Kirby Smart and Mario Cristobal are no strangers to playful banter, and their latest exchange is a testament to the camaraderie and rivalry that exists between them. Known for his good-natured jabs, Smart took aim at Cristobal, Miami's head coach, during an award ceremony for top freshman defender Ellis Robinson.
In a lighthearted moment, Smart quipped about Cristobal's reputation for leveraging the Transfer Portal to build his teams. “Mario’s right behind him (Ellis Robinson) and if it had been up to him, he would have paid a lot more NIL money because it came down to us, too,” Smart joked, referencing the competitive nature of recruiting.
He added with a grin, “You gotta be careful around Mario. He’ll take your players if you know what I mean.”
Cristobal, not one to miss a beat, responded in kind. He humorously suggested that Georgia quarterback Carson Beck received superior coaching at Miami, poking fun at their shared history.
Both Smart and Cristobal have a strong bond, having worked together under Nick Saban at Alabama. Their friendship allows for such exchanges, underscoring the mutual respect they have despite the intense recruiting rivalry between Georgia and Miami. As these two powerhouses continue to vie for top talent, this friendly war of words adds an engaging layer to their competitive dynamic.