“Everybody’s Practicing Less, but Getting Injured More”: Kirby Smart Takes Candid Dig at NIL Era While Discussing SEC’s Growing Problems

Dec 6, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart looks on after the game against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the 2025 SEC Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. © Brett Davis-Imagn ImagesAs college football undergoes a major transition, Georgia head coach Kirby Smart has raised concerns about the NIL era’s impact on player motivation, roster depth, and injuries.Speaking after Georgia’s 27-8 victory over Florida on Saturday, Smart admitted that the current SEC landscape looks considerably different from what he experienced during his national championship runs in 2021 and 2022.Smart was asked about the increasing number of injuries across the conference and whether the current situation differed from previous seasons.“Everybody’s practicing less, but everybody’s getting injured more. It doesn’t make sense. It doesn’t add up,” Smart said.He also pointed toward roster limitations as a potential factor, suggesting that reduced depth could become a significant problem as the season progresses.He compared the current generation of players with the teams he coached during Georgia’s championship seasons.“I think about the teams we had in ’21 and ’22, how physical they were and how they practiced. We can’t even get close to that now,” he explained.Smart acknowledged he wasn’t sure whether the difference came from a change in player culture or other factors. However, he believes the motivation surrounding college football has changed significantly.“They were definitely hungrier because there was a motivation to make it,” Smart added.The Bulldogs coach then commented on the financial landscape of modern college football.“A lot of these guys, honestly, they make more than I made until I was 40. It’s just a different day and age,” he said.SEC’s Growing Problems Could Make Conference Race Even More UnpredictableSmart’s comments come during a chaotic SEC campaign. Georgia’s victory over Florida improved the Bulldogs to 7-1 overall and 5-1 in conference play, leaving them among the leading College Football Playoff contenders.However, the conference has been highly competitive, with several established programs struggling to stay consistent.The Bulldogs themselves suffered an unexpected loss to Auburn earlier.“Yeah, it was important. It’s just as important as it’s going to be next week. So it’s no more important than it was for us to do against Auburn what we didn’t. They’re all important. That’s what we’ve learned,” Smart said via the 11Alive YouTube channel.Smart acknowledged that the SEC remains unforgiving, with every remaining matchup presenting another challenge.Georgia also faces a difficult road ahead, as it will face Ole Miss and other strong contenders.The changing financial and competitive landscape has created a different college football environment. Whether these changes will have a lasting impact on player and team performance remains to be seen.Also Read: “Only a Matter of Time Before They Get Exposed”: CFB Analysts Paint Harsh Picture for Curt Cignetti-Led Indiana After Almost Losing to Minnesota“Do Not Believe USC is Going to Be Able to Humble Themselves”: Radio Host Claims Trojans Should Hire ‘Non-P4’ Coach if Lincoln Riley Gets FiredCollege Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in tennis, college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!