Is the 2025 Georgia quarterback competition truly between Stockton and Puglisi?

Is the 2025 Georgia Quarterback Competition Truly Between Stockton and Puglisi?

The University of Georgia football program is synonymous with success, boasting a storied history and producing NFL-caliber talent year after year. As the Bulldogs continue to evolve under head coach Kirby Smart, one of the most intriguing storylines heading into the 2025 season is the battle for the starting quarterback position. With Carson Beck, the presumed starter, moving on, the competition for the role has intensified. But the question on the minds of many Georgia fans is: Is the quarterback battle truly between Gunnar Stockton and Jaden Puglisi, or is there more at play here?

Both Stockton and Puglisi have solid pedigrees as recruits and have garnered significant attention in their respective recruitments, but the quarterback battle is rarely as straightforward as it seems. While Stockton and Puglisi may seem like the front-runners at first glance, other factors, including the development of younger quarterbacks, potential transfer options, and the overall direction of Georgia’s offense, could ultimately shape the future of Georgia’s quarterback room.

The Landscape of Georgia’s Quarterback Room

When Carson Beck decided to leave for the NFL following the 2024 season, it left a void at the quarterback position for the Bulldogs. With Beck moving on, Georgia’s fanbase and coaching staff turned their attention to the next man up. Enter Gunnar Stockton and Jaden Puglisi—two quarterbacks with very different styles and backgrounds, but both poised to compete for the starting job.

At the same time, other options exist in Georgia’s quarterback room, and the competition might not be as limited to just Stockton and Puglisi as some assume. For the sake of this analysis, it’s worth taking a deep dive into the strengths and weaknesses of these two quarterbacks, their competition, and the overall landscape.

Gunnar Stockton: The Dual-Threat Dynamo

Gunnar Stockton, a former five-star recruit from South Carolina, brings a unique skill set to Georgia’s quarterback room. Known for his mobility and dual-threat abilities, Stockton can both pass and run with equal effectiveness. This makes him a dynamic weapon that could add a different dimension to Georgia’s offense.

Stockton’s recruitment was highly anticipated, and he was one of the most talked-about quarterbacks in the country when he committed to Georgia. His athleticism was one of the biggest selling points; standing at 6’1″ and weighing around 210 pounds, Stockton is well-built for the physical demands of the SEC. But beyond just physical traits, Stockton’s high school career displayed his ability to read defenses, extend plays, and make accurate throws on the run—qualities that could serve him well in Smart’s pro-style offense.

However, despite all of his promise, Stockton has yet to make a meaningful impact in games at the collegiate level. He spent the 2023 and 2024 seasons largely as a backup to Beck, and when he did see the field, he was typically given limited opportunities to showcase his talents. While many saw his dual-threat ability as a potential advantage, some questioned whether Stockton’s overall development—particularly his consistency as a passer—was at the level required to take over the starting job.

The 2025 season could provide Stockton with his big chance, but there are still some hurdles he must overcome. Specifically, questions about his decision-making under pressure and his ability to stay consistent with his mechanics are things that will need to be ironed out in training camp. If Stockton can prove that he has the poise and the passing ability to complement his athleticism, he could very well emerge as the starting quarterback.

Jaden Puglisi: The Strong, Pocket-Passing QB

Jaden Puglisi, on the other hand, represents a more traditional quarterback option for Georgia. Hailing from the state of Illinois, Puglisi is a highly-touted prospect with an impressive arm and the kind of pocket presence that could fit well in Georgia’s system.

Puglisi stands at 6’4″, a size that instantly gives him the physical tools to compete at a high level in the SEC. As a high school recruit, Puglisi was often lauded for his ability to make every throw in the book. Whether it was a deep pass down the sideline, a touch throw over the middle, or a laser in tight windows, Puglisi demonstrated the accuracy and velocity required of a top-tier quarterback. He also has a natural ability to read defenses and process information quickly, which is crucial for any quarterback aiming to succeed in the SEC.

Unlike Stockton, who is more of a dual-threat option, Puglisi excels as a traditional pocket passer. His mobility isn’t a strength compared to other quarterbacks, but his ability to stand in the pocket and deliver accurate throws under pressure could serve him well in a pro-style offense. One of Puglisi’s standout qualities is his poise—he doesn’t get rattled easily, which is an essential trait for any quarterback in a high-pressure environment like the SEC.

However, like Stockton, Puglisi’s college career has not yet taken off. He, too, has had limited playing time, mostly operating behind Beck. The biggest questions surrounding Puglisi are whether he can transition from being a high school standout into a collegiate starter, particularly given the speed and complexity of SEC defenses. The competition between Stockton and Puglisi will likely come down to which quarterback can best manage the offense, make quick decisions, and protect the football.

Are Other Quarterbacks in the Mix?

While Stockton and Puglisi are the main contenders, the competition for the starting role at Georgia may not be as limited as some expect. A few other players in Georgia’s quarterback room might surprise people, including Brock Vandagriff and Dylan Raiola—a 2025 recruit who has committed to Georgia but will be joining the program as a freshman.

Brock Vandagriff: The Experienced Competitor

Brock Vandagriff, a highly-touted recruit from the 2022 class, is another player who could potentially disrupt the quarterback race. Although he has yet to secure the starting role, Vandagriff has been in the system for a few seasons and has learned under the tutelage of head coach Kirby Smart and offensive coordinator Todd Monken. His experience in Georgia’s system could give him an edge over Stockton and Puglisi, who are both relative newcomers.

Vandagriff is known for his arm strength, athleticism, and ability to make plays both in and out of the pocket. His skill set has earned him praise from coaches, and many expect that he will push hard for the starting job in 2025. While the quarterback battle is likely to be close, Vandagriff’s experience in the program cannot be underestimated. If he can refine his skills and develop the consistency needed to be an effective leader, he could enter the competition as one of the top contenders.

Dylan Raiola: The Incoming Freshman

The wild card in Georgia’s quarterback race could be Dylan Raiola, the top-rated quarterback in the 2025 class. While it is unlikely that he would be the immediate starter, there’s no question that Raiola’s talent will make him a factor to watch. He brings a wealth of talent, a high football IQ, and a cannon for an arm, making him an intriguing option in the future.

Raiola’s arrival at Georgia will only further complicate the quarterback situation in Athens. He has the potential to be the future face of Georgia football, and while it is unlikely he will start as a freshman, his development over the coming years could make him an heir apparent to whichever quarterback claims the starting role in 2025.

Other Factors at Play

The 2025 quarterback competition at Georgia is about more than just Stockton and Puglisi. The Bulldogs’ offense is undergoing some changes, and the direction the program takes may affect which quarterback wins the job. Georgia has traditionally run a pro-style offense with a strong emphasis on running the football, but changes in offensive strategy, game plans, and even personnel could all impact which quarterback is chosen to lead the team.

Additionally, Georgia’s recruiting efforts and potential transfer portal additions could influence the competition. As the NCAA transfer portal continues to be a significant factor in college football, it’s always possible that the Bulldogs could bring in a veteran quarterback with experience to challenge Stockton, Puglisi, and Vandagriff.