After winning two national championships in a row, the Georgia Bulldogs have now fallen short for the second season in a row. With that, head coach Kirby Smart is back at the drawing board and overhauling the roster. The Bulldogs, once the pinnacle of college football, are facing a significant transition period as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Roster Changes and Transfer Class Rankings
This offseason, the Georgia Bulldogs have the 49th-ranked transfer class in the 2025 transfer cycle, according to the On3 College Football Team Transfer Portal Rankings. Currently, the class features 14 players who have transferred out and six who have transferred into the Georgia program. This shift raises questions about the team’s future, especially since some massive names have left. Notable departures include starting quarterback Carson Beck, edge rusher Damon Wilson, and defensive back Julian Humphrey.
However, the transfer portal will open again in the spring, giving the Bulldogs an opportunity to bolster their roster further. Will they be able to attract top talent to fill the gaps left by these key players? Only time will tell, but the potential for new additions could reshape the team’s dynamics.
Finebaum’s Perspective on Georgia’s Future
Despite the roster overhaul going on in Athens, ESPN pundit Paul Finebaum isn’t worried. He recently appeared on “McElroy and Cubelic in the Morning” and shared his thoughts on Georgia’s situation. “I’m not alarmed by Georgia,” Finebaum stated. “But I think a year from now, if they don’t do anything in the Playoff next year, the questions will start being raised.”
Finebaum’s confidence in Kirby Smart is notable. Even with the step back in on-field results, he believes that the situation is explainable and that Georgia still has the best coach in college football. But what does this mean for the Bulldogs moving forward?
Kirby Smart: The Best Coach in College Football?
“Did we see — was Kirby Smart a comet or not?” Finebaum pondered. “Right now, I don’t think — I was asked last Tuesday morning as many were, ‘Hey, is Ryan Day now the best coach in college football?’ I said, ‘No. Kirby Smart is still the best coach.’”
This statement might have raised eyebrows, especially among Ohio State fans, but Finebaum stands firm. He emphasizes that Smart has performed at the highest level over the past seven or eight years, earning him the benefit of the doubt. The debate over who reigns supreme in college football coaching is ongoing, but Smart’s track record speaks volumes.
The Challenges Ahead for Georgia
Looking ahead, Finebaum believes that Georgia’s schedule next year will be more favorable than this past season. “I think it’s probably a little more palatable than this year, and I think that’s really what got Kirby this year,” he explained. The Bulldogs faced one of the toughest schedules imaginable for a contender, compounded by the loss of their quarterback.
These circumstances may sound like excuses, but they reflect the reality of the challenges Smart faced. “I think the biggest issue was I think the SEC wanted that Georgia-Alabama game on the calendar and then everything else just fell with it,” Finebaum added.
Looking Forward to the 2025 Season
As the Bulldogs prepare for the 2025 regular season, which kicks off on August 30th against Marshall, fans are left wondering what the future holds. Will the roster changes lead to a resurgence in performance? Can Kirby Smart navigate these challenges and return Georgia to its former glory?
With a mix of optimism and uncertainty, the college football landscape is always evolving. The Bulldogs have the potential to bounce back, but it will require strategic moves in the transfer portal and a solid game plan for the upcoming season.
In the world of college football, every season brings new opportunities and challenges. As Georgia embarks on this journey, fans will be watching closely, hoping for a turnaround that can restore the program’s status among the elite. The excitement is palpable, and the stakes are high. Will Kirby Smart and the Bulldogs rise to the occasion? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the passion for college football remains as strong as ever.
