Paul Finebaum Gives Blunt Reality Check to Georgia, Kirby Smart

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matt De Lima | Last updated Jul 11, 2025 12:58 PM ET

Paul Finebaum just delivered a dose of reality to the Georgia Bulldogs and coach Kirby Smart, and he didn’t sugarcoat it.

While Georgia wrapped up the 2024 season as Southeastern Conference champions, Finebaum still labeled it a “disappointing” year. During a recent appearance on ESPN's "First Take," he said, “Kirby Smart went farther in the playoffs, but it was a disappointing year. And as I say that, I'm like checking myself. Georgia won the SEC championship, but it still fell flat because they looked so bad against Notre Dame, completely blowing up in the final seconds of the first half and in the opening stanza of the second half.”

Finebaum’s critique cuts deep because expectations in Athens are sky-high.

Since taking over in 2016, Smart has further developed Georgia into a national powerhouse, capturing back-to-back national titles in 2021 and 2022. The Bulldogs have become a mainstay in the College Football Playoff conversation. So when they fall short, it doesn’t go unnoticed.

The 2024 season brought more of that dominance, marked by an 11–3 record and a thrilling 22–19 overtime win over Texas, securing the SEC Championship. However, in the CFP quarterfinals, Georgia fell flat against Notre Dame, losing 23–10.

A big reason for that dip? Quarterback play. After Carson Beck went down with an elbow injury, Gunner Stockton took over. In five appearances, Stockton threw for 440 yards, completing over 70% of his passes with one touchdown and one interception. Respectable, but not the elite standard to which Georgia fans are accustomed.

“Kirby Smart needs to bounce back, but I’m not sure it’s going to be easy,” Finebaum continued. “Because Gunner Stockton is not an elite quarterback. He’s serviceable, and that is about it.”

Despite the questions at quarterback, Georgia is still dominating the recruiting trail. The Bulldogs’ 2025 class is stacked with blue-chip talent and ranked second by 247Sports, proving Smart isn’t losing momentum in building the roster. Georgia also has the No. 2 class in 2026.

Still, Finebaum’s larger point stands: Recruiting success won’t matter if the quarterback position holds the team back.

Whether Stockton can grow into that role or someone else emerges, Georgia’s national title hopes may depend on it. And Finebaum’s message? The bar in Athens is higher than just winning the SEC.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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