like Jalen Carter and Nolan Smith, Georgia’s defensive line, for example, is stocked with future NFL talent. Players like Mykel Williams, Marvin Jones Jr., and Bear Alexander (who transferred from Texas A&M) are poised to carry the mantle and continue Georgia’s dominance on defense.

On the offensive side of the ball, although the departure of Stetson Bennett will require a new quarterback to step up, Georgia has a wealth of talent at nearly every position. The Bulldogs have one of the most dynamic tight end rooms in the nation, led by Brock Bowers’ potential successor, Oscar Delp, and a plethora of wide receivers ready to take on more prominent roles. Georgia’s offensive line remains a strength, and with a reliable ground game that’s consistently ranked among the best in the SEC, the Bulldogs will continue to impose their will on opponents.

With a strong recruiting pipeline and an established culture, Smart’s program has the luxury of depth. The next man up mentality is not just a slogan for Georgia, it’s a reality that has been ingrained in the program. The talent pipeline at Georgia has never been stronger, and while some stars may leave, there are always others waiting to rise to the occasion.

Georgia’s Offensive and Defensive Systems

One of the key reasons Georgia will remain the best team in college football, even with the loss of top-tier talent, is the consistency and adaptability of their systems under Smart. Kirby Smart, as both a defensive mastermind and a pragmatic offensive leader, has built systems that can thrive regardless of the specific personnel on the field.

Defensive System: Reloading Instead of Rebuilding

Georgia’s defense has been one of the most dominant units in college football over the past few seasons, and this is largely due to Smart’s ability to develop elite defensive players and to design complex, effective schemes. The Bulldogs’ defensive success doesn’t depend on any single player but rather on the system as a whole. Whether it’s the 3-4 scheme or the nickel-heavy packages, Georgia’s defense is designed to be adaptable, relying on depth and a collective team effort rather than individual superstars.

Despite losing a player like Jalen Carter, Georgia’s defensive line remains formidable, with several returning players and highly touted recruits poised to step in. In addition to the defensive line, the linebacker corps remains strong, with returning players such as Smael Mondon Jr. and Jamon Dumas-Johnson, who were key contributors last season. Furthermore, the secondary is one of the deepest in the SEC, with players like Kamari Lassiter, Javon Bullard, and Daylen Everette who have all proven themselves on the big stage.

Offensive System: Sticking to What Works

On offense, the Bulldogs have one of the most physical running games in the country, and this will continue to be the focal point of their attack. While quarterback play is crucial, Georgia’s commitment to a balanced attack featuring a punishing ground game gives them the ability to control the clock and dictate the tempo of games. Even without Bennett, Georgia’s offense is poised to be effective. Players like running back Kendall Milton and new quarterback options like Carson Beck or Gunner Stockton will lead the charge.

The tight end position has been a hallmark of Georgia’s offensive identity, and with players like Oscar Delp and the emergence of a talented offensive line, the Bulldogs will continue to dominate in the trenches. Additionally, Smart’s ability to recruit and develop talent means that Georgia will be able to replace departing players with fresh, talented athletes who can step in seamlessly.

Coaching and Leadership: A Key to Georgia’s Continued Dominance

While talent is undoubtedly a huge part of Georgia’s success, it’s the leadership and culture within the program that truly sets them apart. Kirby Smart has cultivated a culture of excellence, focusing not just on recruiting and developing talent, but also on instilling the right mindset in his players. The Bulldogs have built a team-first mentality that emphasizes hard work, accountability, and playing for one another. This culture ensures that even when the Bulldogs lose key players, the team will continue to thrive as new leaders emerge and the program remains focused on its goal of championship contention.