“Former SEC QB Sounds Off: Believes Georgia’s Gunner Stockton Is the Most Underrated Quarterback in the Conference”

The Southeastern Conference has long been a breeding ground for elite quarterbacks, a showcase of arm strength, football IQ, and composure under pressure. Names like Joe Burrow, Tua Tagovailoa, and Bryce Young have carved out legacy seasons in the SEC before making the leap to the NFL. Yet for all the attention lavished on rising stars and proven veterans, there are always a few players flying under the radar—waiting, watching, working. For Georgia’s Gunner Stockton, that moment of emergence might be closer than many anticipate. And now, a former SEC quarterback has spoken up, declaring that Stockton may be the most underestimated signal-caller in the entire conference.

The former SEC quarterback—who knows the league’s grind and understands the hidden talent that often gets buried beneath headline names—recently shared his belief that Stockton has the tools, mindset, and situation to be a surprise star in the 2025 college football season. It’s not just locker room chatter or blind optimism. It’s a calculated endorsement rooted in a clear understanding of what Georgia’s offense is capable of and what Stockton has already shown in limited opportunities. While names like Carson Beck and Jaxson Dart dominate media cycles and preseason watchlists, Stockton remains largely in the shadows. But that may not last for long.

Stockton, a former four-star recruit out of Rabun County, Georgia, arrived in Athens as a highly touted high school star. Known for his toughness, mobility, and gunslinger mentality, he shattered state records in passing yards and touchdowns, drawing comparisons to past dual-threat phenoms. The challenge, though, has been opportunity. At Georgia, the quarterback room has been stacked. From Stetson Bennett’s fairy tale run to Carson Beck’s ascension, there hasn’t been an open door for Stockton—until now.

This former SEC quarterback—who spoke anonymously but carries the weight of first-hand experience in the league—made it clear that Gunner Stockton has not been given the respect he deserves. He pointed out how the college football media machine often focuses only on starters or proven commodities, ignoring players like Stockton who may not have extensive game film but possess rare upside. “I’ve seen enough,” the former quarterback said. “Gunner has the arm. He has the movement. He’s got the toughness you want in this league. Georgia has a star on their hands, whether people see it yet or not.”

Stockton’s supporters inside Georgia’s program echo similar sentiments. Coaches have praised his work ethic, his ability to grasp complex offensive concepts, and his willingness to wait his turn while continuing to sharpen his game behind the scenes. In spring practices and closed scrimmages, Stockton has reportedly showcased poise, touch on deep balls, and an ability to extend plays with his legs—traits that are invaluable in an SEC known for suffocating defenses.

It’s also worth noting that Georgia’s offensive system under head coach Kirby Smart and offensive coordinator Mike Bobo is quarterback-friendly when operated efficiently. There’s balance, protection, elite playmakers, and a playbook designed to put the quarterback in rhythm. Stockton’s skill set appears tailor-made for this environment. He’s not just a pure pocket passer—he can create outside the structure, a trait that adds a dimension the Bulldogs may find valuable as they hunt for another national title.

While Beck is expected to begin the season as Georgia’s starter, the former SEC quarterback who highlighted Stockton’s upside isn’t necessarily suggesting a quarterback controversy is looming. Rather, he believes Stockton’s moment will come—whether due to injury, performance shifts, or natural progression—and when it does, he’ll make the most of it. It’s a belief rooted not just in talent, but in mental toughness and resilience, qualities that can’t be taught but are forged in practice fields and late-night film sessions.

Beyond the field, Stockton has also impressed teammates with his leadership style. Despite not being the starter, he has taken a vocal role in meetings, helped younger players understand their assignments, and consistently brings energy to practice. Those are the quiet signals that a player is ready when called upon. In elite programs like Georgia, where the difference between being forgotten and becoming a legend can be a single game, preparation matters more than ever.

The national conversation around SEC quarterbacks often leans toward flash and hype. Names like Quinn Ewers at Texas and Jalen Milroe at Alabama dominate social media. But hidden gems don’t always stay hidden, and the former SEC quarterback’s comments may be the beginning of a broader reevaluation of Gunner Stockton’s place in the pecking order.

From a technical standpoint, Stockton possesses many of the traits scouts drool over. His compact release, velocity on intermediate throws, and ability to make full-field reads show up in practice settings. What remains to be seen is how those traits translate under the lights, with 90,000 fans watching and SEC defenders closing in. But if history has shown anything, it’s that Georgia quarterbacks, when prepared and given their shot, rarely disappoint.

The Bulldogs are coming off yet another dominant season and enter 2025 with national title expectations yet again. With a loaded roster on both sides of the ball, the margin for error is slim, but the opportunities for breakout performances are massive. Should anything happen to Beck or if a spark is needed mid-season, Gunner Stockton could become the story of the year—just as Bennett did before him.

The former SEC quarterback went on to mention how every season features a few players who seemingly come out of nowhere to lead their teams into playoff contention. “Nobody saw Hendon Hooker becoming what he became at Tennessee,” he said. “Nobody expected Bo Nix to turn it around the way he did in his final year. College football has a way of rewarding those who stay ready. Gunner Stockton is that guy.”

Those words ring loudly, especially in a conference that chews up and spits out quarterbacks who aren’t built for the grind. The SEC doesn’t allow for tentative decision-making or lackluster pocket presence. It rewards confidence, speed of processing, and the kind of mental fortitude that only emerges when a player has spent years sharpening their craft behind the scenes. By all accounts, Stockton checks those boxes.

Gunner Stockton’s story isn’t finished—it may not even be properly started yet. But within the walls of Georgia’s program and among those who know the league best, a quiet buzz is building. It’s not about hype for hype’s sake. It’s about recognizing potential and understanding that every season brings surprises. For Georgia fans, the words from the former SEC quarterback serve as a reminder: don’t sleep on No. 14. He’s more than just a depth chart name—he’s a competitor, a fighter, and potentially the next big thing in Athens.

As the 2025 season nears, the spotlight will remain fixed on known commodities. But those with sharper eyes—former players, scouts, and dedicated fans—are already circling Gunner Stockton as a name to watch. The college football world has a habit of overlooking players until it can’t ignore them any longer. And when Stockton gets his moment, there’s a growing belief that he’ll make sure the nation never overlooks him again.