Georgia hasn't won a playoff game in three years now. If they want to continue being viewed as one of the best programs in the country then Kirby Smart needs to find a way to find some success this year on the biggest stage in the playoff.
Accomplishing that will not be easy, especially because of the burning question CBS Sports has about the Bulldogs roster.
“The Bulldogs' pass rush is nowhere near what it used to be, particularly those heydays of 2021 with Nakobe Dean and Nolan Smith,” Brandon Marcelo said via cbssports.com. “Last season, Georgia averaged just 4.2 tackles for loss per game, the lowest mark of the Kirby Smart era and two fewer per game than the previous season. If Georgia's defensive line had been closer to its old standard, the Bulldogs might have had enough to beat Ole Miss in the College Football Playoff. Several young players will get their chance to change that narrative this spring, including sophomore Elijah Griffin, who is expected to step into a starting role at defensive tackle following Christen Miller's departure.”
CBS Sports doubts Georgia's defensive line entering the 2026 season
One of the biggest downfalls from Georgia's season last year was their presence on the defensive line. The Bulldogs averaged just 4.2 tackles for loss per game which was the lowest in Smart's tenure. They also sat near the bottom of the SEC in sacks last year as well.
The fact that Georgia still won the SEC is remarkable knowing how much their defensive line struggled. A lot of that has to do with their stellar offense, and all signs thankfully point to Georgia's offense being elite again next season. But poor play on their defensive front for the second year in a row could lead to an early exit in the playoff for the third year in a row.
If Georgia's defensive line improves a lot though then the sky is the limit. Georgia could very well win a National Championship if their defense looks like it did a few years ago. CBS Sports isn't counting on that happening, but under Smart they more likely than not will see vast improvement in this area.