Georgia Coach Kirby Smart Makes Opinion On NIL Extremely Clear

The NIL has changed the college football landscape as recruiting and the transfer portal are more competitive than ever before. Some schools have a leg up on the competition while others are getting a fighting chance to land better players because of it. Now, Georgia Bulldogs head coach, Kirby Smart, weighs in on the NIL.

There's been debate as to whether NIL money should be a main factor in decision-making for recruits. Some believe coaching, school, and team fit should prioritize making money. Others have no problem with it. When asked about the NIL, Kirby Smart made his opinion extremely clear. The Bulldogs' head coach is happy for high school recruits to make money , however, he doesn't like the NIL being the "primary objective," according to Pete Nakos of On3 Sports.

"I think it's a mistake to assume all players lead with that or that's the primary objective. I think that would be an insult to high school football players and people being recruited. I don't get to the finish line of official visits where that's the primary objective. If it is, we're probably not getting to that point. We're probably not in the conversation if that's the primary objective.

"Is that one of the key decision makers? Yes. Should it be? Yes. I'm happy these kids get the opportunity to improve their situation or make money and give back to their families. In some cases, give back to their communities."

Georgia football is currently ranked No. 1 in recruiting this offseason, per 247 Sports. Kirby Smart and the Bulldogs program have reeled in four, five-star commits all on the defensive side of the ball. That's including 16 four-star athletes.

Smart has done a magnificent job coaching, recruiting, and running the Georgia football program. Although the Bulldogs missed out on the College Football Playoffs last season, they are deemed one of the favorites to win the championship in the upcoming season.

The Bulldogs have an incredibly tough schedule as well. Even the opening game of the season is a difficult matchup, as Georgia takes on the Clemson Tigers. Throughout the regular season, Kirby Smart's team will also face off against the Alabama Crimson Tide (Sep. 28), Auburn Tigers (Oct. 5), Texas Longhorns (Oct. 19), Florida Gators (Nov. 2), Ole Miss Rebels (Nov. 9), and the Tennessee Volunteers (Nov. 16).

If any team in the nation can overcome a schedule like that, it's the Georgia Bulldogs. Kirby Smart's team might have the toughest road to the playoffs this season. But this program is a powerhouse through and through.

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