Kirby Smart Shares Thoughts on Alabama’s Upcoming Clash With Georgia in Athens, a Pivotal SEC Showdown With Playoff Implications
The Southeastern Conference never lacks drama, stakes, or emotion, but some games carry a different kind of energy — a sense of legacy and anticipation that stretches beyond simple wins and losses. In 2025, one such game will take place in Athens, where Georgia will host Alabama in a showdown between two of college football’s modern-day titans. For Georgia head coach Kirby Smart, this matchup is personal, professional, and program-defining all at once. As kickoff draws near, Smart has started to publicly weigh in on the significance of Alabama’s trip to Athens and what it means for his team, his legacy, and the college football landscape at large.
This will be the first time Alabama visits Sanford Stadium since 2015, and much has changed since then. That year, Alabama thrashed Georgia 38–10, handing Kirby Smart’s mentor Nick Saban yet another statement win in a rivalry that had long favored the Tide. But since that game, Georgia has risen from national hopeful to national power, and Smart has carved out his own legacy, leading the Bulldogs to multiple College Football Playoff appearances and two national championships. And now, for the first time in his head coaching career, Smart will face an Alabama team not led by Saban, but by new head coach Kalen DeBoer.
Still, despite the change in leadership, the mystique surrounding Alabama remains. Smart knows this. His comments leading into the game reflect both deep respect for the program and the intensity he brings to high-stakes contests. Speaking at a recent press conference, Smart didn’t shy away from acknowledging the weight of the matchup. “When Alabama comes to town,” he said, “you know it’s going to be physical, it’s going to be emotional, and it’s going to matter. This isn’t just another game — it’s the kind of game that shapes a season, maybe even a program.”
That kind of statement carries extra meaning given Smart’s history with Alabama. He served as Saban’s defensive coordinator from 2008 to 2015, helping the Crimson Tide win four national championships and build one of the greatest dynasties in college football history. Smart brought that same blueprint to Georgia, emphasizing physicality, defense, and relentless recruiting. And in many ways, Georgia has become the Alabama of the SEC East — dominating its division, overwhelming opponents with talent, and creating a standard of excellence others are trying to match.
But beating Alabama has remained one of the last boxes to check consistently for Georgia under Smart. While the Bulldogs triumphed over the Tide in the 2022 national championship game, Alabama still holds a winning record over Georgia in the Smart era, including an SEC Championship win that same season. This fall’s matchup in Athens isn’t just about playoff positioning — it’s about narrative. Can Georgia firmly establish itself as the top program in college football, fully overtaking Alabama’s throne? Or will the Tide, under DeBoer’s leadership, prove that the dynasty is alive and well, even without Saban?
Smart was asked about Alabama’s transition under DeBoer and how it changes his preparation. “They’re still Alabama,” Smart said. “People can talk about transitions and coaching changes, but talent doesn’t go away overnight. You still see the same caliber of athlete on film — explosive on offense, disciplined on defense, and very well-coached. Kalen’s done a great job putting his own stamp on things, and they’ve responded. It’s our job to match that level and exceed it.”
One of the biggest storylines heading into the game is Georgia’s home-field advantage. Sanford Stadium is expected to be rocking — sold out, electric, and emotionally charged in a way that only a Georgia-Alabama game can deliver. Smart spoke at length about how important the crowd will be and the role it can play. “We need our fans at their absolute best,” he said. “You only get so many games like this. The crowd has to make a difference — on third down, in the red zone, in those big moments. These are the games where that energy helps swing momentum.”
From a football standpoint, the game promises to be a chess match between two elite programs, each with loaded rosters and coaching staffs full of innovators. Alabama’s offense, led by quarterback Jalen Milroe, is dynamic and explosive, especially with DeBoer’s offensive schemes that blend West Coast passing concepts with aggressive vertical threats. Georgia, on the other hand, boasts one of the best defenses in the nation — a unit known for its discipline, speed, and ability to suffocate even the most potent attacks.
Smart was asked about the challenge of preparing for Milroe and Alabama’s offensive weapons. “You have to respect the dual-threat ability,” he said. “Milroe can beat you with his legs, but he’s also become a better passer. They’re going to test your discipline. They want to stretch you vertically and horizontally. You have to tackle well in space, stay in your lanes, and be ready for tempo.”
On the flip side, Georgia’s offense — led by quarterback Carson Beck and a deep group of playmakers — is perhaps the most complete in the SEC. Beck’s precision, combined with Georgia’s powerful run game and elite tight ends, creates a balanced attack that can control the clock or score quickly. Alabama’s defense will be tested like never before under the new regime.
Smart’s focus, however, isn’t just on tactics. It’s on mindset. “In games like this,” he said, “it’s about who stays composed. Who handles adversity better? Who’s more physical in the fourth quarter? These are the games where culture matters. Toughness matters. That’s what we’ve built our program on.”
The buildup to the game has also generated national media buzz, with playoff implications hanging over the result. With the new 12-team format, a loss may not eliminate a team from playoff contention, but seeding, momentum, and psychological edge are all on the line. Smart addressed that dynamic as well. “The playoff’s bigger now, sure,” he said, “but that doesn’t make this game any smaller. We want to win the SEC. We want to beat the best. That’s always going to be the goal, no matter how the postseason is structured.”
Off the field, the game has become a symbol of the new era of SEC football — one where conference games feel like national championship previews and every weekend is a showcase. With Texas and Oklahoma now in the mix, and NIL continuing to reshape recruiting and roster management, Smart knows the pressure to perform at a high level is greater than ever. “It’s the price of doing business in this league,” he said. “You want to be elite? You better be ready to face elite competition every single week. Alabama, Texas, LSU, Tennessee — they’re not going anywhere. We welcome that challenge.”
Smart’s comments also reflected his respect for DeBoer, who has taken over one of the most pressure-packed jobs in sports. “It’s not easy stepping into that role,” Smart said. “I’ve got a ton of respect for what he did at Washington, and it’s clear he’s got those guys playing hard and with belief. They’re going to be ready, and we have to be, too.”
As the countdown to kickoff continues, practices intensify in Athens. Coaches watch film, players hit the weight room, and anticipation builds with every passing day. Smart’s demeanor in press conferences is calm, confident, and intense — the same way he coaches, the same way his teams play. He knows the importance of this game, not just for Georgia’s 2025 season, but for the long-term narrative of college football’s power structure.
Games like Georgia vs. Alabama are more than just regular-season battles. They’re measuring sticks. They’re inflection points. And for Kirby Smart, this one is personal. It’s a chance to defend home turf, to prove that Georgia has fully taken the mantle from Alabama, and to show that the Bulldogs are not just elite — they’re the new standard.
By the time Alabama steps onto the field in Sanford Stadium, the stakes will be clear. So will the expectations. Kirby Smart has made it known that this game matters — to the fans, to the players, to the future of the program. And when the whistle blows and the first hit is made, one of the most pivotal games of the 2025 college football season will begin. Georgia will be ready. Alabama will be ready. And so will Kirby Smart.
