National Championship Outlook
Kirby Smart, the architect of Georgia’s recent dominance, has already secured two national championships and sits second in ESPN’s latest coach rankings, trailing only Curt Cignetti of Indiana.
Cignetti’s ascent is rooted in an unbeaten campaign that culminated in a title for the Hoosiers, propelling him to the top of the network’s coach list and positioning his program as a surprise contender.
Georgia enters the 2023 season as the favorite to capture another championship, bolstered by quarterback Stetson Bennett, who led the Bulldogs to a title as a starter in 2021, and defensive standout Nolan Smith, a 2022 first‑team All‑American.
The Bulldogs open the year against Florida State at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium in Atlanta, a matchup that could further cement Smart’s reputation as the coach to beat.