Paul Finebaum Expresses Clear Doubts About Georgia Quarterback Gunner Stockton’s Readiness to Lead Bulldogs in Championship Contention

Paul Finebaum Expresses Clear Doubts About Georgia Quarterback Gunner Stockton’s Readiness to Lead Bulldogs in Championship Contention

Paul Finebaum is never shy when it comes to offering strong opinions on college football, particularly when the topic concerns the SEC. The longtime ESPN analyst and radio host is well known for his blunt assessments, and he recently made headlines again by turning his attention toward Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton. In a segment that quickly drew reaction from Bulldog fans and college football insiders alike, Finebaum made it abundantly clear that he’s not sold on Stockton as the future face of Georgia’s offense — at least not yet.

Stockton, who has patiently waited behind the likes of Stetson Bennett and Carson Beck, entered 2025 as a potential breakout candidate. A former four-star recruit out of Rabun County, Georgia, he’s been part of the Bulldogs’ quarterback room since 2022, learning the system and earning praise for his work ethic and intelligence. Now, with Beck likely headed to the NFL after this season, Stockton is a popular pick among fans to take over under center in 2026. But Finebaum isn’t buying the hype.

Speaking on his daily radio show, Finebaum didn’t mince words when asked whether Stockton had the tools to continue Georgia’s elite quarterback lineage. “I’m just not seeing what others are seeing,” Finebaum said. “This isn’t a knock on the kid personally, but Georgia’s success hasn’t come from speculation — it’s come from proven production. And Gunner Stockton hasn’t shown that he can be that guy on a national stage.”

Finebaum’s skepticism stems in part from Georgia’s current situation. With Carson Beck entrenched as the starter and coming off an impressive season where he threw for over 4,000 yards and led Georgia to the College Football Playoff, there’s no quarterback controversy in Athens right now. But the bigger question looms: Who takes over when Beck departs?

Stockton’s name has been penciled in by many as the heir apparent, but Finebaum questioned whether the Bulldogs might turn to the transfer portal or another quarterback on the roster instead. “You look at where college football is today,” he said. “The days of just handing the job to the next guy in line — especially someone with no real in-game experience — those days are over for national title contenders. Georgia can’t afford to guess at quarterback.”

That comment struck a nerve with some Georgia fans, especially those who view Stockton as a talented, loyal player who’s bided his time and earned the opportunity to start. Yet Finebaum stood firm, saying that championship-level programs like Georgia must evaluate with ruthless clarity. “This is a team built to win now, every single year,” he said. “If Kirby Smart thinks there’s a better option in the portal or elsewhere, he’s going to pursue it.”

To be fair, Finebaum’s critique isn’t rooted in animosity toward Stockton. Instead, it reflects a broader point about the ultra-competitive landscape of modern college football. Programs like Georgia, Alabama, Michigan, and Ohio State are no longer just developing quarterbacks from within. They’re actively scouting other rosters, keeping tabs on rising stars at smaller schools, and looking for plug-and-play options who can step in and compete at a high level immediately.

Still, Finebaum’s directness about Stockton caught attention because it seemed to dismiss the possibility that the young quarterback could rise to the occasion. Stockton has seen limited snaps in live action, but reports from practices and scrimmages over the past two years have been largely positive. Coaches have praised his mobility, his strong arm, and his grasp of Georgia’s complex offensive system. He’s also known as a team-first player, someone who’s embraced his role and learned from the veterans ahead of him.

But in Finebaum’s eyes, that isn’t enough — not when the bar has been raised so high by Stetson Bennett’s improbable rise and Carson Beck’s steady hand. “This isn’t a charity program,” Finebaum said bluntly. “You don’t win SEC titles by being a good teammate or a nice story. You win by having the best player at the most important position. Right now, I haven’t seen any evidence that Gunner Stockton is that guy.”

His comments sparked immediate debate on social media and sports talk shows across the Southeast. Georgia insiders, however, remain more measured. They note that Stockton has improved steadily each year and has shown signs of maturity and leadership that coaches value. Offensive coordinator Mike Bobo, who played quarterback at Georgia himself, has worked closely with Stockton and reportedly believes in his long-term potential. But whether that belief translates into a starting role remains to be seen.

It’s also worth noting that Georgia has added other quarterbacks to the room — including highly rated freshmen and transfer candidates — making the battle for the post-Beck era a true open competition. Finebaum’s assertion that Georgia may go back to the portal is far from far-fetched. In fact, it’s a common strategy among elite programs in the current era of college football. But that doesn’t necessarily mean the door is closed on Stockton.

If anything, Finebaum’s remarks could serve as motivation for the young quarterback. Georgia has long been known for developing players who thrive after being doubted — Stetson Bennett being the most famous recent example. It’s possible that Stockton, who’s quietly prepared for his moment, could emerge as the next great Georgia story if given the chance.

Of course, the transition won’t be easy. Taking over an offense as complex and high-pressure as Georgia’s is never a simple task. And doing so in the shadow of two highly successful predecessors raises the stakes even more. But for all of Finebaum’s doubt, the real answer will come from within the program — from Kirby Smart’s decision-making and from Stockton’s performance in practice and, eventually, games.

What Finebaum’s comments do underscore, however, is the intense spotlight that shines on any Georgia quarterback. The program is at the height of its power, and expectations are sky-high every single year. Whoever wins the job will not be afforded a long runway to prove themselves. The margin for error is razor-thin.

For now, Stockton remains focused and committed. He’s said all the right things and continued to develop his game behind the scenes. Whether that’s enough to quiet skeptics like Finebaum remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the conversation around Gunner Stockton is only just beginning.

If Georgia reaches another College Football Playoff in 2025 and Beck departs, the quarterback battle that follows will be one of the most closely watched in the country. Stockton may very well earn the job and prove Finebaum wrong. Or perhaps the Bulldogs will look elsewhere, chasing proven production over potential once again.

Either way, Finebaum’s take has added a new layer of intrigue to an already compelling narrative. It’s a reminder that, at Georgia, nothing comes easy — not even for the quarterback next in line.