As college football continues to evolve at a rapid pace, few voices carry as much weight in shaping its future as Georgia head coach Kirby Smart. The two-time national champion and architect of one of the most dominant programs in recent history recently took the opportunity to share his thoughts on where the sport is headed—and what needs to happen to ensure its sustainability and competitive balance.
Speaking at a coaches clinic and later expanding in a national radio interview, Smart offered a thoughtful and candid assessment of the current state of college football, touching on everything from NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) to the transfer portal, conference realignment, and the expanded College Football Playoff.
“We’re at a crossroads,” Smart said. “College football is not what it was five years ago, and it won’t be what it is now five years from today. The key question is: what kind of future do we want for the game? Because if we don’t answer that now, someone else will.”
One of the most pressing topics Smart addressed was the role of NIL and its impact on team building. While supportive of players earning compensation, he emphasized the need for structure and long-term accountability within NIL programs.
“I think NIL is a good thing when it’s done the right way,” he said. “But
