Georgia’s quarterback situation is drawing national attention, not just because of roster moves but also because of Paul Finebaum’s latest critique. The SEC analyst questioned Gunner Stockton’s ability to lead the Bulldogs after last season’s performance.
But if Finebaum thought his comments would go unnoticed, Kirby Smart made sure to correct that assumption. The 49-year-old didn’t miss any part of the discussion; however, he also took responsibility to ensure that the ESPN host wouldn’t feel regret about bringing up the topic in the interview.
Kirby Smart Responds to Paul Finebaum’s Dig at Gunner Stockton
Smart did not let Finebaum’s comments about Stockton go unnoticed. The SEC analyst had some harsh words, and Smart made sure both Finebaum and his team took notice. During his Tuesday appearance on ESPN’s SportsCenter, Finebaum faced the question of whether Georgia would accept Stockton as its starting quarterback.
He didn’t hold back, stating, “I would say that’s a big not fine. I know the team coalesced around him after the SEC Championship game, but I was underwhelmed by what I saw from Gunner Stockton in the Sugar Bowl loss to Notre Dame.”
Sorry about that one, @KirbySmartUGA 😬😬😬 #FineOrNotFine pic.twitter.com/uyWuEfUKk6
— Paul Finebaum (@finebaum) May 27, 2025
Later that day, Smart joined The Paul Finebaum Show. He came prepared. Responding with a touch of humor, he said, “That’s why I always come on your show. Because I love the fact that you give me that extra motivation.”
Until then, Finebaum had no idea that Smart had caught his subtle swipe at his quarterback. Jokingly, he said, “I’m glad you missed an earlier interview I did on ESPN.” However, Smart wasted no time in shutting that down. “I didn’t miss it. I didn’t miss it,” Smart said. “Gunner got the message, he got the message. You did your job.”
Before this adorable back-and-forth, the SEC analyst also praised Smart’s coaching staff. He said, “I love Kirby Smart, I think he’s the best coach in the country. I’d be hard-pressed to say he has the best staff in the country.”
Of course, Finebaum is an analyst, and it’s his job to critique. Still, Smart stayed confident in his team’s leadership. “To be honest with you, I don’t get into it much,” Smart said. “I’ve got the best staff in the country, and I have no doubt about that. I’ve got one of the most experienced SEC staffs there is, and to be honest, I have a lot of confidence in that.”
KEEP READING: Georgia’s Gunner Stockton Earns QB1 Role, Former Dawgs Star Aaron Murray Explains Why
Smart has not yet publicly named Stockton as the Bulldogs’ starting quarterback for 2025. But it’s clear he believes in Stockton’s talent and leadership. The season opener is on August 30th in Athens, and hopefully, by then, we will get the official notice about who is taking the QB1 role.
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