Kirby Smart concerned about college sports’ future: ‘I wish I could do more’

As challenging as times are, Georgia athletic director Josh Brooks made it clear his program will continue to support all its sports without disruption.

“Georgia remains committed to the success of our 21 athletic programs and over 500 student-athletes,” UGA said in a statement released to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Wednesday. “During this time of change in college athletics, we will continue to be resourceful and do everything we can to preserve the student-athlete experience.”

Eyebrows were raised when Arkansas announced Friday it was cutting its men’s and women’s tennis programs after this spring. Arkansas reported a $6.89 million athletic department surplus in the 2025 fiscal year, with more than $200 million in revenue.

Arkansas athletic director Hunter Yurachek cited rising costs for the decision in a statement he released Friday.

“The landscape of college athletics continues to evolve, requiring us to make challenging choices as we balance competitive opportunities, resources and the long-term sustainability of our department,” said Yurachek, whose athletic department will be left with 17 scholarship sports after eliminating tennis.

“Ultimately, we concluded that we are unable to provide the level of support necessary for our tennis programs to consistently compete in the SEC and nationally at the standard our student-athletes, coaches, alumni and supporters deserve.”

The cut resonates with Smart and his family, who have been avid supporters of all sports programs at Georgia, in addition to understanding the importance of athletics within their household.

Smart’s wife, Mary Beth, played college basketball at Georgia. His daughter, Julia, played basketball at Athens Academy. His oldest son, Weston, played tennis at Athens Academy and was a regional singles player of the year.

Smart predicted a year ago that collegiate sports would see programs cut as a result of the rising costs associated with fielding championship football teams by signing impact transfers out of the portal and recruiting elite players out of high school.

“We’re on the brink of probably one to two years away from a lot of schools cutting sports,” Smart said on the SEC Network’s “The Paul Finebaum Show” in May. “What’s the pushback going to be then when you start cutting nonrevenue sports? I don’t want that to happen.”

Smart could only express his remorse Wednesday, even after having seen such cuts coming.

“I hate it for them. I wish I could do more. I wish there was something we could do for them to help,” Smart said. “I don’t know, what’s the model look like 10 years from now? Is it all club sports? And then you’ve got your revenue-only (sports).

“I don’t know how that looks. I love the college space. I love going to tennis matches at our place, golf matches, softball, baseball, track and field. Those are just some of my favorite things to go and watch. I hate it if those opportunities get limited more. It won’t be a good thing.”