Georgia Football’s Gunner Stockton Being Misjudged by National Media: A Closer Look at His Untapped Potential.

The evaluation of college football players, particularly at the quarterback position, is one of the most discussed and often debated aspects of the sport. As the face of a program, the quarterback has the burden of leading the offense, executing complicated schemes, and making pivotal decisions on the fly. A player’s talent and future in the sport are typically analyzed based on national media projections, scouting reports, and fan narratives, but as is often the case, many players are unfairly misjudged based on incomplete evaluations.

One player who is beginning to feel the weight of this misplaced judgment is Gunner Stockton, the highly-touted quarterback from the University of Georgia. With a remarkable high school career that garnered attention across the nation, Stockton’s potential seemed limitless, yet the national media has been quick to diminish his abilities, misinterpreting his path and overlooking his true potential. As the Georgia Bulldogs prepare for another season, Stockton is determined to prove that these misjudgments are based on misunderstandings and that he has much more to offer than most experts realize.

A Glance at Stockton’s Background

Before diving into the narrative of misjudgment, it’s crucial to understand who Gunner Stockton is and the context of his rise to prominence. A native of Georgia, Stockton was a star quarterback at Rabun County High School, where he broke multiple state records and earned recognition as one of the top quarterbacks in the nation. As a four-star recruit, Stockton was a dual-threat quarterback capable of making plays both through the air and on the ground.

What set Stockton apart during his high school years wasn’t just his raw athletic ability, but his maturity in reading defenses and making precise throws under pressure. His impressive high school numbers—including over 14,000 career passing yards, 156 touchdowns, and numerous accolades—made him one of the most highly-coveted recruits in the country.

When Stockton made the decision to commit to Georgia, it seemed like a natural fit. Georgia’s quarterback room at the time was already stacked with talent, and Stockton had the luxury of learning from veterans like Stetson Bennett and others, who had led the Bulldogs to national prominence. Despite this, national media quickly shifted their focus away from Stockton, often neglecting to consider the nuances of his development and potential.

Early Criticism and Unwarranted Comparisons

One of the earliest signs that Stockton was being misjudged came in the form of media comparisons to other quarterbacks. Some pundits, in an attempt to predict how his career would unfold, quickly attempted to fit Stockton into the mold of current or past quarterbacks. As a dual-threat player, the natural comparison was often made to other quarterbacks with similar skill sets like Justin Fields or Jalen Hurts. While such comparisons may seem reasonable at first glance, they fail to capture the nuances of Stockton’s game and the specific environment he’s entering at Georgia.

Unlike Fields or Hurts, Stockton’s strength doesn’t lie solely in his ability to scramble or take off running; it’s his skill in the pocket, his ability to go through progressions, and his exceptional arm strength that should have attracted more attention. However, much of the national media has focused on his running ability rather than acknowledging that his primary asset as a quarterback is his ability to orchestrate an offense from the pocket.

As a freshman in a highly competitive program like Georgia, Stockton’s exposure has been somewhat limited. He has spent much of his time behind seasoned veterans, and despite having his moments in practice and in small bursts of playing time, his true potential has been largely untapped on the field. This lack of playing time, coupled with the media’s tendency to highlight what he can’t do yet, has only deepened the misjudgments.

The Misconception of Overhyped Potential

National media outlets tend to operate in a cycle of hype and expectation. Players like Stockton, who come with the weight of high recruiting rankings, are often placed under an unrealistic microscope. Many analysts and reporters prematurely expect immediate results, focusing on his lack of high-profile game experience rather than recognizing that he’s still a work in progress.

This tendency to dismiss players who haven’t yet had the opportunity to show their full potential on the field is a recurring issue in college football. Media outlets are quick to label a player as overrated or a “bust” if they don’t hit the ground running, but this fails to account for the complexities of a player’s development process. In Stockton’s case, he arrived at a Georgia team already loaded with talent and depth at the quarterback position. This didn’t afford him the luxury of a starting role right away.

Despite this, many national media pundits have failed to recognize that Stockton’s true growth as a quarterback comes with patience and experience. Just because he hasn’t been thrust into the limelight doesn’t mean he’s falling short of expectations. In fact, it’s simply a matter of waiting for the right opportunity.

Stockton’s Future at Georgia

Looking forward, the opportunities for Stockton to showcase his abilities are only growing. With the Georgia Bulldogs continuing to build on their national championship pedigree, Stockton’s time will eventually come. Whether it’s in the next season or the one after, Stockton is poised to become a key player in the program’s future. The national media, however, still seems hesitant to embrace this possibility, often giving the spotlight to other quarterbacks who have had more immediate success.

What many don’t realize is that Stockton’s approach to learning the game has been methodical and calculated. Unlike some quarterbacks who enter the starting role right away, Stockton has the unique opportunity to study under Kirby Smart and the Bulldogs’ elite coaching staff. As a result, his development has been more about building a solid foundation than rushing him into action.

Despite the national skepticism, those closest to Stockton know his true potential. Georgia’s coaches have consistently praised his work ethic, leadership skills, and his ability to read defenses. They understand that with time, he could become one of the top quarterbacks in the country, capable of leading Georgia to another national title. Yet, the media, in its rush to make predictions, has often failed to see this long-term vision.

What Makes Gunner Stockton Special?

So, what makes Gunner Stockton stand out in a crowded field of college quarterbacks? While much of the media has focused on his perceived weaknesses, it’s his unique skill set that truly sets him apart. As a dual-threat quarterback, Stockton has the capability to change a game with both his arm and his legs, but it’s his mental approach to the game that stands out most.

Stockton’s football IQ is elite, often seeing things on the field that many quarterbacks miss. His poise under pressure and ability to make adjustments during a game will only improve as he gains more playing time. Stockton’s confidence in the huddle and his calm demeanor in critical moments are attributes that few can match, even among veteran quarterbacks.

Furthermore, Stockton’s arm strength and accuracy make him a perfect fit for Georgia’s offensive system. His deep ball is one of the most impressive aspects of his game, and his ability to make throws to all parts of the field gives him a versatility that is often undervalued. Whether it’s a quick slant route or a deep post, Stockton’s accuracy will give Georgia the ability to stretch the field vertically, an element that will be essential as the offense evolves in the coming years.

The Media’s Focus: A Disservice to Stockton

At the heart of the national media’s misjudgment of Stockton is the assumption that a player’s worth is determined by immediate success or instant recognition. What’s overlooked is the fact that many of the greatest quarterbacks in college football history weren’t instant superstars. Players like Joe Burrow, Patrick Mahomes, and even Stetson Bennett all took different paths before becoming household names.

For Gunner Stockton, his development is a slow burn—one that will eventually pay dividends for Georgia. The media, however, is so quick to judge that they miss the bigger picture. By focusing on what Stockton hasn’t done yet rather than what he can do in the future, they fail to understand his true value and his potential to become one of the top quarterbacks in college football.

As the 2025 season unfolds, Gunner Stockton is one of the most exciting and promising young quarterbacks in college football, even if the national media continues to misjudge him. His time will come—just as it did for other great quarterbacks—and when it does, those who doubted him will likely be forced to re-evaluate their assessments.

Kirby Smart and the Georgia coaching staff are investing in Stockton’s future, recognizing that his development is a long-term process that will eventually lead to greatness. It’s time for the national media to take a step back, stop prematurely labeling players based on incomplete evaluations, and give Gunner Stockton the chance to prove himself on his own terms. His untapped potential is there for all to see—if they’re willing to look past the surface.