Kirby Smart's name seems to be missing from the top spot in many preseason rankings of college football head coaches, and it's raising eyebrows. As we gear up for the next season, fans and analysts are buzzing about who should lead these lists. Surprisingly, Smart isn't topping them, with Ohio State's Ryan Day and Indiana's Curt Cignetti often getting the nod instead.
Now, don't get me wrong-Day and Cignetti have earned their accolades. Each has claimed a national title recently, which certainly boosts their profiles. However, let's not forget who secured back-to-back championships before them: Kirby Smart and his Georgia Bulldogs.
While Day and Cignetti have impressive credentials, they haven't quite matched Smart's accomplishments at Georgia. They've each snagged a national title, but neither has dominated their conferences like Smart. Ohio State hasn't clinched the Big Ten since 2020, and Cignetti has just one Big Ten title with Indiana.
Smart, on the other hand, has led Georgia to consecutive SEC Championships over the past two years, bringing his total to four SEC titles. That's a level of consistency and success that sets him apart.
Day and Cignetti are undoubtedly talented coaches, but to truly rival Smart's legacy, they'll need to sustain their success over a longer period. Until then, Smart's track record at Georgia makes a compelling case for him as the top head coach in college football.