Georgia's Kirby Smart named best current coach in college football, boasts mind-boggling statline

The Georgia Bulldogs have experienced tremendous success since Kirby Smart took over as head coach. Last season, however, ended in heartbreak. After winning the SEC Championship against Texas, the Bulldogs fell short in the second round of the College Football Playoff, where they were outmatched by Notre Dame.

Recently, Smart found himself indirectly involved in a situation with a 2026 recruit he had been pursuing. Jackson Cantwell, a top high school prospect, committed to Miami after reportedly receiving a $2 million NIL deal. Following his commitment, Cantwell publicly addressed On3’s Pete Nakos.

“I think my response to it is it’s not the same narrative people like Pete Nakos are pushing right now,” Cantwell said. “I think there’s just a false narrative that that’s why I’m choosing. I think relationships won out with Miami. That was kind of what did it for me. I mean, they spent the most time with me. They put the most effort into recruiting me.”

Smart later responded when asked about Cantwell’s comments and Nakos' reporting.

“It's confusing. A lot of misleading information out there," Smart said. "Nobody really knows what's accurate. A lot of schools are approaching it in different ways. We hear something different from every school. So I don't think anybody really knows."

Smart also shared his growing concerns about NIL and the challenges it brings to college football recruiting.

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Heading into the 2025 season, Smart has been ranked the No. 1 head coach in college football by ESPN. His track record is unmatched—and includes one of the most remarkable coaching stats in the sport.

“With more first-round NFL draft picks (20) than losses (19) in his nine seasons as coach of his alma mater and back-to-back national titles in 2021 and 2022, it's hard to argue it could be anyone other than Smart with Nick Saban retired,” ESPN’s Kyle Bonagura wrote.

Smart has built a powerhouse at Georgia, and the fact that he has produced more first-round picks than total losses is a testament to his elite coaching. Now, he has his sights set on bringing another national championship back to Athens.