Georgia Bulldogs players Zayden Walker and Gunner Stockton will be present at the team’s yearly G-Day spring game.

ATHENS, Ga. — The annual G-Day spring game has long been a rite of passage in Athens, Georgia — a showcase of future promise, a celebration of present talent, and a nod to the powerhouse that Kirby Smart has constructed between the hedges. This year’s edition is no different, but it carries particular intrigue as two names—freshman linebacker Zayden Walker and redshirt sophomore quarterback Gunner Stockton—stand poised to headline the action and provide clarity on both sides of the ball heading into the fall.

With Georgia seeking to return to national championship glory after narrowly missing the College Football Playoff in 2024, the G-Day game arrives as more than a scrimmage — it’s a glimpse at what could be. And in Walker and Stockton, fans might be witnessing the foundations of Georgia’s next big leap.

The Spotlight on Gunner Stockton

The quarterback room at Georgia is always loaded, and 2025 is no exception. But with Carson Beck now off to the NFL, all eyes are on the competition to take over the reins of Mike Bobo’s offense. Gunner Stockton, a former four-star recruit out of Rabun County High School, is firmly in the mix and has earned valuable reps throughout spring ball.

Stockton, entering his fourth year in the program, has bided his time behind Beck and Stetson Bennett. His patience, growth, and familiarity with Georgia’s system now put him in a position to potentially become QB1. His presence at G-Day will be about more than just arm strength—it’s about command, decision-making, and chemistry with the first-team offense.

“He’s a competitor,” head coach Kirby Smart said during a recent press conference. “He’s been in the program, he’s seen the standard, and he’s working to reach it every day.”

What has set Stockton apart in spring camp has been his ability to process quickly under pressure. Teammates describe him as “unshakable,” and sources inside the building say he’s taken a vocal leadership role in the quarterback room. At G-Day, fans will get to see just how far he’s come—especially when facing Georgia’s vaunted defense.

The spring game will serve as a crucial test for Stockton to separate himself from other competitors like Ryan Puglisi and incoming freshman Dylan Raiola, who’s also pushing for reps. But the experience edge may give Stockton the advantage, especially as Bobo installs new wrinkles into an already complex playbook.

Look for Stockton to take advantage of weapons like Dominic Lovett, Arian Smith, and tight end Oscar Delp. Building rhythm with these veterans during live reps could go a long way in securing his hold on the starting job heading into summer workouts.

Enter Zayden Walker: Freshman Already Flashing

While much of the offensive attention will be on the quarterbacks, it’s Zayden Walker, an early-enrolled five-star linebacker, who may end up being the breakout star of G-Day on defense. Ranked as one of the top defenders in the 2025 recruiting class, Walker has already made a significant impression during spring practices with his range, instincts, and explosive hitting.

Walker’s decision to enroll early allowed him to immerse himself in Glenn Schumann’s defensive scheme—one known for its complexity and demand for discipline. According to reports from spring scrimmages, Walker has not only held his own but has flashed potential as a Day 1 contributor.

“Zayden doesn’t look like a freshman out there,” said junior linebacker Smael Mondon Jr., who has taken Walker under his wing. “He’s learning fast, and he’s not afraid to hit. That’s a Georgia linebacker, through and through.”

While Mondon and Jalon Walker are expected to hold down starting roles this fall, Zayden could easily carve out a role in Georgia’s rotation. The Bulldogs love to stay fresh at linebacker, and Walker’s versatility allows him to play multiple spots across the second level.

During G-Day, fans can expect to see Walker flying to the football, dropping into coverage, and potentially even being used on blitzes—a role Georgia linebackers like Nolan Smith and Channing Tindall have thrived in under Smart’s guidance. If Walker continues his ascent, don’t be surprised if he’s in the two-deep when the season opener arrives.

G-Day’s Significance in the Kirby Smart Era

Since Kirby Smart’s arrival in 2016, the G-Day game has transformed from a quiet scrimmage into a must-watch event for Bulldog Nation. It’s a public evaluation session, an early stage audition for players climbing the depth chart, and a final checkpoint before summer. For players like Stockton and Walker, the stakes are clear: perform well, and their trajectory changes.

The format typically splits the team into Red and Black squads, with first-team units playing against each other to ensure competitive reps. That structure gives added weight to what fans see. Stockton won’t be just throwing to walk-ons—he’ll be challenged by Georgia’s best. Likewise, Walker will be asked to diagnose plays called by Bobo and react in real-time.

G-Day also serves as a recruiting tool. With many of the nation’s top high school prospects in attendance, Smart and his staff are eager to showcase the next generation of stars while proving Georgia remains one of the top developmental programs in the country.

The Quarterback Battle: Stockton’s to Lose?

While there’s no definitive depth chart revealed until fall, the vibe around Athens suggests that Stockton enters G-Day as the frontrunner. His knowledge of the playbook, relationships with receivers, and command during practices have impressed coaches.

Still, Raiola’s raw talent and Puglisi’s toughness offer strong competition. If Stockton slips, there’s little doubt that Smart would be willing to open the door wider. The G-Day game won’t decide the starter, but it will be the most public checkpoint before preseason camp. A sharp performance from Stockton could allow him to carry momentum into summer.

Smart has always preached the importance of competition, and this spring has been no exception. “We want our guys to be uncomfortable,” Smart said. “The ones that rise in uncomfortable situations—those are the guys that help us win championships.”

Zayden Walker and the Linebacker Legacy

Georgia’s linebacker tradition is among the strongest in college football. Names like Roquan Smith, Nakobe Dean, and Quay Walker define a lineage that is both fierce and intelligent. Zayden Walker has all the tools to be the next in line, and what’s most promising is his willingness to learn.

Coaches have noted his film study habits and his eagerness to ask questions in meetings. On the field, his closing speed and tackling technique have stood out. In the open-field tackling drills, Walker has reportedly excelled—rare for a freshman still adjusting to the speed of the college game.

With CJ Allen, Raylen Wilson, and Mondon also part of the linebacker core, Georgia has one of the deepest units in the country. But Walker’s ability to force his way into that group speaks volumes. His G-Day performance will be watched closely—not for perfection, but for promise.

The Big Picture: Georgia’s 2025 Aspirations

Last season’s heartbreaking SEC Championship loss to Alabama and exclusion from the College Football Playoff stung. For Smart and his staff, it was a lesson in details and discipline. With a roster still teeming with elite talent, the 2025 Bulldogs are once again among the favorites to contend for a national title.

The key to that quest lies in the development of key contributors—especially at quarterback and on defense. That’s why players like Gunner Stockton and Zayden Walker are so vital. Their growth could directly impact whether Georgia returns to the mountaintop.

The G-Day spring game isn’t just about putting on a show—it’s about setting the tone. It’s about finding out who’s ready to lead and who needs more time. For fans in Athens and beyond, the game will provide their first true glimpse of what 2025 might bring.

 Stars of the Present, Leaders of the Future

For Gunner Stockton, G-Day offers an opportunity to go from backup to breakout. For Zayden Walker, it’s a chance to prove that the future of Georgia’s defense is already here. Together, they symbolize the blend of experience and youth that defines Georgia football’s identity in 2025.

As Sanford Stadium fills with tens of thousands of fans eager to watch a glorified scrimmage, the stakes may appear low. But for players like Stockton and Walker, it’s a stage—one that could catapult them into starring roles come fall.

And when you’re playing for Georgia, starring roles come with championship expectations.