Georgia head coach Kirby Smart isn’t one to lavish praise on opponents lightly, but he made an exception when discussing Texas’ path to the SEC Championship. As the Longhorns prepare to face off in their inaugural SEC title game, Smart didn’t hold back in acknowledging their impressive accomplishment.
“Texas coming into the SEC and immediately making it to the championship game is a testament to their program, their coaching staff, and their players,” Smart said. “It’s not an easy transition, and they’ve handled it with a lot of grit and determination.”
The Longhorns, newcomers to the conference this season, wasted no time proving they belong among the SEC elite. Battling through a schedule filled with powerhouse programs, Texas showcased their resilience and adaptability, finishing strong to claim a spot in the title game.
Smart highlighted one area where Texas truly excelled: their ability to adapt to the physicality and intensity of SEC play. “They’ve been able to adjust their style while maintaining their identity,” he explained. “That’s not something every team can do.”
For Georgia, Texas represents a new kind of challenge. While Smart’s Bulldogs have become a staple in the SEC Championship game, the Longhorns bring fresh energy and a hunger to prove themselves on the biggest stage.
“Making it to the SEC Championship in your first year says a lot about the culture they’ve built,” Smart said. “They’ve earned the right to be here, and they deserve a lot of credit for that.”
As Georgia and Texas prepare to face off, the respect between the programs is clear. But for Smart and his Bulldogs, the focus remains on ensuring that Texas’ remarkable accomplishment doesn’t overshadow Georgia’s own championship aspirations.
