Kirby Smart Reportedly Confronted Ty Simpson After Georgia Disrespect
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The No. 3 Georgia Bulldogs (11-2) and the No. 9 Alabama Crimson Tide (10-3) are the top programs in the SEC. Together, they have won the last six SEC championships. The Joe Burrow-led 2019 LSU Tigers were the most recent team other than Alabama or Georgia to win the conference crown.
The Bulldogs and Crimson Tide faced each other twice this year. In their first matchup, Alabama beat Georgia 24-21 on the road. Alabama took an early lead, going up 14-0. Quarterback Ty Simpson had an outstanding performance, completing 24 of 38 passes for 276 yards and two touchdowns. Additionally, he contributed a rushing touchdown to the victory.
The Bulldogs won the rematch in the SEC Championship Game, 28-7. Quarterback Gunner Stockton delivered an impressive performance, throwing for 156 yards and three touchdowns while completing 20 of 26 passes. Meanwhile, the defense performed well, limiting Simpson to 19-of-39 passing for 212 yards, one touchdown and one interception.
After the game, a video featuring Georgia head coach Kirby Smart speaking with Simpson went viral. This sparked curiosity among viewers about what Smart said to him. Radi Nabulsi from UGAsports on Rivals revealed the details of their conversation.
“When the Alabama Crimson Tide came to Athens earlier this year and stopped Georgia’s 33-game home win streak, they did what teams love to do when they come to Athens and win, which is again rare,” Nabulsi said. “They like to take a little piece of the hedges and there’s video of Ty Simpson with the hedges in his mouth. … When they avenged that early-season loss, you saw Kirby Smart hugging Ty Simpson. Respects him and knows the kid’s a really good QB. When he went into the locker room, Kirby Smart told his team, ‘Hey, after the game I went up and talked to Ty Simpson, told him he’s a great player and all of that, but not to ever touch our [expletive] hedges again.'”
Moments like this are what continue to define the Georgia–Alabama rivalry beyond the scoreboard. Smart’s message to Simpson blended mutual respect with a clear reminder of what winning in Athens truly means. As both programs push forward into the College Football Playoff, the margins remain razor-thin, the emotions stay high and even the hedges carry weight. When these two meet, nothing is forgotten, and everything becomes fuel for the next chapter.
No. 9 Alabama (10-3) visits the No. 8 seed Oklahoma Sooners (10-2) in a first-round CFP game at 8 p.m. Dec. 19 on ABC and ESPN. The No. 3 Bulldogs have a first-round bye before facing the winner of the Ole Miss/Tulane in the Sugar Bowl at 8 p.m. ET Jan. 1 on ESPN.
Related: Paul Finebaum Names SEC Program With the ‘Most Potential’
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Dec 13, 2025, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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