Kirby Smart's philosophy when it comes to NIL is not just to chase the rabbit with big bags of money, he wants to reward players who not only have talent, but who want to be part of the Georgia football program and culture.
And while some might look at that tactic as a way of missing out on top recruits, it's actually a very selective and deliberate way of making sure the players you spend money on are worth the investment. Georgia head baseball coach Wes Johnson seems to agree with his colleague.
"We're on the path to find players that want more than just a twelve-month payday," Johnson told DawgNation on the Oh the Beat podcast. "We want players who want a twelve-year career in this game or longer."
Unlike football, the baseball program doesn't have a seemingly endless well of funds at its disposal, and Wes Johnson is smart to be very particular about who he gives those precious dollars to.
Wes Johnson on #OntheBeat: Georgia baseball is recruiting players who are invested long term, not just short-term NIL wins.
— DawgNation (@DawgNation) June 23, 2026
Culture and selflessness matter in building the roster. pic.twitter.com/HoMt5n8O8k
Rebuilding the culture of Georgia's baseball program has been the number one priority for Johnson, and his effort and techniques of not only coaching, but recruiting, have paid off. Georgia reached the semifinals of this year's College World Series and finished the season ranked No. 3 in the coaches poll.
Coaches certainly can't control players entering the portal or going after more money, but a thorough vetting process can ensure that those instances are the exception rather than the rule.
"When you get guys in a room that want to give back to this game, either through their talent as they continue to play, or give back through coaching, and you can get through that and everybody can put ego aside you can start to build a team that can go out and compete together and pull for one another"
Those words from Wes Johnson seem strikingly familiar to how Kirby Smart preaches team, culture, investment, and selflessness. Those aren't just hollow talking points, those are the keys to developing both great players and a great program.
Since taking over the Georgia program in 2024, Johnson has a record of 139-48, an SEC Championship and a trip to the College World Series. It seems his philosophy mirroring that of the best coach in college football is paying off for Georgia.
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