UNCERTAIN CROWN: Kirby Smart Leaves Georgia’s Starter Undecided, Raising QB Concerns Due to Gunner Stockton’s Inconsistency
Kirby Smart, the head coach of the Georgia Bulldogs, has never shied away from making bold decisions. But this offseason, his silence on who will lead the Bulldogs under center has stirred more questions than answers. In a program known for consistency, power, and precision, uncertainty at quarterback is an anomaly. After three straight years of quarterback stability under Stetson Bennett and then Carson Beck, Georgia fans have grown accustomed to a certain rhythm. But now, with Gunner Stockton’s inconsistent spring performances and no clear-cut starter named, the Georgia offense enters uncharted waters—and with it, the hopes of another national title hang precariously in the balance.
Stockton, a redshirt sophomore with immense raw talent and athleticism, was widely projected to take over once Beck declared for the NFL. With a strong arm, above-average mobility, and a decorated high school résumé, expectations were sky-high. But spring practice and early summer workouts have revealed a more complicated picture. While Stockton has shown flashes of brilliance, including deep-ball accuracy and improvisation under pressure, he has also struggled with decision-making, particularly under blitz-heavy schemes. Multiple sources close to the program have confirmed that turnover issues and inconsistency in red-zone execution have caused internal hesitation within Georgia’s coaching staff.
This isn’t the first time Georgia has dealt with a murky quarterback situation, but this one feels different. Smart’s decision to leave the quarterback competition unresolved heading into fall camp has raised eyebrows not only among fans but also within the broader college football landscape. There is a growing perception that for all of Stockton’s tools, he may not be ready to shoulder the responsibility of leading a national title contender. And if not him, then who?
The depth chart behind Stockton is shallow and unproven. Redshirt freshman Ryan Puglisi, while a promising prospect, lacks the seasoning that Georgia demands. His arm talent is real, and his high school tape shows maturity beyond his years, but he hasn’t had meaningful reps in live SEC-level situations. The Bulldogs also brought in freshman Dylan Raiola—one of the top quarterbacks in the 2024 recruiting class—but the expectation was that he would redshirt and develop. Throwing him into the fire this early could stunt his long-term growth and backfire in high-pressure moments.
The decision not to name a starter could be a strategic move by Smart. It’s possible he’s using this public ambiguity to push Stockton toward greater consistency and accountability. By not handing him the job outright, Smart may be attempting to instill the level of preparation and urgency that he expects from his quarterbacks. It wouldn’t be the first time Smart has used motivational tactics. His management of the quarterback room over the years—Jake Fromm, Justin Fields, JT Daniels, and Stetson Bennett—has shown a preference for competition, not comfort.
Still, it’s hard to ignore the parallels between this situation and past controversies. The infamous decision to start Fromm over Fields in 2018 still casts a long shadow. While Fromm was efficient and steady, Fields went on to become a Heisman finalist at Ohio State. The concern among Georgia fans now is whether Smart will again allow a more polished but less dynamic player to lead the offense over a riskier, high-upside option.
That question becomes even more pressing considering Georgia’s current offensive structure. Under offensive coordinator Mike Bobo, the Bulldogs have leaned into a pro-style attack with play-action, tight end-heavy sets, and a strong run game. That system depends on quarterback efficiency, timing, and mistake-free execution. Stockton’s boom-or-bust tendencies could be misaligned with Bobo’s preferences. If that’s the case, a more conservative option like Puglisi—who has shown a willingness to take what the defense gives—might be favored, even if his ceiling is lower.
Adding to the complexity is Georgia’s schedule. Unlike previous seasons with lighter opening slates, the 2025 campaign begins with a high-profile neutral-site showdown against UCLA, followed by SEC matchups against Texas and Ole Miss within the first six weeks. There’s little margin for error. Whoever wins the starting job won’t have time to ease into the role—they’ll be tested immediately, and any slip could prove costly in the College Football Playoff race.
Behind closed doors, sources suggest that Smart has been particularly hands-on with quarterback meetings this offseason. He understands better than anyone the stakes of a misstep at the most important position on the field. Georgia’s defense, as usual, looks dominant. The offensive line is deep and experienced. The receiver corps, led by returning stars and new transfers, is among the best in the nation. In other words, Georgia is built to win now—if it can find the right trigger man.
For Stockton, the pressure is immense. A native Georgian, he’s been groomed for this opportunity since high school. The local media has already begun dissecting his every move. One source noted that he’s been the last to leave the practice facility, often staying late to review film and work with receivers. But will that dedication translate into the kind of consistency that Smart demands? That’s the unknown. In drills and scrimmages, coaches have seen both the highlight-reel throws and the maddening lapses—missed reads, late throws, and occasional poor ball security.
Another complication is NIL and transfer portal dynamics. In the modern college football era, players expect clarity and opportunity. If Stockton isn’t named the starter, it’s not hard to imagine him considering a transfer, especially with other programs in need of a capable quarterback. Conversely, if Georgia commits to him and he struggles early, they risk losing depth at the position if others decide to seek playing time elsewhere. The quarterback room is a delicate balance of ego, talent, and patience—and Smart is tasked with managing all of it while trying to win a national championship.
There’s also the fan base to consider. Georgia supporters, having experienced the thrill of two national titles in recent years, expect excellence. They’ve seen what elite quarterback play can deliver in high-stakes games. With Alabama, Michigan, and Ohio State reloading, and programs like Texas and Oregon on the rise, there’s little tolerance for regression in Athens. The quarterback decision has become a lightning rod, sparking debate across talk radio and message boards. Every report from summer workouts is parsed and debated. Every throw in an open practice becomes symbolic of something larger.
Ultimately, Kirby Smart’s legacy—already formidable—may hinge in part on how he navigates this quarterback uncertainty. It’s not just about naming a starter; it’s about identifying the leader who can command the huddle, deliver in the clutch, and avoid the kind of mental errors that can derail a season. Stockton may still grow into that role, but time is not on his side. With fall camp looming and the season opener just weeks away, the clock is ticking.
Some insiders believe Smart already knows who his starter is but is waiting for the right moment to reveal it. That wouldn’t be out of character. He has long favored competitive environments and closely guards strategic information. But if he’s truly still undecided, then Georgia’s quarterback room is not in the position of strength that many had assumed. That vulnerability could be exploited by SEC opponents eager to knock the Bulldogs from their perch.
The stakes are enormous. A misjudged quarterback decision could mean falling short of the SEC Championship Game or missing the College Football Playoff altogether. Conversely, if Smart chooses correctly—and if that quarterback delivers—Georgia has the talent to go all the way. That’s the tightrope Smart is walking now. He has the experience, the instincts, and the track record to make the right call. But for now, all eyes remain on the quarterback room, and the silence around the starter only amplifies the pressure.
Gunner Stockton may yet rise to the occasion. He has the tools. He has the mindset. But until he shows consistency on the practice field and poise under pressure, questions will linger. And in Athens, where the standard is perfection, anything less than certainty at quarterback will always feel like a risk too big to ignore.
