It’s now reported that Gunner Stockton will likely start for Georgia in the Allstate Sugar Bowl. So, who is Gunner Stockton, the man leading the Bulldogs?
Carson Beck has been the steady hand under center, leading the Georgia Bulldogs offense for the last two seasons. However, following an early exit due to an injury in the SEC Championship game, Beck’s career at Georgia could be over. So, who is the Bulldog’s backup quarterback, Gunner Stockton? And what has he done to prepare to lead the Bulldogs into the first-ever 12-team College Football Playoff?
Is Carson Beck’s Storied Georgia Career Over?
Georgia’s thrilling SEC Championship victory over Texas secured the Bulldogs the No. 2 seed and a first-round bye in the College Football Playoff. But the celebration came at a steep price.
Quarterback Carson Beck, the steady leader of Georgia’s offense for the past two seasons, suffered a UCL injury in his throwing elbow just before halftime. Though Beck returned briefly in overtime to hand off Trevor Etienne’s game-winning touchdown, his absence has loomed large. Reports indicate Beck is exploring surgery, leaving his playoff status in doubt as the team prepares for its next challenge.
For two years, Beck has been the heart of Georgia’s offense. After waiting behind Stetson Bennett and resisting the lure of the transfer portal, he seized the starting role, amassing over 3,400 passing yards and 26 touchdowns in consecutive seasons. His 24-3 record speaks to his reliability and poise.
Now, Georgia faces the playoffs without its cornerstone under center. For Beck, the injury may redirect his focus toward the NFL Draft, where he remains a potential first-round pick. Yet, his legacy at Georgia—one of loyalty, perseverance, and undeniable talent—stands firm, a testament to the player and leader he’s become.
Gunner Stockton Steps in During the SEC Championship Game
When Gunner Stockton stepped onto the field in the SEC Championship Game against then-No. 2 Texas, Georgia’s offense was gasping for life. Trailing 6-3 and held to just 54 first-half yards—including negative rushing yardage—the Bulldogs needed a spark. Stockton delivered.
In his first drive, Stockton orchestrated a 10-play, 75-yard march that ended with a touchdown, highlighted by precise passes to Arian Smith and Lawson Luckie. While his stat line—12 of 16 for 71 yards, 8 rushing yards, and an interception—didn’t dazzle, his impact was undeniable. Four of his six drives resulted in points, including a game-winning touchdown in overtime.
An emotional Kirby Smart praises Gunner Stockton after another SEC Championship victory! #GoDawgs pic.twitter.com/6lJFc96IMs
— Nate 🐶🏈 (@NateDawgUga) December 8, 2024
This wasn’t Stockton’s first taste of the spotlight. Earlier in the season, he came off the bench in a 63-3 rout of Florida State, throwing for 96 yards and two touchdowns.
Stockton’s numbers may not tell the whole story, but his poise and command in pivotal moments speak volumes. He’s more than a backup quarterback for Georgia—he’s a lifeline when the pressure is highest. Notre Dame fans have been vocal on Twitter, rejoicing that Beck will be out for the Allstate Sugar Bowl. Well, first, Notre Dame has to beat Indiana. But for a fanbase of a team with a strength of schedule ranked 59th, I wouldn’t be too excited to play a squad that navigated the nation’s toughest ranked schedule on the way to an SEC title, with or without Beck.
Stockton at Raburn County High School in Georgia
Gunner Stockton didn’t just grow up playing football; he rewrote the record books with each snap, throw, and run. A four-year starter at Rabun County High School, Stockton set the gold standard for quarterbacks in the state of Georgia, amassing career numbers that seem almost mythic. His 13,652 passing yards and 177 passing touchdowns still stand as state records, alongside his remarkable 4,372 rushing yards and 77 rushing touchdowns. Few have dominated the game in such a comprehensive fashion.
Stockton was also a two-time MaxPreps All-American on the diamond, further proving his natural athleticism and competitive spirit. In 2021, his extraordinary performances earned him the prestigious Georgia Gatorade Football Player of the Year award and a spot on the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Super 11 team. By the time he left high school, his stat sheet read like a dream: nine games with six touchdown passes, five performances exceeding 400 passing yards, and a legacy unmatched in Georgia prep football history.
Just a reminder, Gunner Stockton HS Stats
– 177 Career Passings Tds (Record)
-18,024 all-purpose yds (Record)
-254 Career Tds (Record)
-13,652 Career Passing yards (2nd) pic.twitter.com/az0YnZZscs— 704 Dawg (@FSFRecruits) December 21, 2022
When Stockton arrived at the University of Georgia in 2022, he joined a quarterback room steeped in tradition and excellence. Like Carson Beck before him, the former five-star recruit patiently bided his time, waiting for his turn to lead the Bulldogs. Behind the scenes, Stockton honed his skills, learning the intricacies of Georgia’s system and preparing for the moment he could bring his unique blend of precision passing and dynamic running to the field.
In a program built on history and high expectations, Gunner Stockton’s name is already etched in Georgia’s future. Now we know his first start will come in the Allstate Sugar Bowl in the 12-team College Football Playoff quarterfinals against the winner of Indiana vs. Notre Dame.
