Georgia football’s Pro Day went as expected, with NFL scouts and team representatives gathering in Athens to evaluate the next wave of Bulldog talent. However, one notable figure was missing—head coach Kirby Smart.
Smart had already informed the media that he wouldn’t be attending but gave no explanation. Interestingly, no reporters pressed him for details, likely because he made it clear that follow-up questions weren’t welcome. This left fans wondering why the leader of Georgia’s powerhouse program would skip such a crucial event for his players.
Late Wednesday night, the answer finally emerged. The reason? Smart was featured on the cover of EA Sports’ upcoming College Football 26 video game. This revelation took fans by surprise, as few would have guessed this was why he was absent from Pro Day.
EA Sports’ return to college football gaming after a decade-long hiatus has been a major storyline in the sports world. Last year’s College Football 25 was a massive success, leading to another edition set for release later this year. A leaked image of the Deluxe Edition cover, shared by On3’s Hayes Fawcett, shows Smart prominently positioned in the front left, with Georgia’s beloved mascot behind him. He is one of the few head coaches featured, alongside Ohio State’s Ryan Day and Penn State’s James Franklin.
While missing Pro Day was unexpected, Smart’s presence on the game cover is a huge win for Georgia football. It highlights the program’s dominance and reinforces the success Smart has built. Though his absence may have raised eyebrows, being part of one of college football’s most anticipated gaming releases is certainly a fitting reason.
