Gunner Stockton Faces the Challenge of Georgia’s Quarterback Legacy
Gunner Stockton knows he can improve. Reflecting on his performances, he once stated, “I’d like to, heck, always get better. Just watch the tape, the little stuff. Just watch it back. I know I can play better.” That level of self-awareness is promising, but for a quarterback at Georgia, it’s only the beginning. Playing in Athens isn’t just about throwing passes; it’s about upholding a rich legacy. The last Georgia player to win the Heisman Trophy was Herschel Walker in 1982, and since then, a long line of national champions and Heisman contenders have added to the program’s mystique. Stockton is now stepping into that spotlight, fully aware of the immense expectations.
Stepping Up in Big Moments
Stockton made his first college start in the Sugar Bowl after stepping in for Carson Beck during the SEC Championship. But he’s not just competing for the starting quarterback role—he’s trying to maintain Georgia’s dominance under head coach Kirby Smart. Now that his name is surfacing in early Heisman discussions, the pressure is intensifying.
The environment he’s entering adds to that challenge. Stetson Bennett’s run with the Bulldogs was legendary, culminating in a Heisman finalist spot in 2022. While Bennett wasn’t the most highly touted recruit, his development and leadership guided Georgia to multiple national titles. The post-Bennett era introduces uncertainty. Analyst Josh Pate weighed in, saying, “In a post-Stetson Bennett world, I am not gonna be the guy that sits here and doubts Kirby Smart and his staff’s ability to put a winner, to develop a winner, and put him on the field.”
Evaluating Stockton’s Potential
Despite Smart’s track record of developing winning quarterbacks, Stockton remains somewhat unproven. His performance in the Sugar Bowl against Notre Dame was a learning experience, while his relief appearance against Texas showed glimpses of potential.
Josh Pate was asked to rate Stockton’s Heisman chances on a scale from 1 to 10, with 10 being a legitimate contender. He gave Stockton a 6, explaining, “I don’t think I would ever see Georgia take the field with a quarterback that’s not capable of winning for them, and not every one of them is going to be Matthew Stafford or anything like that.” Stockton is seen as a quarterback who can win at Georgia, but whether he’s Heisman material remains uncertain.
The Offensive Line Factor
A major concern for Stockton’s Heisman hopes is Georgia’s offensive line. Even the most talented quarterbacks struggle without solid protection. Pate acknowledged this uncertainty, saying, “It wouldn’t surprise me if Georgia had a total dominant group of stud offensive linemen this year. I don’t know, man. I’m in the position with them where if they prove me wrong, they’re going to prove me wrong by overperforming.”
This is a critical difference between Stockton and Bennett. Bennett benefited from one of the most stable offensive lines in college football, which allowed him to extend plays and take risks. If Georgia’s offensive line isn’t as strong this season, Stockton may find it difficult to showcase his full potential.
Stockton’s Performance at Georgia’s Pro Day
Stockton recently took the field at Georgia’s Pro Day, an event where NFL scouts and coaches evaluate talent. While Pro Day is usually about draft prospects, Stockton’s participation in the passing drills gave observers a rare chance to assess his arm in a high-profile setting.
Head coach Kirby Smart has praised Stockton’s approach, saying on Atlanta’s 92.9 The Game radio station, “Gunner is very different from Carson. He’s different from Stetson and Jake (Fromm) and JT (Daniels). He’s his own person. He’s got a quiet confidence about him. That’s the way Nick Chubb was… He listens all the time. He’s taking notes, he’s wise, and he’s a great kid.”
Georgia has developed a reputation as an NFL talent factory, producing first-round draft picks at an impressive rate. However, with the 2025 season approaching, the immediate focus is on Stockton’s ability to lead the Bulldogs.
The Road Ahead
Georgia will kick off the 2025 season at home on August 30 against Marshall. Under Smart, the Bulldogs have never lost a season opener, and their home winning streak extends beyond 30 games. Stockton has an opportunity to prove himself early, but whether he can rise to the occasion and solidify himself as Georgia’s next great quarterback remains to be seen.