Despite Legendary Georgia Career, Report Reveals Rams Quarterback Stetson Bennett Did Not Graduate With a Degree From the Bulldogs

Los Angeles Rams backup quarterback Stetson Bennett remains one of the most captivating stories in college football history, but a new report adds an unexpected chapter to his journey. According to the University of Georgia Athletics page, Bennett — who famously walked on at Georgia, defied the odds, and delivered two national championships — did not officially graduate with a degree from the university.

For Georgia fans, Bennett’s name will forever be synonymous with perseverance, glory, and confounding expectations. The former walk-on quarterback became a college football icon after leading the Bulldogs to consecutive national titles in the 2021 and 2022 seasons. Despite being doubted at every stage of his career, from his high school days in Blackshear, Georgia, to the pinnacle of college football, Bennett authored one of the most improbable runs in recent sports history.

However, while his on-field accomplishments are cemented in history, the latest update surrounding his academic record adds a curious footnote. As per the official Georgia Athletics site, Stetson Bennett, now 26 and a member of the Los Angeles Rams, did not complete a degree program at the University of Georgia. The details emerged quietly and have since sparked debate among fans and commentators alike.

Bennett first arrived in Athens in 2017 as a preferred walk-on with minimal fanfare. Coming from Pierce County High School, he was viewed by many as undersized and lacking the physical tools to compete at the highest collegiate level. After spending the 2018 season at Jones College in Mississippi to gain experience, Bennett returned to Georgia, still facing an uphill battle to earn playing time.

But what Bennett lacked in conventional measurables, he compensated for with relentless work ethic, football IQ, and an unshakable belief in himself. His perseverance paid off in historic fashion during the 2021 season. Bennett, initially the backup, seized the starting role amid injuries and delivered Georgia’s first national championship since 1980 by defeating Alabama in the title game.

In 2022, Bennett erased any notion that the previous season had been a fluke. Leading an experienced and talent-laden Georgia roster, Bennett guided the Bulldogs to a perfect 15-0 record, capped off by a dominant victory over TCU in the College Football Playoff National Championship. Along the way, he earned MVP honors in both playoff games, becoming the first Georgia quarterback to win back-to-back titles and further cementing his legacy as one of the greatest underdog stories in college football.

Yet, through all the fanfare, questions about his academic status remained largely under the radar — until now. According to the University of Georgia’s official athletic website, which lists academic achievements and degree status for former athletes, Bennett did not complete the necessary requirements to graduate with a degree.

The revelation surprised many, given Bennett’s extended tenure in Athens. He spent parts of six years associated with the program — 2017, returned in 2019, and stayed through 2022 — raising the assumption that he would have completed a degree, particularly given Georgia’s focus on promoting academic excellence alongside athletic achievement.

Bennett himself has largely avoided public discussions about his academic journey, focusing instead on his football aspirations. However, this report has reignited conversations about the unique path college athletes navigate, particularly those whose playing careers stretch beyond the typical four-year window.

Some supporters have defended Bennett, pointing to the immense demands placed on high-profile athletes, especially quarterbacks at elite programs like Georgia. Balancing rigorous football commitments, including year-round training, media obligations, and the pressures of leading a national championship-caliber team, can make academic pursuits challenging, even for the most disciplined student-athletes.

Others, however, have questioned how an athlete with such a prolonged college career, including the COVID-19 eligibility extension, could leave without completing a degree. For some, it raises concerns about the support systems in place to ensure student-athletes graduate, even those destined for professional careers.

It’s worth noting that Bennett’s NFL journey has also followed an unconventional trajectory. Drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, Bennett was expected to serve as a developmental quarterback behind veteran Matthew Stafford. However, his rookie season took an unexpected turn when he was placed on the reserve/non-football illness list in September 2023.

The Rams provided limited details, citing privacy reasons, but head coach Sean McVay emphasized that the organization was supporting Bennett through personal challenges. Bennett did not appear in a game during the 2023 season but returned to the team’s offseason program in 2024, with McVay expressing optimism about his development and future role.

Despite the academic revelation, Bennett’s place in Georgia football lore remains secure. His resilience, leadership, and on-field heroics transformed him from an overlooked walk-on into a legend between the hedges. His story serves as both an inspiration and a reminder of the complex realities athletes face, balancing academic expectations with the relentless pursuit of athletic excellence.

As for Bennett’s next chapter, both on the field and off, the future remains unwritten. The academic footnote does not diminish his achievements, but it adds another layer to his already remarkable — and unconventional — journey. Whether he chooses to complete his degree in the future or focuses entirely on his professional football career, Stetson Bennett’s story continues to captivate fans and observers alike.

In an era where the lines between college sports and professional aspirations increasingly blur, Bennett’s experience underscores the varied paths athletes navigate. For some, the dream culminates in degrees, diplomas, and academic accolades. For others, the journey prioritizes championships, draft selections, and careers at the next level.

Regardless of opinions on the latest development, one thing remains undeniable: Stetson Bennett’s legacy at Georgia, built on determination, grit, and triumph against overwhelming odds, will endure far beyond classrooms and campuses. His is a story that transcends statistics and status updates — one that will be retold every fall Saturday in Athens for generations to come.