Kirby Smart named to 2026 Dodd Trophy Midseason Watch List

Georgia football head coach Kirby Smart has been named to the 2026 Dodd Trophy Midseason Watch List, the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Foundation and Peach Bowl, Inc., announced Tuesday.

The Dodd Trophy is awarded to the head coach of a team “…who enjoys success on the gridiron, while also stressing the importance of scholarship, leadership and integrity – the three pillars of legendary coach Bobby Dodd’s coaching philosophy.”

In his eight seasons as head coach of the Bulldogs, Kirby Smart has an overall record of 115-18 and two College Football National Championship victories.

“The first half of the 2026 season has delivered captivating on-field performances week after week. The coaches named to our midseason watch list have distinguished themselves not only through their teams’ success, but also through their commitment to excellence off the field,” said Chairman of the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Foundation Jim Terry. “What sets this award apart is its holistic evaluation of how coaches establish a culture of excellence within their programs, guided by the award’s three pillars of scholarship, leadership and integrity. Building a winning culture on the field, in the classroom and in the community takes time, which is why we consider only coaches who have been with their current programs for at least one full season.”

2026 Dodd Trophy Midseason Watch List

“The real legacy of Coach Dodd is in those who aspire to something greater than just winning football games,” said David Epps, Peach Bowl, Inc. president and CEO. “These coaches also strive to develop young men who pursue excellence on the field, in the classroom and most importantly, in life beyond football. Creating that type of impact is what The Dodd Trophy is all about.”

Top-ranked Georgia (6-0, 4-0 SEC) is next scheduled to host Auburn on Saturday, October 17 in Athens. The game will be televised by ESPN at 3:30pm ET (Buy Tickets).

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