What happened to Georgia's Kelton Smith Jr.? Coach Kirby Smart shares details on unfortunate situation

Georgia Bulldogs offensive lineman Kelton Smith Jr. has been forced to medically retire due to an undisclosed condition. The school announced the news on Tuesday.

Smith retired due to a pre-existing medical condition that he and the school have been monitoring closely. Although the offensive lineman took a medical disqualification and retired, Georgia announced it would honor his scholarship to allow him to continue his studies at the university.

In his statement, Bulldogs coach Kirby Smart said the decision was taken after "discussions with medical specialists."

"Smith and his family have decided that Smith will no longer participate in football," Smart said.

"This is never an easy transition for a player, and we vow to stick with Kelton during this period and provide him the support he needs," Smart said. "It is tough losing a person of Kelton's character, but we look forward to him staying a part of our program."

Kirby said Smith would continue contributing to the school "in a different capacity."

Smith was a redshirt freshman, as he did not play last season. He was a four-star recruit in the class of 2023, according to 247Sports. He was ranked as the 185th player in the class and the eighth-ranked interior offensive lineman.

Smith had offers from schools like Florida State, Ole Miss, Oregon, Miami, Ohio State, LSU and Texas A&M, among others.

Kirby Smart says hunger is still there despite national championships

Kirby Smart is entering his ninth year as the Georgia Bulldogs coach.

Smart led Georgia to back-to-back national championships in 2021 and 2022, but despite that, the coach says the hunger to win is still there.

“The hunger probably has grown in me from wanting to be with my team more,” Smart said at SEC media day, via OnlineAthens. “For dealing with all the things you deal with now—portal, NIL and all the things you don’t enjoy as a coach—my passion and energy for my players, being around these guys yesterday, being on the field with these guys, this team, every minute you get with them is more valuable.

"Because that’s what I enjoy. I love that, but all of the other things you have to do outside of it is what exhausts you. It takes more of your time and energy away. The passion of being with the players and this part that we’re getting ready to start, I love that part.”

The Bulldogs failed to make the College Football Playoff last season after losing to Alabama in the SEC championship game.

Georgia will open its 2024 college football season on Aug. 31 against Clemson. The Bulldogs will have notable games against Alabama, Texas, Tennessee and Ole Miss.