Georgia Provides an Update on the Competition for the New Starting QB

As spring practice unfolds in Athens, the University of Georgia finds itself in familiar territory: reloading, not rebuilding. After another successful season under head coach Kirby Smart, the Bulldogs are once again in the thick of national championship conversations. But unlike past years, there’s an air of uncertainty surrounding the quarterback position — a critical piece in UGA’s quest for continued dominance.

With Carson Beck declaring for the NFL Draft after a standout season, Georgia’s coaching staff now turns its attention to determining who will command the offense in 2025. The quarterback competition is the most closely watched battle of the spring, and Smart offered a glimpse into how things are shaping up during his latest media availability.

A Deep QB Room — But No Clear Favorite (Yet)

Georgia’s quarterback room is full of talent, albeit mostly unproven. The top contenders for the starting job include redshirt sophomore Brock Vandagriff, redshirt freshman Gunner Stockton, true freshman Ryan Puglisi, and early enrollee Dylan Raiola, the five-star phenom who flipped from Ohio State to Georgia in a headline-grabbing recruiting saga.

Each brings a unique skill set to the table. Vandagriff is a dual-threat athlete with three years in the system. Stockton offers a gunslinger mentality and showed flashes during practices last season. Puglisi has the physical tools but is still early in his development. Raiola, however, is the wild card — a generational talent who some believe could be the next great Georgia quarterback if he adapts quickly.

Kirby Smart, true to form, is keeping his cards close to the vest.

“We’ve got a lot of talent in that room, and that’s what you want,” Smart said after the Bulldogs’ third spring practice. “We’re evaluating every rep, every drill. It’s a wide-open competition right now.”

Raiola’s Arrival Ups the Stakes

While Vandagriff and Stockton were presumed to be the frontrunners when Beck announced his departure, Dylan Raiola’s early enrollment has added a new layer of intrigue to the battle. Rated as the No. 1 quarterback in the 2024 recruiting class by most major services, Raiola has arrived in Athens with sky-high expectations — and the pressure that comes with them.

Despite his inexperience at the college level, Raiola has impressed coaches with his maturity, work ethic, and arm strength.

“Dylan’s been as advertised,” said offensive coordinator Mike Bobo. “He’s a quick learner. He’s got a strong arm and he’s asking the right questions. We’re not rushing him, but he’s definitely going to get his shot.”

Raiola has already taken reps with the second-team offense and is expected to get a look with the starters before the spring concludes.

Vandagriff’s Experience Could Give Him the Edge

If seniority and system familiarity matter, Brock Vandagriff might have the upper hand. A former five-star recruit himself, Vandagriff has patiently waited his turn behind Stetson Bennett and Carson Beck. Though he’s only seen limited action in mop-up duty, his command of the offense and leadership have stood out during the spring.

“Brock knows this offense inside and out,” said Smart. “He’s got poise, he’s tough, and he’s taken a lot of mental reps over the years.”

Vandagriff has shown improvement as a passer during spring scrimmages and still possesses the mobility that made him a coveted recruit. If he can string together strong practices and build chemistry with Georgia’s revamped receiving corps, he could solidify his spot atop the depth chart heading into the fall.

Don’t Count Out Gunner Stockton

Though he might not have the national profile of Vandagriff or Raiola, Gunner Stockton is not to be overlooked. The former four-star from Rabun County, Georgia, has quietly built momentum since arriving in Athens. Coaches have praised his competitiveness and fearless style of play.

“Gunner’s got that edge to him,” Bobo noted. “He’s confident, he’s not afraid to take shots, and he’s been working on his decision-making. He’s in the thick of it.”

Stockton played well during Georgia’s closed-door scrimmage last week, connecting on several deep throws and showing improved timing on intermediate routes. His performance in the annual G-Day spring game could be pivotal in determining where he stands in the pecking order.

Early Glimpses From Spring Practices

Georgia fans are hungry for any insight into the quarterback battle, and while spring practices are closed to the public, reports from team insiders suggest that all four contenders have had moments of brilliance — and inconsistency.

One observer noted that Raiola’s arm talent is “the best we’ve seen since Matthew Stafford,” but also mentioned that he’s still adjusting to the speed of the college game. Vandagriff has reportedly looked the most consistent, while Stockton has flashed big-play ability.

Puglisi, though likely a year away from seriously competing for the starting job, has impressed with his physicality and football IQ.

“You can tell these guys are pushing each other,” one team source said. “Nobody’s backing down. It’s a healthy competition, and that’s exactly what you want.”

What Kirby Smart Wants in a QB

While Georgia’s defense continues to be the backbone of the program, the quarterback position has evolved into a more dynamic role under Smart and Bobo. Gone are the days of simply managing the game. The Bulldogs now want a signal-caller who can make plays, stretch defenses, and elevate the offense — especially in big moments.

Smart emphasized the importance of consistency, decision-making, and leadership.

“It’s not just about talent,” he said. “It’s about leading the offense, earning the respect of your teammates, and taking care of the football. The guy who does that best will be the one who plays.”

That message has been echoed throughout the program and has become the guiding principle in evaluating each quarterback’s progress.

G-Day Looms Large

Georgia’s spring game, scheduled for April 13, will provide the first public glimpse of how the quarterback competition is unfolding. While the results of a single scrimmage won’t determine the starter, the G-Day game will give fans — and the coaching staff — a chance to see how each player handles pressure in a semi-live environment.

Smart has not committed to naming a starter before the summer, and it’s likely the battle will continue into fall camp. That’s not uncommon in Athens — both Bennett and Beck emerged as starters only after extended competition deep into the preseason.

Wide Receiver Chemistry Will Be Key

Whoever wins the starting quarterback job will inherit a talented (and retooled) group of weapons. Dominic Lovett and Dillon Bell return as explosive options, while incoming transfers like Germie Bernard (from Michigan State) and tight end Holden Staes (from Notre Dame) bring added firepower.

Building chemistry with these pass catchers will be vital — and could play a decisive role in separating one quarterback from the rest. According to wide receivers coach Bryan McClendon, that process is already underway.

“We’ve had guys staying late after practice, working on routes, timing, all that stuff,” McClendon said. “That’s what you love to see.”

What the Fans Are Saying

Georgia’s fanbase, as passionate and plugged-in as any in college football, is split on who should lead the offense. Vandagriff has the advantage of experience and loyalty. Raiola brings the excitement of a new era. Stockton has his own vocal supporters who believe he’s being overlooked.

Social media has been buzzing with debate, and many fans view the 2025 season as a critical test of whether Georgia can sustain its dominance through another quarterback transition.

As one fan put it on X (formerly Twitter):

“We’ve got four QBs who could probably start anywhere else. Kirby’s got a good problem on his hands.”

 A Championship Roster Needs the Right Leader

Georgia’s quest for another national championship will hinge on more than just quarterback play — but make no mistake, getting the right guy under center is paramount. The Bulldogs boast one of the best rosters in the country, anchored by a physical offensive line, a deep defensive front, and elite skill position players.

Whoever wins the starting quarterback job won’t have to carry the team on his own — but he will need to rise to the moment when the lights are brightest. Whether it’s Vandagriff, Stockton, Raiola, or an unexpected contender, the goal remains the same: lead Georgia back to the College Football Playoff and keep the dynasty rolling.

For now, the competition rages on — and all eyes remain on Athens.