“Not where they should be”: Kirby Smart’s assessment on Georgia’s freshmen

As spring practice draws to a close, the Georgia Bulldogs, under the leadership of head coach Kirby Smart, are gearing up for the new season with an eye on continuing their dominance in the SEC and pushing for another national title. However, while the team’s established veterans and key returning players are receiving praise for their development and high level of play, Smart’s focus has shifted toward the new faces on the roster—the freshmen.

In his recent assessment of Georgia’s freshman class, Smart made it clear that while there are flashes of potential, the Bulldogs’ new recruits are “not where they should be.” This statement has caught the attention of the media and fans alike, as Georgia’s recruiting class has been ranked among the best in the country for years. So, what exactly does Smart’s comment reveal about his expectations for this class, and what does it mean for Georgia’s upcoming season?

Kirby Smart’s Expectations for Freshmen

When Kirby Smart speaks about his program, there is an inherent level of scrutiny. As one of the most successful coaches in college football, Smart is known for demanding excellence from every player, regardless of class or status. His comments about Georgia’s freshmen are a reflection of his desire for them to make an immediate impact but also a recognition of the challenges that come with transitioning to college football.

“I expect a lot from them,” Smart said recently when discussing the incoming freshmen. “But at the same time, they’ve got to understand that they’re stepping into a program that’s already one of the top teams in the nation. It’s not easy to come in and be ready to contribute at the level we expect.”

Smart’s comments aren’t a reflection of disappointment, but rather an understanding of the steep learning curve freshmen face when entering a program of Georgia’s caliber. The Bulldogs are coming off consecutive national championships, and while their roster is brimming with talent, the pressure to perform is higher than ever.

The Talent Pool and Recruiting Success

Georgia’s recruiting classes over the past few years have been consistently ranked among the best in the nation, with Smart and his staff pulling in elite talent from across the country. The 2025 class was no exception, with several blue-chip recruits joining the team. The Bulldogs brought in top-rated players across multiple positions, including quarterback, wide receiver, defensive back, and linebacker.

However, while the talent on paper is undeniable, Smart’s assessment underscores a critical point: being a highly-ranked recruit doesn’t automatically equate to instant success at the college level. The physicality, mental toughness, and overall level of play in the SEC can overwhelm even the most talented players, especially in their first season.

Georgia’s freshmen, many of whom have been touted as potential future stars, must now adjust to the speed of the game and the rigorous demands of the SEC. The gap between high school football and college football is often vast, and for some freshmen, this transition can take longer than anticipated.

Areas of Struggle

One area where Smart has highlighted concerns is the freshmen’s ability to grasp the complexities of the playbook. The Georgia Bulldogs are known for their aggressive and sophisticated schemes, especially on defense. Smart, a former defensive coordinator, has built a reputation for developing one of the most formidable defenses in college football, and understanding his defensive system is crucial for any player—particularly freshmen.

“It’s tough, because we throw a lot at them, and it’s hard to make decisions on the fly, especially in this league,” Smart said. “They’re not always going to be perfect, but they’ve got to understand what we’re asking them to do.”

The mental aspect of the game is often overlooked, but it’s one of the main hurdles for freshmen trying to adapt to college football. Understanding coverages, making pre-snap reads, and adjusting to offensive shifts are all skills that take time to develop. For freshmen, these elements are often a source of frustration as they struggle to keep up with the veterans who have had years of experience under Smart’s tutelage.

Another struggle that Smart has pointed out is the physical conditioning of his freshmen. The Bulldogs are known for their relentless, fast-paced style of play, and this demands a high level of stamina and strength. Freshmen, particularly those who come from high school programs with less intense training regimens, often find themselves outmatched in terms of physicality early on.

“We’ve got some guys who are struggling to keep up with the tempo,” Smart explained. “They’re doing well in spurts, but they need to develop the consistency and endurance to play at a high level for four quarters.”

While Georgia’s strength and conditioning program is one of the best in the country, it takes time for freshmen to fully adapt to the physical demands of playing in the SEC, where every team brings elite athleticism and physicality.

Bright Spots and Room for Growth

Despite Smart’s candid assessment, there are still reasons for optimism regarding the freshman class. While they may not yet be where they need to be, there are players who are showing significant promise, and Smart has made it clear that he believes in their potential.

“Some of them are really starting to come along,” Smart said. “You can see it in their work ethic, their attitude, and the way they respond to coaching. The ones who are going to help us this season are the ones who learn to be consistent, both physically and mentally.”

Among the group of freshmen, a few stand out for their potential to contribute in the near future. The wide receiver position, which has been a point of emphasis for the Bulldogs in recent recruiting cycles, has several talented freshmen who are pushing for playing time. Georgia’s receiving corps has been bolstered by the addition of highly-rated prospects who bring size, speed, and athleticism to the table.

On the defensive side of the ball, Georgia’s freshmen have shown flashes of the playmaking ability that has defined the Bulldogs’ defense over the past few years. The defensive line, linebacker, and defensive back positions have all seen influxes of talent, and Smart has praised the competitiveness and intensity of his young defenders.

“Some of these guys are going to get on the field,” Smart said confidently. “They’ve got to keep working, and they’ve got to keep improving, but they’re learning what it takes to be a Georgia Bulldog.”

The Long-Term Vision

While Smart’s assessment of Georgia’s freshmen may seem critical on the surface, it is rooted in his long-term vision for the program. Kirby Smart has built Georgia into one of the premier programs in the nation, and part of that success is rooted in the ability to develop talent over time. It’s not enough to simply recruit high school stars; Smart’s program is designed to develop players into NFL-caliber athletes who can compete at the highest level.

“The freshmen who are ready to play will play,” Smart said. “But they’re going to have to earn it. The guys who do the little things right, who make the most of every rep, and who stay focused on getting better will have the chance to help us win.”

For Smart, the development of freshmen is a process, and while they may not be where they need to be at the moment, that doesn’t mean they won’t reach their full potential in the future. The key is to trust the process and allow the freshmen to grow into their roles within the team.

As the 2025 season approaches, the Georgia Bulldogs will undoubtedly rely on their veteran players to lead the charge, but the future is bright for the program. The freshmen may not be “where they should be” yet, but with Smart’s guidance, there’s little doubt that they will get there— and in due time, they could be the next wave of stars for one of college football’s most successful programs.