Did Kirby Smart and Georgia football make the right call? Evaluating their decision and its impact on the program’s future.

When Kirby Smart took over as head coach of the University of Georgia’s football program in 2016, he inherited a team that had the potential to compete at the highest levels but had yet to capture a national championship since the 1980s. Fast forward to today, and Smart has transformed Georgia into a dominant force in college football, regularly contending for championships and producing some of the best talent in the nation.

In recent years, Smart has faced tough decisions on the recruiting front, roster management, and the overall direction of the program. One of the most significant decisions came in the form of a decision related to key personnel—players who could make a difference in Georgia’s quest for excellence. Among these decisions, the choice of which players to prioritize in the recruiting class, as well as how to handle the progression of talented athletes on the roster, has been a subject of much debate.

One of the more notable decisions in recent history was Georgia’s approach to retaining and developing certain players, particularly at key positions such as quarterback, running back, and defensive back. With Georgia’s emphasis on recruiting top-tier talent from across the country, the decision to promote certain athletes while allowing others to transfer or declare for the NFL Draft has garnered attention.

The Pressure of Winning National Championships

In the realm of college football, particularly within the Southeastern Conference (SEC), national championships are the ultimate goal. Georgia’s program, under the guidance of Smart, has come close to achieving this goal, but there has been immense pressure to win it all. This pressure has only grown as the program continues to bring in some of the best recruiting classes in the country, each one laden with expectations that this will be the year Georgia finally captures that elusive title.

The 2022-2023 season, in which Georgia claimed its second consecutive national title, showcased the culmination of years of recruiting, development, and coaching excellence. However, in the following season, some key players declared for the NFL Draft, and others transferred to different programs, testing the depth and resilience of Georgia’s squad.

The loss of players, especially in areas of high talent such as quarterback and defensive line, prompted questions about how Smart and his coaching staff would adjust. Some critics wondered if Smart’s approach to roster management—favoring development over immediate impact—would be sustainable in the long run, especially with the heightened level of competition from schools like Alabama, Ohio State, and Clemson.

Evaluating Georgia’s Recruiting Strategy

One of the cornerstones of Kirby Smart’s success has been his ability to recruit elite talent. The 2024 and 2025 recruiting classes were filled with some of the nation’s top prospects, and Smart’s focus on bringing in multi-dimensional athletes has positioned Georgia to remain among the elite in college football. By securing commitments from players with size, speed, and the skill set to compete at the next level, Smart is ensuring that the Bulldogs stay ahead of the curve in terms of talent development.

But the question remains: Did Smart make the right call by continuing to prioritize high school recruits over transfers? In an era where the transfer portal has become a key player in roster management, Smart’s reluctance to dive into the transfer market has been a point of discussion. Unlike some of his counterparts who have used the transfer portal to quickly fill holes in their rosters, Smart has opted to develop homegrown talent.

There are clear benefits to this approach. Developing young players within the system creates a sense of continuity, and when those players succeed, it builds program loyalty. Additionally, bringing in players who have been raised within the program’s culture tends to lead to stronger team chemistry and a more cohesive unit on the field.

However, there are risks to relying solely on high school recruits. Injuries, player development delays, or unexpected departures can disrupt a team’s balance, and in such cases, the transfer portal could serve as a quick fix. Smart’s decision to largely avoid the transfer portal in favor of developing younger players may have long-term benefits, but it’s a gamble that hinges on continued success in player development.

Player Retention and Development

One of the biggest decisions that Kirby Smart and his coaching staff have had to make is whether to hold onto players who may not immediately contribute at the highest level. In the competitive landscape of college football, where players are often eager to get early playing time or make a quick jump to the NFL, the decision to retain talent becomes complex.

For Georgia, the choice to stay the course with players who show long-term potential has paid off with the development of players like Brock Bowers, a tight end who became one of the most feared weapons in college football. Likewise, the defensive line continues to be a focal point, with Georgia developing some of the nation’s top defenders.

But what about players who don’t immediately make an impact on the field? In a high-pressure environment like Georgia’s, where expectations are set to win championships every year, those who don’t contribute quickly often consider other options, either entering the transfer portal or declaring early for the NFL Draft. The departure of players who might have had the potential to thrive with a bit more development raises the question of whether Smart’s strategy is sustainable in the long term.

Smart’s decision to work with these players in the hopes of developing them into stars can be seen as a long-term investment. However, in today’s era of college football, where the talent pool is so deep, the loss of a player who could have made an immediate impact is difficult to ignore. Players who leave for other programs or the draft can create gaps that require rapid filling, either through the transfer portal or the next class of recruits. This pressure to win now versus planning for the future can leave coaches in a tough spot.

The Impact on Recruiting and Long-Term Success

Smart’s approach to player retention and development also ties directly into his recruiting philosophy. A significant part of Georgia’s success has come from its ability to recruit some of the best high school athletes in the country. By bringing in players who fit the team’s needs and who are committed to developing within the program’s system, Smart has ensured that Georgia continues to remain competitive on the national stage.

The challenge, however, lies in balancing the needs of the present with the reality of college football’s future landscape. With the transfer portal and NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals becoming increasingly important in recruiting, Georgia’s recruiting strategy may need to evolve to meet the demands of a new era of college athletics.

For example, the new generation of players—many of whom have access to NIL deals and social media platforms—have a different set of expectations when it comes to their college experience. While Smart has focused heavily on building relationships with high school recruits, some wonder whether Georgia needs to adjust its recruiting strategy to be more inclusive of the transfer portal.

There’s also the question of balancing star power with depth. With college football’s increased emphasis on recruiting, high school prospects are now better prepared than ever before to step onto the field and contribute immediately. Smart has done an incredible job of identifying players who can make an impact, but as the competition continues to grow, Georgia may need to continue investing in both high school recruits and transfer players to ensure long-term success.

Did Kirby Smart and Georgia Make the Right Call?

The ultimate answer to whether Kirby Smart and Georgia football made the right call when it comes to player retention, development, and recruiting is still unfolding. The decision to invest in high school talent, develop players from within the program, and maintain a strong culture has clearly yielded substantial success on the field. The Bulldogs have consistently been a top contender in the SEC and on the national stage, capturing multiple conference titles and winning the national championship.

However, as the landscape of college football evolves, Smart and Georgia will need to adapt. The transfer portal, NIL deals, and changing player expectations are reshaping the sport. While Smart’s approach to recruiting and developing homegrown talent is still a winning formula, his ability to navigate these new challenges will ultimately determine Georgia’s continued success.

For now, though, Georgia fans can rest easy knowing that under Kirby Smart, the program has a solid foundation and the ability to compete for championships for years to come. Whether or not Smart continues to prioritize high school recruits over transfers, one thing is certain: Georgia football is in good hands.