Quarterback Gunner Stockton Set to Replace Carson Beck, Bringing Dynamic Mobility and Fresh Energy to Georgia Bulldogs Offense in 2025

Change is inevitable in college football, especially at powerhouse programs like the University of Georgia. After the departure of starting quarterback Carson Beck—who led the Bulldogs with precision, poise, and a near-pro-level presence under center—the focus in Athens now shifts to a player who has long waited in the wings. That player is Gunner Stockton. And by all indications, Stockton is poised to seize the moment as the new face of Georgia’s offense.

For Bulldog fans, this transition is both the end of an era and the beginning of an intriguing new chapter. Beck, a model of consistency and leadership, gave Georgia a steady hand during a period of national contention. His departure, whether by NFL Draft or graduation, leaves big shoes to fill. But Gunner Stockton is no stranger to expectations—or to the spotlight.

A former high four-star recruit out of Rabun County High School in Tiger, Georgia, Stockton was once among the nation’s top-rated quarterbacks. Known for his dual-threat capabilities, he brings something to the Georgia offense that hasn’t been a regular feature since the days of D.J. Shockley—a quarterback who can hurt defenses with both his arm and his legs.

In limited action over the past two seasons, Stockton has shown flashes of brilliance. His mechanics are sharp, his decision-making has matured behind the scenes, and coaches have praised his work ethic and understanding of Georgia’s complex offensive schemes. But it’s his mobility—his ability to extend plays, escape pressure, and scramble for first downs—that could redefine Georgia’s offensive identity in 2025.

Stockton’s athleticism gives offensive coordinator Mike Bobo new tools to play with. While Beck thrived in a pro-style setup that emphasized pocket passing and surgical reads, Stockton opens up the playbook in a different way. Read-option concepts, designed quarterback runs, bootlegs, and RPOs (run-pass options) become more viable—and potentially more dangerous—with Stockton behind center. In practices and scrimmages, he’s already demonstrated a knack for improvisation, something that can turn broken plays into big gains.

“Gunner’s a competitor. He’s waited patiently, learned from Carson, and now it’s his time,” said head coach Kirby Smart during spring ball. “He gives us a different dimension. He can make all the throws, but he’s also got that ability to make a defense pay when things break down.”

Stockton’s ascension has not been without competition. Georgia’s quarterback room remains one of the most talented in the country. Redshirt freshman Ryan Puglisi, an elite recruit in his own right, and true freshman Dylan Raiola, the No. 1 quarterback in the 2024 class, are both capable signal-callers. But experience, comfort with the system, and command of the huddle seem to have elevated Stockton to the top of the depth chart—for now.

Teammates have raved about Stockton’s leadership throughout the offseason. Veteran offensive linemen note his increased vocal presence in the locker room, and skill position players have pointed to his timing, rhythm, and chemistry during voluntary workouts. Junior wide receiver Dominic Lovett called Stockton “a guy who just knows how to lead,” adding, “He’s not just stepping in. He’s stepping up.”

And while expectations at Georgia are always sky-high, this particular transition might offer a window into how the program continues evolving. Under Kirby Smart, the Bulldogs have been known for punishing defense, elite recruiting, and an increasingly efficient offense. With Stockton, the Bulldogs may finally be able to fully integrate a dual-threat quarterback into their system—something many national contenders like Alabama, Ohio State, and LSU have already done to great success in recent years.

Of course, questions remain. Can Stockton maintain the same level of efficiency Beck brought to the table? Can he read defenses with the same precision? Will his added mobility compensate for any growing pains as he adjusts to being “the guy” on Saturdays?

Those close to the program believe so. Stockton has spent years in the system, learning behind Stetson Bennett and Carson Beck. He’s been battle-tested in practices and has learned from two quarterbacks who led Georgia to the national championship game. His knowledge of the playbook is second to none. And now, with his turn on the horizon, he’s eager to translate years of preparation into performance.

“I’m ready,” Stockton told reporters after the spring game. “I’ve been getting ready for this since the day I got here. Carson taught me a lot, and I’m just trying to keep the standard where it’s always been—and hopefully take it even further.”

Georgia’s 2025 schedule won’t be kind to any quarterback, let alone a first-year starter. The Bulldogs open with a tough non-conference matchup against Clemson, and SEC play features tests against Alabama, Ole Miss, and LSU. But if Stockton’s mobility can help neutralize aggressive pass rushes and keep drives alive on third down, he’ll give Georgia something it hasn’t consistently had—a quarterback who can turn pressure into opportunity.

Defensively, Georgia is expected to remain among the best in the nation. That will help ease Stockton’s transition and allow the offense to play more freely. The Bulldogs boast returning talent across the defensive line, linebacker corps, and secondary. That gives Stockton more breathing room to develop without needing to win shootouts week after week.

Still, this is the SEC. The pressure will be immense. But if anyone’s cut out for it, it’s Gunner Stockton. A coach’s son with a high football IQ and deep roots in Georgia, he embodies everything Bulldog fans admire—grit, loyalty, and heart.

Stockton’s style also mirrors a growing national trend. College football has seen a surge in quarterbacks who can do it all—throw, run, lead. From Caleb Williams to Jayden Daniels to Jalen Milroe, modern offenses are increasingly built around quarterbacks who keep defenses honest with their legs and punish them with their arms. Georgia may finally be joining that wave in earnest.

The excitement around Stockton isn’t just theoretical. Georgia’s spring game gave fans a glimpse of what could be. Stockton threw two touchdown passes, scrambled for a 20-yard gain, and avoided multiple sacks by using his mobility smartly. More importantly, he showed command. He wasn’t just reacting; he was dictating the pace.

And that’s what Georgia needs. A quarterback who doesn’t just replace Carson Beck but evolves the offense. A quarterback who blends old-school toughness with new-school creativity. A quarterback who leads not only with talent, but with tenacity.

As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on Athens. Georgia, once again, is a national title contender. The pieces are in place—a dominant defense, a bruising running game, and a stable of explosive receivers. Now, it’s Gunner Stockton’s turn to take the keys.

For Georgia fans, the question isn’t whether Stockton can rise to the occasion. It’s whether they’re ready for how electric this next chapter might be.

The Carson Beck era was defined by precision. The Gunner Stockton era may be defined by possibility. And that’s a very dangerous proposition—for every defense standing in Georgia’s way.