Gunner Stockton Embraces Leadership Role as Georgia’s Next Quarterback, Kirby Smart Confirms Confidence in His Growth and Grit

As Georgia football transitions into a new chapter, head coach Kirby Smart is making it clear that Gunner Stockton represents the Bulldogs’ future at quarterback—not just because of his talent, but because of the qualities he brings to the locker room. Speaking candidly about Stockton’s role within the team, Smart described the young quarterback as someone who “keeps it moving” and fully trusts in the Georgia process. It’s more than praise—it’s an endorsement rooted in Stockton’s consistency, character, and commitment.

Although Smart hasn’t officially declared Stockton as the starting quarterback for the 2025 season, his comments leave little doubt about who currently leads the huddle. From the way Stockton approaches film sessions to how he carries himself during practices, Smart said Stockton has prepared every day as if he were the starter since the moment he arrived in Athens. There’s no pretense or waiting around for a title to make it official. Stockton simply goes to work, focusing on the details, putting in extra time, and demonstrating the kind of focus and drive that define Georgia football. For Smart, that’s what sets him apart. Leadership at Georgia is earned by example—and Stockton, even at this early stage, is setting the tone.

His journey to this moment hasn’t been one of overnight success or media hype. It’s been a process marked by patience, hard work, and steady development behind more experienced quarterbacks. But when opportunity finally knocked, Stockton answered. During the 2024 season, he was called upon in a critical moment after Carson Beck, Georgia’s starting quarterback, suffered an injury during the SEC Championship Game. Stockton stepped in under immense pressure and helped guide the Bulldogs to a gritty 22–19 overtime win against Texas. Though he threw an interception and had modest numbers overall, the intangible qualities he showed—poise, calm, resilience—spoke volumes to Smart and his coaching staff.

Stockton’s real test came just weeks later in the Sugar Bowl against Notre Dame. With Beck sidelined following elbow surgery, Stockton earned his first career start on one of college football’s biggest stages. He completed 20 of 32 passes for 234 yards and a touchdown. Though Georgia fell short in a 23–10 loss, Stockton’s performance was viewed as a positive step. He didn’t look overwhelmed. He didn’t fold under pressure. Instead, he played with composure, made smart reads, and showed flashes of the quarterback he’s becoming. For Smart, it confirmed what he already suspected: Stockton belongs under center.

Even with a strong Sugar Bowl outing, Smart hasn’t taken his foot off the gas in terms of competition. He made it clear that Stockton’s job won’t be handed to him—it has to be earned every day. Talented sophomore Ryan Puglisi is pushing hard behind him, and Smart is embracing that competition. It’s part of the process. It keeps both players sharp and focused. But when discussing who leads the offense right now, Smart was direct: Gunner Stockton is the guy. He was invited to represent the team at SEC Media Days, not just as a quarterback but as a voice of the locker room. That invitation spoke volumes. It was an endorsement of his maturity and leadership—not something Smart hands out lightly.

Smart explained that Stockton has emerged as a clear leader, not just among quarterbacks but throughout the roster. In spring practices, offseason workouts, and summer sessions, Stockton’s presence has been steady. He’s vocal when needed but doesn’t rely on empty words. He leads by example, whether it’s staying late to watch film, mentoring younger players, or pushing teammates to give more in drills. Smart noted that leadership at Georgia isn’t about grand speeches or media flair—it’s about consistency, accountability, and putting the team first. By those measures, Stockton has already proven himself.

The timing of Stockton’s rise coincides with a major shift in the program’s roster dynamics. Georgia is in the midst of a youth movement. For the first time in Kirby Smart’s tenure, more than half the roster consists of first- and second-year players. The extra years of eligibility granted during the pandemic have passed, and Georgia is fielding a team that’s younger, leaner, and in many ways hungrier. That shift comes with challenges, particularly in terms of experience and leadership. Veterans like Brock Bowers and Kamari Lassiter are gone. What’s left is a core of talented but untested players—and in that environment, someone like Stockton becomes critical.

Smart has always emphasized toughness, discipline, and attention to detail. But he’s also sounding a new message this season: urgency. He warned against complacency creeping into the locker room, pointing to how success in college football can create a dangerous comfort zone. Players hit certain milestones—starting roles, NIL deals, media attention—and then ease off the gas. That’s not the Georgia way. That’s not the culture Smart built, and it’s not what he expects from Stockton or anyone else.

That’s why Smart praised Stockton’s mindset above all. He said Stockton has never once acted entitled. Instead, he shows up with energy, purpose, and humility. He’s not waiting for someone to anoint him; he’s acting like the job is already his. Smart shared how impressed he’s been with Stockton’s film study habits, his grasp of the offense, and the way he holds himself accountable when things go wrong. That’s the kind of player Georgia needs right now—especially at quarterback, where every mistake is magnified and every success builds momentum.

For Stockton, stepping into the spotlight hasn’t changed him. He’s acknowledged the shift in attention but hasn’t let it alter his approach. In interviews, he’s been grounded and reflective. He talks about trusting the process, embracing the grind, and continuing to learn. He doesn’t hide from expectations—he welcomes them. He understands the weight of playing quarterback at Georgia. He knows the legacy he’s stepping into. But he’s not trying to be the next Stetson Bennett or Carson Beck. He’s focused on being the best version of himself, and that mentality has already earned the trust of coaches and teammates alike.

Smart also shared a moment from the Sugar Bowl that revealed a lot about his belief in Stockton. Late in the first half, with the game still within reach, Smart made the aggressive decision to put the ball in Stockton’s hands. The play resulted in a fumble and eventually a Notre Dame touchdown, but Smart stood by the decision. He said it wasn’t a mistake—it was a message. He wanted Stockton to know the staff trusted him completely. Even when things go wrong, the only way to grow is to be given the reins. Stockton responded not with frustration, but with resolve. That’s what Smart wanted to see.

As the 2025 season approaches, Georgia’s schedule is among the toughest in the nation. The Bulldogs will face Alabama, Ole Miss, Tennessee, and Florida, not to mention a highly anticipated showdown against Texas in Athens. That game will likely feature two rising quarterbacks—Stockton for Georgia and Arch Manning for Texas. It’s a heavyweight matchup with national implications. And if Stockton continues on his current trajectory, he’ll be ready for that moment and many more.

For now, Smart is focused on building his team’s identity. It starts with leaders like Stockton—players who do the little things right, who embrace the grind, and who make those around them better. Smart knows Georgia has the talent. What will define this team is its mindset. And with Stockton at the center of the offense, there’s growing confidence that Georgia won’t just reload—it’ll compete at the highest level once again.

Gunner Stockton may not have been named the starter on paper, but in every way that matters, he’s already taken the mantle. His teammates believe in him. His coaches trust him. And most importantly, he believes in the process. As Kirby Smart said best: he keeps it moving.