Gunner Stockton Is Still a Question Mark, Even If He Isn’t the Biggest One for UGA This Spring. Spring football is all about answering questions, and for the Georgia Bulldogs, plenty of them remain as they prepare for the 2025 season. With key departures and new faces stepping into prominent roles, Kirby Smart and his staff have their work cut out for them. While quarterback Gunner Stockton remains an intriguing piece of the puzzle, he isn’t the biggest mystery for Georgia this spring—but he’s still one worth watching.
Where Does Gunner Stockton Stand?
Stockton, a former four-star recruit out of Rabun County, arrived in Athens with a reputation as a dual-threat playmaker. However, despite his talent, he has remained buried on the depth chart behind Carson Beck and Brock Vandagriff. With Vandagriff’s transfer, Stockton now finds himself in a battle for the No. 2 spot behind Beck, and while that may not seem like the most pressing issue for Georgia right now, it could become one quickly.
Beck is the unquestioned starter heading into 2025, but injuries happen, and Georgia’s offense will need a reliable backup who can step in if necessary. Stockton has the tools—he’s athletic, has a strong arm, and was prolific in high school—but he remains an unknown at the collegiate level, having thrown just a handful of passes in live-game situations.
Why Gunner Stockton Matters
While Georgia’s QB1 is set, the No. 2 quarterback role is more important than it might seem. If Stockton can show growth and command of the offense this spring, it would provide a level of security behind Beck. If he struggles, the Bulldogs could be forced to rely on true freshman Ryan Puglisi or look into the transfer portal for additional depth.
Beyond 2025, Stockton’s future in Athens is also a question. If Beck leaves for the NFL after next season, will Stockton be ready to take over? Or will Georgia look to Puglisi—or even another transfer—to lead the offense? This spring will be crucial in determining whether Stockton can position himself as the Bulldogs’ long-term answer at quarterback or if he risks getting lost in the shuffle.
Bigger Concerns for Georgia This Spring
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Stockton, Georgia has larger issues to address this spring. Among them:
- Offensive Line Adjustments: The Bulldogs lost key starters, and rebuilding the trenches will be crucial for protecting Beck and establishing the run game.
- Defensive Reloading: Georgia consistently develops elite defenses, but with multiple starters gone to the NFL, new faces will have to step up, especially in the secondary.
- Wide Receiver Depth: The Bulldogs have talent at receiver but need to establish who their go-to playmakers will be in 2025.
Final Thoughts
Gunner Stockton may not be Georgia’s biggest question mark this spring, but he remains a storyline worth following. As the Bulldogs look to continue their dominance in the SEC, ensuring depth and stability at quarterback is a must. If Stockton proves himself capable of stepping in when needed, Georgia will be in a much stronger position. If not, the Bulldogs may have to explore other options sooner rather than later.
