Gunner Stockton Gains Momentum in Georgia Quarterback Battle as New Practice Clue Reveals Edge Over Rivals in Intense Competition
For months, Georgia’s quarterback battle has loomed large over Athens. With Carson Beck now off to the NFL and the Bulldogs entering a pivotal 2025 campaign, all eyes are on who will take the reins of the offense. Kirby Smart has maintained a characteristically tight-lipped stance on the matter, repeating familiar lines about competition, development, and consistency. But behind closed doors and now in the open on the practice field, a new clue has emerged—and it might just give Gunner Stockton the inside track to winning the job.
During a recent closed scrimmage open only to select media members, Stockton was seen taking the vast majority of first-team reps. While that alone isn’t a final verdict, in a program as detail-oriented and process-driven as Georgia’s, practice rep distribution is never accidental. Coaches don’t hand out first-team work without reason. In this case, it’s a loud message in a position battle that has otherwise remained opaque.
For Stockton, it’s the opportunity he’s waited patiently to seize. A former four-star recruit out of Rabun County, Stockton was once one of the most prolific high school quarterbacks in Georgia history. Known for his toughness, mobility, and dual-threat playmaking, he entered UGA as part of the same recruiting class that saw Brock Vandagriff and Carson Beck already on campus. That meant time on the bench, a redshirt year, and endless hours of scout team duty. But now, the path is clearing—and Stockton appears ready to step into the spotlight.
Georgia’s quarterback room in 2025 is still one of the deepest in the SEC, even with Beck’s departure. Redshirt freshman Ryan Puglisi, a former top-100 recruit, has impressed with his arm talent and upside, while true freshman Dylan Raiola, one of the most hyped quarterback prospects in recent memory, brings enormous potential. But both remain relatively inexperienced in Georgia’s system. Stockton, on the other hand, has spent three seasons learning the playbook, building rapport with coaches, and refining the finer points of the position.
That experience is proving invaluable. According to sources close to the program, Stockton has shown major growth in his timing, footwork, and command of the offense this spring. His grasp of protections, audibles, and situational awareness has impressed offensive coordinator Mike Bobo, who has praised Stockton’s improved decision-making and leadership. Unlike earlier in his career—when he was prone to locking onto receivers and forcing throws—Stockton now looks like a quarterback who has internalized the full scope of the playbook.
The respect he’s earned from teammates is also becoming evident. During voluntary summer workouts, multiple players noted that Stockton had emerged as a vocal leader, organizing throwing sessions, studying film with receivers, and consistently showing up first to meetings. Leadership, especially at Georgia, is not just about raw skill—it’s about buy-in. And by all accounts, Stockton has the full support of the locker room.
Stockton’s style of play could also give Georgia’s offense a new dimension. While Beck was a polished pocket passer who thrived in rhythm, Stockton brings mobility and escapability that adds pressure to defenses. He’s not just a scrambler—he’s a legitimate dual-threat who can extend plays and pick up yards on the ground when coverage holds. That could be especially valuable behind an offensive line that’s replacing key pieces from last season.
Moreover, Stockton has improved his deep-ball accuracy, something that was once a weakness in his game. Reports from spring ball and the early portion of fall camp indicate that he’s been connecting more consistently on vertical throws, particularly to speedsters like Arian Smith and incoming freshman Ny Carr. If he continues to show confidence pushing the ball downfield, that could elevate Georgia’s offense to a more explosive level than it achieved even with Beck.
Still, nothing is guaranteed. Kirby Smart has emphasized that the competition remains open, and both Raiola and Puglisi are receiving meaningful reps. Raiola, in particular, has the kind of arm talent that turns heads. He’s already drawn comparisons to former Georgia standout Matthew Stafford in terms of mechanics and arm strength. But with that natural talent comes the usual freshman learning curve—timing, reads, footwork, and decision-making all still need refinement. Georgia’s staff is unlikely to rush his development just to satisfy hype.
Puglisi is something of a wild card. Less heralded than Raiola but extremely talented in his own right, he has a rocket arm and has been praised for his calm demeanor in the pocket. But like Raiola, he has yet to play meaningful snaps at the college level. In a program built to win now—with national title expectations every season—experience, maturity, and consistency often win out over potential. That may be where Stockton’s edge truly lies.
The 2025 season is shaping up to be one of Georgia’s most challenging yet. With a revamped SEC schedule that includes trips to Texas and Alabama, the Bulldogs won’t have the luxury of easing into the season. Whoever wins the quarterback job will be thrown into the fire early. That reality may tilt the scale toward Stockton, who knows the speed of the SEC and has earned trust from the coaching staff.
Beyond the x’s and o’s, there’s also something poetic about Stockton’s rise. In an era of constant transfers and instant gratification, he’s remained at Georgia through adversity, competition, and uncertainty. He watched players come and go—JT Daniels, Stetson Bennett, Brock Vandagriff—and waited for his moment. Now, it appears that moment may finally be arriving.
Kirby Smart has long valued mental toughness and resilience as key traits in quarterbacks. It’s why he trusted Stetson Bennett, despite doubts and criticisms. Bennett’s story helped define a championship era at Georgia. Now, Stockton’s story could be next.
The upcoming scrimmages will be crucial. Georgia’s coaching staff evaluates everything: accuracy in team periods, poise in situational drills, chemistry with receivers, even how a quarterback reacts to being blitzed in live reps. Stockton won’t be handed anything—he’ll have to earn it, every day, every throw. But if practice trends hold, he may already be separating himself.
In interviews, Stockton has remained humble and focused. “All I can do is compete and be ready when my name’s called,” he said after a recent practice. “We’ve got a great room, a lot of talented guys. I’m just trying to lead and execute every rep.”
That mindset is exactly what Kirby Smart wants. At Georgia, nothing is handed out based on hype, stars, or headlines. Jobs are won with consistency, leadership, and the ability to elevate the players around you. So far, Gunner Stockton appears to be checking those boxes.
The season opener is just weeks away, and the quarterback question will soon be answered. Until then, every practice rep matters. Every read, every throw, every leadership moment. But if the latest clues from camp are any indication, Stockton might be closer than ever to fulfilling the promise that once made him one of Georgia’s most exciting quarterback prospects.
For a program chasing another national title and looking to prove 2024 was an outlier, the quarterback position will be under more scrutiny than ever. And if Gunner Stockton is indeed the one to lead the Bulldogs into battle, it will be a testament not only to his talent—but to his patience, growth, and belief in the long game.
