Kirby Smart: Transfer Quarterbacks Elevate Parity in College Football
Kirby Smart has already witnessed his Georgia squad contend with transfer quarterbacks in three of its first five games during the 2024 season, with another matchup against a transfer signal-caller on the horizon as the No. 5 Bulldogs prepare to host Mississippi State.
This trend has led Smart to assert that college football may be experiencing an unprecedented level of parity in the modern era.
He noted that both Vanderbilt and Arkansas capitalized on transfer quarterbacks last weekend, leading to significant upsets against then-No. 1 Alabama and No. 4 Tennessee.
“Here’s what I’d say: I don’t know much about Vanderbilt and Arkansas, as we haven’t faced them this season, though we may have crossed paths with Arkansas when reviewing tape on Auburn,” Smart remarked during Wednesday’s SEC coaches’ teleconference. “But they both have quarterbacks. When you have a quarterback, you have a chance.”
Smart emphasizes that the importance of this pivotal position is fostering a more competitive landscape, thanks in part to the NCAA Transfer Portal, which has gained immense traction among student-athletes in recent years.
“With the Portal and the evolving landscape of college football, anyone can acquire a quarterback, even if it’s a niche player,” Smart explained. “He may not be destined for greatness at the professional level, but if he can make plays and you can design an offense around him, you can pose challenges for any defense. Any team can be beaten.”
Diego Pavia and Taylen Green were instrumental in Vanderbilt’s and Arkansas’s respective victories after transferring from New Mexico State and Boise State, while Cam Ward, now on his third college team, helped maintain Miami’s unbeaten streak with his late-game exploits against California.
The top three teams in this week’s AP Top 25—Texas, Ohio State, and Oregon—are all led by transfer quarterbacks.
“I firmly believe that this is the most significant change, creating parity,” Kirby Smart stated. “Sure, depth has diminished, but now anyone can find a quarterback to help shape their team.”
Smart contends that the dynamics of the Transfer Portal, combined with its impact on overall depth—especially quality depth—make it increasingly challenging for any program to ascend to the top and maintain its position.
“The greatest challenge lies in the competition within the league; it’s incredibly tough,” Smart commented regarding life in the SEC. “In previous years, we had more depth and a larger pool of players. I sensed during preseason camp that we lacked the depth we’ve had in the past.”
“This situation is largely influenced by the competition we face week in and week out. It seems to have intensified, and the most difficult aspect of staying at the top is remaining one step ahead of those constantly striving to catch up to you.”
