Georgia's Kirby Smart on why Bulldogs favor high school recruiting over the portal
In the world of college football, where experience often reigns supreme, Kirby Smart, head coach of the Georgia Bulldogs, is bucking the trend. Despite the allure of the transfer portal, Smart is sticking to his guns and prioritizing high school recruiting, a strategy that has led to a youthful but talented roster.
A Youthful Roster, By Design
Smart's approach is evident in the numbers. Georgia's roster boasts an average age of just 19.81, making it one of the youngest in the country. This is a stark contrast to recent national champions, who often had a wealth of experience on their sides. But Smart isn't worried about the age; he sees it as an advantage.
"We’re young, but it’s not an excuse. We’re going to be young every year because we still believe in a high school model," Smart stated at the SEC media days. This belief is rooted in the idea that investing in high school recruits and developing them from scratch can yield better results than acquiring experienced players from the portal.
Retaining Talent, Not Replacing It
Georgia has taken a selective approach to the transfer portal, choosing to retain its own recruits rather than replacing them with experienced transfers. This strategy is evident in the retention of 26 out of 27 members of the 2025 recruiting class, which ranked second nationally and included four five-star players. The only exception was cornerback Dominick Kelly, who transferred to Ohio State.
The Bulldogs have also managed to keep the majority of the 2024 class, including all 11 players ranked in the top 100. This commitment to keeping its own talent has resulted in a strong foundation for the future.
The Philosophy Behind the Strategy
Smart's philosophy revolves around the idea that investing in players and developing them from within is more beneficial than acquiring players who have already been developed by other programs. "We think that our investment in our player is better than your investment in your player that I would get from you in the portal," he explained.
This approach is not without its challenges. Georgia has faced some slippage in recent seasons, with the 2026 class currently ranking 12th nationally and the Bulldogs missing out on some five-star targets. However, Smart remains committed to his strategy, believing that it is the right one for the program's long-term success.
A Matter of Philosophy, Not Money
Smart also addressed the financial aspect, stating that access to money is not the primary factor in his decision-making. Instead, it's a result of the program's philosophy and the choices made on a player-by-player basis. "There’s never been something that I asked our administration to do about a number to go to, to get a player out of the portal or get a player in high school that they weren’t willing to do," he said.
In conclusion, Kirby Smart's approach to recruiting and roster management is a testament to his commitment to a specific philosophy. While it may not always yield immediate results, it reflects a long-term vision that could pay dividends for the Georgia Bulldogs in the years to come.
