With the 2025 season approaching, the Bulldogs are locked into spring practice, searching for answers at QB. Here, with Carson Beck off to Miami, Georgia remains focused on finding his successor. As of now, all signs point to Gunner Stockton as the next man up. Well, he stepped in for Beck during the SEC Title against Texas and started in the CFP against Notre Dame after Beck’s season-ending injury. But now, Stockton isn’t just expected to take over—he’s predicted to outperform his predecessor.
Although Gunner Stockton has been waiting for his moment, his in-game experience is limited. Yes, aside from a brief showing in the 2023 Orange Bowl and a few backup appearances last season, he hasn’t had many chances to shine. Still, Georgia legend David Pollack remains sold, and he said confidently, “I think Gunner Stockton will have a better year this year than Carson Beck had last year.”
But not everyone remains convinced. And now, Stockton finds himself in the spotlight as a CFB analyst delivers a blunt warning about Georgia’s quarterback situation.
On the April 3rd episode of 247Sports’ The Ultimate CFB Show, Emily Proud, Bud Elliott, and Smoke Dixon broke down their top five QBs. However, during the discussion, Emily put Georgia’s QB situation under the microscope, asking, “Are you not confident that Gunner Stockton can lead Georgia?”
Bud didn’t hold back here, saying, “I think Gunner Stockton was probably more of a win-with quarterback. He probably doesn’t get you, but I didn’t see anything in the playoff games that made you think, oh, that’s the reason.”
But Bud didn’t stop there. He doubled down on his concerns about Stockton’s ability to lead Georgia’s offense. “I think if you’re confident in the passing game this year, it’s one, maybe the offensive line stays a little bit healthier. And two, maybe the receivers you took in the transfer world actually are on the field. Like, I mean, that’s a real thing,” explained the CFB analyst.
He went further, pointing out Georgia’s depth issues at WR. “Like Arian Smith and X is not a—it’s not a workable strategy for a team that’s trying to win a national title,” said Bud. As of now, for Stockton to thrive, Georgia will need more than just his talent. Because the supporting cast has to step up. However, that’s not the only concern.
Bud raised another red flag about Stockton’s standing among the nation’s top QBs. “I definitely think Georgia can win the SEC with Gunner Stockton. I think he’s a good player, but I think other players are very close to our top five this year because all these other guys have a lot of physical ups,” said the CFB analyst.
So, Stockton may be capable, but in a year stacked with elite talent at QB, will he be enough to keep Georgia in the title hunt? That’s the real question.
But not everyone views Stockton the same way as Bud. “I don’t know that I’ve met a more humble kid. He is an easy kid to cheer for,” said David Pollack, offering a different perspective on the Bulldogs’ QB. And why not? Look at the numbers—Stockton delivered with efficiency. In 2024, he completed 70.3% of his passes (45 of 64) for 440 yards and one TD, posting a solid 130.09 passer rating.
While Stockton fights to prove himself, Georgia faces another battle—a defense in transition. Well, the Dawgs are losing elite playmakers like Mykel Williams, Malaki Starks, and Jalon Walker, all projected first-round NFL Draft picks. As of now, with uncertainty on both sides of the ball, their road to another championship just got tougher.
And here, Stockton’s time as Georgia’s starter shed light on the challenges ahead.
QB1 Gunner Stockton’s journey to Georgia
Georgia’s 2025 Sugar Bowl loss to Notre Dame stung, but it came with valuable lessons. The setback wasn’t just a defeat—it was a learning experience that could shape the Bulldogs’ future. Yes, Gunner Stockton made his first career start, stepping onto a massive stage under intense pressure.
But while the result didn’t go Georgia’s way, Stockton gained crucial experience, tested his skills, and identified areas to grow. You can say, this game wasn’t just a milestone for him—it was a stepping stone for Georgia’s next chapter.
However, for Gunner Stockton, Georgia’s Sugar Bowl loss isn’t just a lesson—it’s motivation. Coming up short on the big stage left the Bulldogs with unfinished business. That sting will push Stockton and his teammates to sharpen their skills and raise their level in 2025. As of now, with a chip on their shoulder and fire in their hearts, they’re set on one goal—redemption.
So, Georgia’s Sugar Bowl loss stings, but it fuels their fire. Right now, Stockton gained experience, the staff learned, and the Dawgs have unfinished business in 2025.
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