Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton Gets Ready to Take the Lead in 2025

As the 2024 college football season wraps up, the Georgia Bulldogs are already looking toward the future, particularly at the quarterback position. With a legacy of success in recent years, the Bulldogs have relied on a strong defense and a powerful ground game to propel them to multiple national championships and SEC titles. However, a new era is on the horizon as Georgia prepares for life after veteran quarterbacks. Enter Gunner Stockton—a highly touted prospect who’s poised to take the reins as the Bulldogs’ starting quarterback in 2025.

Gunner Stockton has long been regarded as one of the most talented quarterbacks in recent years, and his potential to lead Georgia into the next chapter of its football dynasty has generated considerable excitement among fans and analysts alike. As he gears up for the 2025 season, Stockton’s journey from highly recruited freshman to potential future star represents a pivotal moment in Georgia football’s transition to a new offensive era.

This article will explore Gunner Stockton’s background, his development as a quarterback, what Georgia fans can expect from him in the 2025 season, and how his leadership could shape the future of Georgia football.

Gunner Stockton: The Highly-Touted Recruit

Gunner Stockton arrived at Georgia as one of the top quarterback prospects in the country. A native of Rabun County, Georgia, Stockton’s high school career was nothing short of spectacular. As a four-star recruit, Stockton earned a reputation for his strong arm, impressive mobility, and poise under pressure. He was regarded as one of the top quarterbacks in the 2022 recruiting class, and it was clear from the outset that he had the potential to become Georgia’s next star signal-caller.

At Rabun County High School, Stockton was an offensive juggernaut. Over the course of his high school career, he set numerous records for passing yards, touchdowns, and completions. His ability to make all the throws—deep balls, short slants, and everything in between—made him one of the most coveted quarterback recruits in the country. What set Stockton apart was his combination of arm strength and mobility. Unlike some quarterbacks who rely solely on one trait, Stockton’s dual-threat ability allowed him to extend plays with his legs and throw accurately on the run. This versatility gave him a high ceiling as a prospect and drew comparisons to some of the most successful quarterbacks in college football.

Beyond his physical abilities, Stockton’s leadership and football IQ also impressed scouts. He was known for his ability to read defenses, adjust to different schemes, and remain calm in high-pressure situations. His strong work ethic and commitment to improving made him a natural fit for a program like Georgia, which prides itself on developing its players both on and off the field.

Stockton’s high school career culminated in a series of accolades, including being named a finalist for various player-of-the-year awards and leading his team to a state championship. With such a decorated high school resume, Stockton quickly became one of the key pieces in Georgia’s recruiting efforts under head coach Kirby Smart.

Redshirting in 2023: Preparing for the Future

Although Gunner Stockton was highly regarded as a freshman, Georgia’s quarterback situation in 2023 was firmly under the control of veteran Stetson Bennett, who had led the Bulldogs to back-to-back national championships. With Bennett returning for another season, Stockton had the opportunity to learn from one of the most successful quarterbacks in Georgia history, all while adjusting to the physicality and speed of college football.

Stockton’s redshirt year in 2023 provided him with valuable experience and an opportunity to refine his skills in practice. While he did not see significant playing time during the season, his development during that time cannot be understated. Redshirting allowed him to gain knowledge of the offensive system, learn how to read SEC-level defenses, and develop his game without the immediate pressure of having to perform in a live game.

The time spent observing and learning from Stetson Bennett and Georgia’s coaching staff proved invaluable for Stockton. Bennett, known for his ability to manage games and his clutch performances in key moments, served as an ideal mentor for Stockton, who could learn both the technical aspects of the position and the mental approach to being a quarterback at Georgia. Having a year to acclimate to the speed and complexity of college football set Stockton up for success in the coming seasons, and the redshirt year gave him a foundation upon which he could build heading into 2025.

Gunner Stockton’s Physical Attributes

One of the primary reasons why Gunner Stockton is so highly regarded as Georgia’s quarterback of the future is his impressive physical attributes. Standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing 210 pounds, Stockton has the prototypical build of a modern college quarterback. His frame allows him to stand tall in the pocket and absorb hits while still maintaining the ability to extend plays with his legs when necessary.

Stockton’s arm strength is arguably his most notable physical trait. He can make all the throws necessary at the college level, from deep bombs to sideline fades to quick slants across the middle of the field. His throwing mechanics are smooth and natural, which allows him to generate velocity on his passes while maintaining accuracy. Unlike some quarterbacks who struggle with consistency in their throws, Stockton has displayed the ability to put the ball where it needs to be in a variety of situations.

In addition to his arm strength, Stockton’s mobility is another key asset that will serve him well at Georgia. While he is not a run-first quarterback, he has enough athleticism to escape pressure and make plays with his legs. His agility allows him to buy extra time in the pocket and extend plays when his initial options are not available. This dual-threat ability could make him a dangerous weapon for Georgia’s offense, especially as defenses focus on containing him as both a passer and a runner.

Stockton’s combination of arm strength, mobility, and poise makes him an exciting prospect for Georgia. His physical attributes allow him to make a variety of throws while also offering the ability to break containment and create opportunities with his legs. These traits are essential for a modern college quarterback, and they will be critical to Georgia’s success in the 2025 season and beyond.

What to Expect from Gunner Stockton in 2025

As Gunner Stockton enters the 2025 season, Georgia fans can expect a quarterback who is capable of leading the Bulldogs to continued success. After spending a year learning behind Stetson Bennett, Stockton is poised to take on the starting role and guide Georgia’s offense to new heights.

Offensively, Georgia’s system under head coach Kirby Smart has become more dynamic in recent years, with an increased focus on passing. While Georgia remains a team that emphasizes a balanced approach—dominated by a powerful running game—Smart has recognized the importance of a versatile passing attack. Stockton’s ability to stretch the field with his arm and make plays in the pocket gives Georgia the flexibility to diversify its offensive playcalling.

In 2025, expect Stockton to be the centerpiece of Georgia’s offense. His development as a passer will be key to unlocking the full potential of Georgia’s skilled position players, including wide receivers and tight ends. With weapons like Brock Bowers (if he returns for the 2025 season) and several talented wideouts, Stockton will have the tools to lead a high-powered offense.

One of the most intriguing aspects of Stockton’s game is his ability to push the ball down the field. Unlike some quarterbacks who may focus primarily on short-yardage throws, Stockton’s strong arm and downfield accuracy make him a threat in the vertical passing game. This will be crucial for Georgia’s offense, especially as the Bulldogs aim to stretch the defense and open up running lanes for their star tailbacks.

Furthermore, Stockton’s ability to make plays with his legs will give Georgia’s offensive scheme additional flexibility. With mobile quarterbacks becoming increasingly important in college football, Stockton’s dual-threat potential will allow Georgia to incorporate more designed quarterback runs, read-option plays, and scrambles when necessary. This dimension of his game will help him keep defenses honest and add another element of unpredictability to Georgia’s offense.

Leadership and Poise

Another key aspect of Gunner Stockton’s game is his leadership ability. Even as a young player, Stockton has shown maturity beyond his years and a level-headed approach to the quarterback position. He possesses the confidence and mental toughness necessary to handle the high expectations at a program like Georgia, and his leadership will be crucial as he takes over the offense.

Georgia has a proud tradition of strong quarterbacks who have led the team to success, and Stockton has the potential to carry on that legacy. His ability to lead by example, stay calm in the pocket, and make big plays when it matters most will be critical to Georgia’s continued success on the national stage.