Paul Finebaum Shocks SEC World: “I’m Not a Believer in Gunner Stockton” — Georgia Fans Erupt Over Blistering Take

Paul Finebaum has never been one to tiptoe around controversy, and his most recent remarks about Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton have lit a firestorm across SEC country. The longtime ESPN analyst and voice of the Southeastern Conference stunned viewers and listeners alike when he unequivocally stated, “I’m not a believer in Gunner Stockton,” during a segment discussing Georgia’s quarterback situation heading into the upcoming season. With one bold sentence, Finebaum flipped the script on a player many Georgia fans have seen as a key piece of the future. The reaction was instant, fierce, and widespread. In Athens and across the Bulldog fan base, emotions ran high. For Finebaum, who has built a brand on provocative commentary and SEC expertise, it was business as usual. But for Georgia supporters, it felt like a direct shot at one of their own—a young quarterback still trying to carve out his place in a loaded program coming off consecutive national title appearances.

Finebaum’s timing was particularly striking. Georgia is once again entering the season with sky-high expectations and a quarterback competition that has caught the attention of fans and analysts nationwide. While Carson Beck is firmly entrenched as the starter, Stockton has long been viewed as the heir apparent. A four-star recruit with video game-like numbers in high school, Stockton brings athleticism, toughness, and a winning pedigree. Many inside the program have raved about his development behind the scenes. But Finebaum made it clear he’s not buying into the hype. His statement wasn’t framed as a question or speculation—it was a declaration. And in typical Finebaum fashion, it was said with the kind of certainty that demands a reaction.

The ripple effect was immediate. Georgia fans flooded social media to express their outrage, disbelief, and frustration. Some accused Finebaum of being anti-Georgia, a narrative that has surfaced periodically during his years of coverage. Others called his comments premature and unfair, considering Stockton’s limited opportunities to prove himself in meaningful action. Stockton, who has mostly been a backup during his time in Athens, hasn’t had many chances to showcase his abilities in high-pressure situations. Yet, Finebaum’s take didn’t seem to account for context or development—it was a sweeping judgment that hit a nerve among fans who still see Stockton as a vital part of the program’s future.

For those unfamiliar with Stockton’s background, his pedigree speaks volumes. Coming out of Rabun County High School in Georgia, Stockton was one of the most prolific passers in state history. He threw for over 13,000 yards and accounted for more than 170 total touchdowns, making him one of the most productive quarterbacks the state has ever seen. His decision to commit to Georgia was seen as a massive in-state recruiting win for Kirby Smart, and many believed Stockton would eventually follow in the footsteps of past Bulldog greats like Aaron Murray, David Greene, and even Stetson Bennett. His tools have never been in question—arm strength, mobility, and leadership all check the boxes. The question, as it often is in powerhouse programs, has been whether he would get the chance and whether he would make the most of it when it came.

Finebaum’s critics argue that his take ignores the developmental timeline of quarterbacks in modern college football. Not every top-tier signal caller is a Day 1 starter. In fact, in a program like Georgia’s, where the depth chart is loaded with NFL-caliber talent and the margin for error is razor thin, the path to the starting job often takes longer than fans or analysts expect. Stockton has sat, learned, developed under Todd Monken and now Mike Bobo, and has earned praise for his work ethic and readiness. While he hasn’t had a breakout moment in front of the national audience yet, those inside the building maintain he is progressing exactly as hoped. For Finebaum to discount all of that with one dismissive sentence feels, to many, like a slight not just toward Stockton, but toward the Georgia program’s process.

At the same time, Finebaum’s perspective resonates with a certain segment of the college football audience that thrives on strong opinions and harsh realities. In his view, being a believer in a player means seeing tangible proof, not just hype and potential. To that end, Stockton hasn’t had his defining moment yet. The Georgia quarterback room is filled with talent, and until Stockton clearly separates himself or wins a meaningful game, skeptics like Finebaum will remain unconvinced. And in fairness, Finebaum isn’t alone in his skepticism. The national media often overlooks backup quarterbacks, even highly touted ones, until they make noise on the field. Stockton’s supporters may be vocal, but outside Georgia’s inner circle, he remains largely an unproven commodity.

Still, the issue for many is not just what Finebaum said, but how he said it. The blunt dismissal of a young player who has done everything right—from recruiting to development to team-first mentality—felt like an unnecessary jab. For a broadcaster who often speaks about the human side of college football and the impact of pressure on young athletes, Finebaum’s critique of Stockton felt unusually harsh. Georgia fans, ever loyal and protective of their own, weren’t going to let it slide. Radio calls poured in, social media debates erupted, and some fans even called for a boycott of Finebaum’s show, claiming he had crossed a line with his overly cynical view.

Kirby Smart and his staff are unlikely to respond directly to Finebaum’s comments, but there’s little doubt the words have been heard inside the program. Coaches and players are human, and bulletin board material, no matter how small, has a way of lingering. Stockton, for his part, has remained silent, continuing to work and prepare behind the scenes. Those who know him best describe him as humble, focused, and quietly competitive—exactly the kind of player who would use Finebaum’s doubts as fuel rather than discouragement. And should he get his chance this season or next, there will be no shortage of fans waiting to see how he responds when the spotlight is fully his.

In the grand scheme of college football, media takes like Finebaum’s are part of the ecosystem. They generate discussion, drive ratings, and bring attention to players and programs alike. But in this case, the commentary struck a nerve because it challenged not just the abilities of one player, but the hopes of a fanbase that has watched him grow and waited patiently for his turn. Georgia is a program built on culture, competition, and trust in the process. Gunner Stockton embodies all three. He may not be the starter today, but he’s been in the lab, learning, improving, waiting for his moment. And when that moment comes, Finebaum’s words—those seven cutting words—will be impossible to ignore.

Until then, the debate rages on. Is Gunner Stockton the next great Georgia quarterback, or is he destined to be passed over in favor of flashier options? Time will tell, but one thing is certain: thanks to Paul Finebaum, everyone will be watching a little more closely now. Whether his take proves prophetic or premature remains to be seen. But in the SEC, where storylines are as important as statistics, Finebaum has once again stirred the pot and reminded everyone why the drama off the field is almost as intense as what happens on it.