Kirby Smart Voices Huge Concerns on the Future of College Football After Georgia Wins SEC Championship Against Texas
After leading the University of Georgia Bulldogs to an impressive victory over Texas in the SEC Championship, head coach Kirby Smart’s mind was occupied by more than just the accolades and the trophy. While his team’s performance was stellar and their dominance on the field was unquestionable, Smart couldn’t shake the growing concerns he has about the future of college football. As college football continues to evolve and change, Smart believes the sport is at a crossroads that could dramatically alter the landscape in years to come.
In his post-game press conference, following Georgia’s 31-21 triumph over Texas, Smart opened up about his concerns, touching on several key issues that he feels need to be addressed for the future of the sport to remain healthy and competitive. His words resonated with players, coaches, and fans alike, as they highlighted the shifting dynamics in the college football world, particularly as the sport grapples with changes to its structure and culture.
One of the primary concerns that Smart voiced was the ongoing changes to the traditional structure of college football, particularly the increasing influence of money and the commercialization of the sport. Smart highlighted the dramatic impact that television contracts, conference realignment, and the expansion of the College Football Playoff (CFP) have had on the nature of competition and the integrity of college athletics.
“I’m not sure where the sport is headed,” Smart said. “It seems like everything is changing, and I’m not sure that all these changes are going to be good for the game. I love college football and what it stands for, but we have to be careful that we don’t lose sight of what makes this sport special. It’s the tradition, the rivalry, and the student-athletes who compete for the love of the game, not just for financial gain.”
As college football enters an era of mega-conferences and massive media deals, there’s growing concern that the sport’s integrity may be compromised by the pursuit of money. Smart’s reflections on the future echo a sentiment shared by many longtime supporters of the game—will the sport lose its identity in pursuit of revenue?
Another area where Smart expressed concern is the rise of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals and the growing influence of the transfer portal. The NCAA’s decision to allow athletes to profit from their name, image, and likeness has shifted the power dynamics in college sports. While Smart acknowledges the importance of athletes receiving compensation for their work, he also fears that the landscape may lead to an increased focus on individual financial gain rather than team success.
“Players should be able to make money, but we’ve got to be careful about how much that impacts team chemistry and the culture of the sport,” Smart explained. “It’s tough to build a team when some players are focused on making deals, and others are looking to leave the program for a better opportunity elsewhere. The portal makes it harder to build continuity. In college football, you used to have guys stay in the program for four years, develop, and really become a part of something bigger. Now, it feels like things are shifting.”
The transfer portal has changed the way teams are built, and for programs like Georgia, who rely on developing players over multiple seasons, this rapid turnover presents challenges. The once-established foundation of a player’s career in college football is now in flux, as athletes can transfer freely and pursue better financial opportunities elsewhere. This new reality leaves coaches like Smart worried about how it will affect team building, development, and loyalty in the future.
As college football continues to shift, Smart also raised concerns about the future of scheduling and the competitive balance between programs. With the growing influence of powerhouse programs and the expanding playoff field, Smart fears that smaller programs may struggle to remain relevant or maintain their competitive edge.
“We’ve got to make sure that we’re not just catering to the big programs and ignoring the smaller schools that have always been a part of this sport’s fabric,” Smart said. “If the system becomes too top-heavy, it could hurt the sport as a whole. We want to make sure that every school, every program, has a chance to compete at the highest level.”
With the SEC’s expansion and the addition of teams like Texas and Oklahoma, the competitive balance of the sport is in flux. Smart’s comments reflect the challenges of balancing a growing and more commercialized sport with the integrity of competition, fairness, and opportunity for all teams involved.
Despite his concerns, Smart isn’t pessimistic about the future of college football—he’s simply calling for careful consideration and strategic planning. He believes that the sport’s rich traditions and deep connections with fans and players alike can survive the changes if those involved in shaping its future are mindful of what makes college football special.
“College football has always been about passion, pride, and competition. That’s what draws fans in every week. We can’t lose that,” Smart emphasized. “It’s important to have conversations about the future, but it’s just as important to preserve the heart and soul of this sport. It’s not just about money or TV deals. It’s about what happens on the field and how we, as coaches, can continue to inspire and develop young men.”
As the College Football Playoff inches closer and more changes loom on the horizon, Smart’s voice serves as a reminder that the future of college football is not just about expanding opportunities or generating revenue—it’s about preserving the essence of what makes the sport great. With his concerns laid out in the open, Smart hopes that those in charge of the sport’s future will take a long, hard look at where things are headed and consider how to balance progress with preservation.
Kirby Smart’s reflections on the future of college football, following Georgia’s SEC Championship win, provide a glimpse into the anxieties that many coaches and players are feeling as the sport evolves. While college football continues to grow and adapt to changing times, Smart’s message serves as a timely reminder that progress shouldn’t come at the cost of tradition, integrity, and the values that have made the sport so beloved. As the landscape of college football continues to shift, it will take careful stewardship and thoughtful leadership to ensure the game remains as thrilling and cherished as ever.