Georgia Bulldogs Banking on Gunner Stockton’s Leadership and Development to Power Championship Push in Crucial 2025 College Football Season
As the Georgia Bulldogs prepare for what promises to be one of the most competitive seasons in recent SEC history, all eyes in Athens are firmly set on quarterback Gunner Stockton. Entering his second full season as the starter, Stockton is no longer the promising understudy learning from the sidelines—he’s the focal point of Georgia’s offense and the player head coach Kirby Smart is counting on to lead the Bulldogs back to national championship contention.
Stockton’s rise to prominence has been methodical, shaped by patience, perseverance, and relentless preparation. Unlike some high-profile quarterbacks who transfer the moment they don’t start as freshmen, Stockton remained committed to Georgia, biding his time behind veterans and learning the system. That patience paid off in 2024, when he stepped into the spotlight and began to show the college football world what Georgia’s coaches had seen in him for years.
Now, with a full offseason as QB1 under his belt and a deeper command of the Bulldogs’ offensive system, Stockton is positioned to become one of the defining players of the 2025 college football season. For a Georgia program that prides itself on consistency and player development, Stockton embodies everything Kirby Smart wants in a quarterback: toughness, intelligence, poise, and a burning competitive fire.
Stockton’s 2024 campaign was marked by steady improvement. While he may not have had the eye-popping numbers of some Heisman contenders, his efficiency, decision-making, and leadership helped guide Georgia to another double-digit win season and a berth in the College Football Playoff. He made big throws in critical moments, extended plays with his legs, and earned the respect of teammates and coaches alike.
One of the biggest shifts heading into 2025 is the elevation of Stockton from game manager to game changer. With a year of experience and a full offseason to build chemistry with his receivers, Stockton is expected to take full control of the offense and elevate Georgia’s passing game to new heights. The Bulldogs return a deep, talented group of pass catchers, including speedsters on the outside, dependable tight ends, and explosive backs who can catch out of the backfield.
But perhaps the most important addition to Stockton’s arsenal isn’t a player—it’s new offensive coordinator James Coley. Back for his second stint with the Bulldogs, Coley has revamped the offensive scheme to better suit Stockton’s strengths. Gone is the conservative, ball-control approach that sometimes limited Georgia’s vertical attack. In its place is a more dynamic, aggressive system that emphasizes tempo, deep shots, and creative use of personnel.
Stockton has embraced the change.
“Coach Coley’s offense really plays to my strengths,” Stockton said during spring camp. “We’re going to stretch the field, use tempo to our advantage, and keep defenses guessing. It’s a system that gives me the freedom to make plays.”
That freedom comes with responsibility, and by all accounts, Stockton has taken the reins with maturity and intensity. Teammates describe him as a film junkie, always the first to arrive at meetings and the last to leave. He’s built strong bonds with his offensive line, backs, and receivers, understanding that leadership in the SEC isn’t about hype—it’s about work.
Veteran offensive tackle Earnest Greene III, who returns as the anchor of Georgia’s front five, praised Stockton’s growth.
“Gunner’s got that quiet fire,” Greene said. “He doesn’t talk a lot, but when he does, everyone listens. He’s earned our respect by how hard he works, how he prepares, and how he shows up when it matters.”
That leadership will be critical in 2025 as Georgia faces one of its most challenging schedules in recent memory. The Bulldogs will go up against Alabama, Texas, Ole Miss, Tennessee, and Florida—all programs loaded with talent and ambition. There’s no room for hesitation in the SEC, and Stockton knows it.
“This is what you come to Georgia for,” he said. “Big games, big stages, high expectations. I wouldn’t want it any other way.”
Stockton’s physical tools are undeniable. At 6-foot-1 and 215 pounds, he has a compact, powerful frame built to withstand SEC punishment. He possesses a quick release, solid arm strength, and an underrated ability to make plays on the run. While he may not be a burner, he’s mobile enough to escape pressure and pick up yards with his legs when necessary.
What separates him, however, is his football mind. Stockton’s ability to diagnose defenses pre-snap and adjust post-snap has drawn praise from Smart and Coley alike. He’s shown a willingness to take what the defense gives him while still having the confidence to push the ball downfield when the opportunity arises.
“Gunner sees the game like a coach,” Coley said. “He’s constantly asking questions, making suggestions, and looking for ways to get better. He’s the type of quarterback you build around.”
Georgia’s championship hopes in 2025 may very well hinge on Stockton’s progression from a steady hand to a star. The defense, as always under Smart, is expected to be elite—loaded with five-star talent, speed, and depth at every level. But in the modern game, even the best defenses can be outscored if the offense can’t match the firepower.
Stockton doesn’t have to throw for 400 yards a game, but he does need to consistently convert on third down, protect the football, and make timely plays in the red zone. If he can elevate his production while maintaining the composure that defined his 2024 performance, Georgia will once again be in the thick of the national title hunt.
Off the field, Stockton’s role has also expanded. As one of the faces of the team, he represents the Bulldogs in NIL endeavors, media appearances, and community engagement. It’s a far cry from his early days on campus, but he’s taken to the spotlight with humility and authenticity.
“I just try to be myself,” he said. “There’s a lot that comes with being the quarterback at Georgia, but I try to focus on what I can control—my attitude, my preparation, and my effort.”
Stockton’s story is a testament to development—the idea that great players aren’t always immediate stars, but products of belief, coaching, and hard work. In an era where quarterbacks transfer at the first sign of adversity, Stockton stayed, learned, waited, and is now reaping the rewards. His journey resonates deeply within the Georgia locker room and fanbase alike.
As the 2025 season approaches, Georgia fans have every reason to be excited. With an elite defense, a retooled offense, and a quarterback who checks every box for leadership and potential, the Bulldogs are poised to once again be a force in the national title race.
But perhaps the most exciting part of Georgia’s outlook is that Stockton’s best football still lies ahead. The foundation has been laid. The tools are sharpened. The belief from his coaches and teammates is unwavering.
Kirby Smart knows what it takes to win in the SEC—and more importantly, what it takes to win national championships. He’s seen quarterbacks rise and fall. He’s built title teams around precision, toughness, and execution. And in Gunner Stockton, he sees a player ready to take the reins and carry the Bulldogs back to the promised land.
“We’re taking stock in Stockton,” Smart said this spring with a grin. “And we like our investment.”
