Quarterback of the Future: Georgia’s Gunner Stockton Poised to Take the Reins
The air in Athens crackles with anticipation as the 2025 college football season approaches, and at the heart of the Georgia Bulldogs’ preparations lies a compelling quarterback competition. While Head Coach Kirby Smart has yet to officially name a starter, all indications point towards redshirt junior Gunner Stockton having the inside track to lead the formidable Bulldogs offense. Stockton, a highly touted recruit from Rabun County, Georgia, has patiently waited for his opportunity, and with the departure of former starting quarterback Carson Beck to the Miami Hurricanes via the transfer portal, the stage appears set for him to step into the spotlight. Adding intrigue to the narrative is the projected NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) valuation of Stockton, which some sources estimate could reach upwards of $823,000, a figure that underscores the immense potential and expectations surrounding him.
Stockton’s journey to this pivotal moment has been one of development and learning. He arrived in Athens as one of the top quarterback prospects in the nation, possessing a strong arm, impressive athleticism, and the coveted dual-threat capability that modern offenses crave. Behind the scenes, he has absorbed the nuances of offensive coordinator Mike Bobo’s system, honing his understanding of play calls, route concepts, and the critical decision-making required to excel at the highest level of collegiate competition. His limited game experience, most notably his first career start against Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff where he completed 20 of 32 passes for 234 yards and a touchdown without an interception, offered glimpses of his potential and resilience under pressure.
Throughout the spring practice period, Stockton has reportedly taken the majority of the first-team snaps, signaling the coaching staff’s confidence in his progression. His performance in Georgia’s annual G-Day scrimmage further solidified his position as the perceived frontrunner. In that outing, Stockton showcased his arm talent by completing 17 of 34 passes for 309 yards and two touchdowns, including impressive scoring throws of 31 and 23 yards. Beyond the statistics, reports from the scrimmage highlighted his improved leadership and command of the offense. Tight end Lawson Luckie lauded Stockton’s toughness and resilience, noting his ability to bounce back from any setbacks. Coach Smart himself acknowledged Stockton’s growth in understanding the offense and making sound game management decisions.
However, the quarterback competition is not entirely a foregone conclusion. Redshirt freshman Ryan Puglisi has also demonstrated significant progress and remains in contention for the starting role. Puglisi, a consensus four-star recruit in the 2024 class, possesses a strong arm and has impressed coaches with his quick learning and competitive spirit. During the G-Day scrimmage, Puglisi completed all three of his passes for 52 yards and a touchdown in limited action with the first-team offense. He has voiced his belief in his ability to start and has emphasized the ongoing competition within the quarterback room, highlighting the drive to improve daily regardless of depth chart position. While Smart has refrained from naming an outright starter, he has consistently praised Puglisi’s development and his ability to push Stockton.
The projected NIL valuation of $823,000 for a potential Georgia starting quarterback like Stockton reflects the current landscape of college athletics. Top quarterbacks often command significant NIL deals due to their high visibility and impact on team success. While specific details of Stockton’s current NIL agreements are not publicly available, this projected figure aligns with the valuations of other prominent quarterbacks across the nation. For instance, Arch Manning of Texas has an estimated NIL valuation of $6.5 million, while Carson Beck, now at Miami, is valued at $4.3 million. These figures take into account factors such as on-field performance, social media presence, marketability, and potential endorsement opportunities.
The significance of the starting quarterback at a program like Georgia cannot be overstated. The Bulldogs have established themselves as a perennial national championship contender under Kirby Smart, and the quarterback plays a pivotal role in leading the offense and executing the coaching staff’s vision. The ability to make accurate throws, read defenses effectively, and make timely decisions under pressure are paramount. Furthermore, in today’s game, the athleticism to extend plays with their legs and contribute in the running game adds another dimension to the offense. Stockton’s skillset appears to align with these demands, offering a blend of arm talent and mobility that could make him a dynamic force for the Bulldogs.
Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Georgia faces a challenging schedule, including crucial SEC matchups. The performance of the quarterback will be critical in navigating these contests and maintaining the program’s championship aspirations. Stockton’s growth throughout the offseason and his performance in spring practice suggest he is well-prepared for the responsibility. His experience as the backup last season, including the valuable snaps in the SEC Championship game, will undoubtedly serve him well.
While the official announcement of the starting quarterback may not come until closer to the season opener against Marshall on August 30th, the prevailing sentiment points towards Gunner Stockton taking the helm. His blend of talent, experience within the program, and the confidence shown by the coaching staff position him as the likely leader of the Georgia offense. The projected $823,000 NIL valuation further underscores the high expectations and the potential impact he is expected to have. As the summer workouts progress and fall camp approaches, all eyes will be on Athens to witness the official coronation of the Bulldogs’ next quarterback and the unfolding of his highly anticipated season.
