Kirby Smart comments on departure of defensive lineman Xzavier McLeod
By Ethan Stone
Published:
During the SEC’s weekly teleconference on Wednesday, Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart took some time to comment on the recently announced departure of veteran defensive lineman Xzavier McLeod.
According to Smart, McLeod left the program during its second practice and “just didn’t want to play football anymore.” Smart also mentioned that McLeod will graduate from Georgia at the end of the fall semseter.
“I think he practiced one or twice before he decided to give it up and just didn’t want to play football anymore.”
Also on Wednesday, McLeod posted the following on social media explaining his decision to leave the program. He cites the prioritization of his personal well-being in his note.
Check it out below:
McLedo spent 2 seasons with the Bulldogs after starting his college career at South Carolina in 2023. Across his 2 seasons in Athens McLeod totaled 30 tackles and 4 pass deflections. While he stated above that he is stepping away from football, he still has eligibility remaining if he chooses to return.
Georgia football is set to open its 2026 campaign at home against the Tennessee State Tigers on Sept. 5.
Ethan Stone is a Saturday Down South News Editor and an advocate for the return of the Seattle Supersonics.
