Kirby Smart on Players Transferring from Georgia: ‘A Lot of Kids End Up Regretting It’
In the ever-evolving landscape of college football, the transfer portal has become a pivotal aspect of roster management. Players seek new opportunities, whether for more playing time, better fits, or fresh starts. However, Georgia head coach Kirby Smart recently made an eye-opening statement regarding players who choose to leave the Bulldogs. According to Smart, many of the athletes who transfer out of Georgia end up regretting their decisions.
The Reality of the Transfer Portal
With the rise of the NCAA transfer portal, the movement of college athletes between programs has reached unprecedented levels. Players often enter the portal in search of immediate playing time or a system that better suits their skills. While some transfers work out exceptionally well, others do not go as planned.
Smart, who has built Georgia into a national powerhouse, addressed this reality candidly.
“A lot of kids that transfer out of Georgia end up regretting it,” Smart said. “They think the grass is greener on the other side, but they don’t always realize what they’re leaving behind until it’s too late.”
Why Players Transfer
Athletes enter the transfer portal for various reasons, including:
- Lack of Playing Time: Georgia consistently recruits some of the best talent in the country, making competition for starting roles fierce. Some players leave because they don’t see a clear path to significant playing time.
- Coaching and Scheme Fit: As coaching strategies and schemes evolve, some players may feel that they would thrive better in a different system.
- Personal Reasons: Family situations, academics, and location preferences can also influence an athlete’s decision to transfer.
Despite these motivations, Smart believes that many players fail to properly evaluate the value of staying in Athens.
The Regrets of Leaving Georgia
According to Smart, the regrets of transferring usually stem from the realization that Georgia’s program offers elite development, top-tier competition, and a winning culture.
1. Losing Access to Elite Coaching and Development
One of the biggest regrets for former Georgia players is leaving behind a coaching staff that has consistently produced NFL-ready talent. Under Smart, Georgia has developed numerous first-round draft picks and sent waves of players into the professional ranks.
“When you’re at Georgia, you’re practicing against the best every single day,” Smart said. “You’re learning from some of the top coaches in the country, and you’re in a system that prepares you for the next level. Some guys leave and realize they don’t have those same opportunities elsewhere.”
2. The Level of Competition
Another aspect many players miss after leaving Georgia is the level of competition within the program. Practicing against elite talent every day sharpens players’ skills and prepares them for the toughest opponents.
“We create an environment where you’re tested every single day,” Smart noted. “That’s what makes our players better and ready for the highest level of competition. When you leave that, it’s not always the same.”
3. The Winning Culture
Georgia’s success under Smart has been unparalleled. With multiple SEC titles and national championship appearances, Georgia is one of the most dominant programs in college football. Former players who transfer out often find themselves on teams that do not match Georgia’s winning pedigree.
“When you leave a program that is built to win at the highest level, you may not realize how much that matters until you’re somewhere else,” Smart added.
Not All Transfers End in Regret
While Smart’s comments reflect the experiences of many former Georgia players, some transfers do find success. Athletes who transfer to schools where they fit better into the system or gain more playing time can thrive.
For instance, former Georgia quarterback Justin Fields transferred to Ohio State and became a Heisman Trophy finalist before being drafted in the first round of the NFL Draft. However, such success stories are the exception rather than the rule.
Lessons for Current and Future Players
Smart’s remarks serve as a cautionary tale for current and future Georgia players considering a transfer. The grass isn’t always greener, and decisions should be made with careful consideration of the long-term benefits and potential downsides.
Players weighing their options should ask themselves:
- Am I leaving for the right reasons, or am I making an emotional decision?
- Will the new program provide better development opportunities than Georgia?
- How will this impact my chances of playing at the next level?
Conclusion
Kirby Smart’s statement that “a lot of kids that transfer out of Georgia end up regretting it” highlights an important reality in modern college football. While the transfer portal provides opportunities, it also carries risks. Many former Bulldogs have come to realize that Georgia’s elite coaching, competition, and winning culture are irreplaceable.
For current and future Georgia players, Smart’s words serve as a reminder to carefully evaluate their decisions before choosing to leave a program that has consistently developed top-tier talent and competed at the highest level. The transfer portal may open doors, but as Smart suggests, not every player finds what they’re looking for on the other side.