The Georgia Bulldogs are once again entering the 2024 college football season with sky-high expectations, largely thanks to the leadership of head coach Kirby Smart.
Following an impressive showing at the 2024 NFL Draft, where eight Bulldogs were selected, Smart has successfully reloaded the team’s roster, positioning Georgia as one of the nation’s top contenders.
As preseason favorites, the Bulldogs have garnered attention not just for their talent, but also for their strong coaching.
Former Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban has even predicted that Georgia will square off against the Texas Longhorns in the SEC Championship game, highlighting the widespread anticipation surrounding his former rivals.
ESPN college football analyst Paul Finebaum is particularly impressed with Smart’s work.
“I think he’s better at his age than Nick Saban was at his age, and I think it’s scary,” Finebaum said in an interview with On3’s J.D. PicKell.
This high praise underscores the remarkable achievements of Smart, who, at 48, has already won two national championships in the past three seasons.
In comparison, when Nick Saban was 48, he was wrapping up his tenure at Michigan State and about to embark on his journey with LSU, where he would claim his first national title in 2003.
Smart, with a historic contract extension recently signed with UGA, has a promising future ahead as he continues to build on his early, dominant success.
Georgia’s talent-rich roster is a major factor in their No. 1 preseason ranking in numerous polls.
With Smart at the helm and Heisman favorite Carson Beck under center, the Bulldogs have as good a chance as anyone to win the national title.
What are your thoughts on Finebaum’s comments?
Looking (way) ahead, do you think Smart will end up passing Saban as the greatest coach in college football history by the time he retires?
Of course, Smart has around 25-years left in him if he’s interested … How many national titles do you think he will end up with when it’s all said and done???