The era of the "game manager" in Athens is officially dead.
If you’ve spent any time around Sanford Stadium lately, you’ve probably noticed the vibe has shifted. For years, Kirby Smart and Mike Bobo seemed content with quarterbacks who could just keep the car on the road—guys who made the safe throws and let a historic defense do the heavy lifting. But the Georgia Bulldogs quarterback 2025 situation has turned that logic on its head.
Gunner Stockton isn't just a placeholder. He isn't a "bridge" to the next five-star recruit. Honestly, he’s the first time in nearly a decade that Georgia has felt like they have a genuine dual-threat weapon who can actually break a game open with his legs without sacrificing the vertical passing game.
The Gunner Stockton Ascension
Let’s be real: after Carson Beck took his talents to South Beach and transferred to Miami in January 2025, a lot of Dawg fans were sweating. Beck was statistically brilliant, but he was a pocket statue. When Gunner Stockton took the reins for the 2025 season opener against Marshall, we finally saw what a "plus-one" in the run game looks like in this system.
Stockton didn't just throw for two scores in that 45-7 blowout; he ran for two more. He became the first Georgia QB since Justin Fields in 2018 to lead the team in rushing with over 70 yards in a game. That’s a stat that should make every defensive coordinator in the SEC lose sleep.
Why? Because the "Kirby Puzzle" has always been about balance. Smart loves a physical run game, but when the quarterback is a threat to pull the ball on a read-option and go 15 yards, it changes the geometry of the field. It makes guys like Nate Frazier and Trevor Etienne (when healthy) even more dangerous because the linebackers can't just cheat toward the B-gap.
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The Depth Chart: Who Is Actually Behind Him?
While Stockton has the "QB1" title locked down, the room behind him is surprisingly deep, even if it lacks game experience.
Ryan Puglisi is the name you’ve probably heard whispered about in every message board thread. He’s a redshirt freshman with a literal cannon for an arm. There was a lot of chatter during spring ball that he might push Stockton, but Kirby did that classic Kirby thing where he kept the competition "open" until the very last second. Puglisi saw some mop-up duty against Kentucky and Charlotte, even tossing a touchdown against Marshall. He’s the insurance policy, and a very expensive-looking one at that.
Then you’ve got the fresh blood:
- Ryan Montgomery: A true freshman from Ohio who chose Georgia over some big-time Big Ten offers. He’s 6-foot-3, looks the part, and played his high school ball at an elite level.
- Hezekiah Millender: A local kid from Clarke Central right there in Athens. He’s more of a developmental project, but his athleticism is off the charts.
- Colter Ginn: Mostly a depth piece, but important for scout team looks.
What Most People Get Wrong About the 2025 Offense
The biggest misconception is that Georgia’s offense has "regressed" because they don't have a 4,000-yard passer. That’s just lazy analysis.
Mike Bobo has actually tailored this 2025 scheme to be more "multiple." They’re using more 11-personnel with Zachariah Branch—who, by the way, looks absolutely electric after transferring in—and relying on Stockton’s ability to escape the pocket when the primary read isn't there.
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Todd McShay actually pointed this out recently. He called Stockton’s style "ordinary" in a way that’s almost a compliment. Stockton doesn't look like a superstar in an interview; he looks like a guy who’s going to sell you insurance in ten years. But on the field? He operates with a level of "competitive toughness" (Kirby’s favorite phrase) that Carson Beck sometimes lacked in high-pressure moments.
The Transfer Portal Shadow
We have to talk about the elephant in the room. In the modern era, no depth chart is ever "final." Georgia was sniffing around the portal even after Beck left, looking at guys like Fernando Mendoza from Indiana.
Kirby Smart has been very vocal about this: he doesn't care about your feelings; he cares about the "culture." Stockton stayed when he could have easily hopped in the portal and started for 80% of the teams in the country. That loyalty earned him the locker room. When the Dawgs are in a dogfight in Tuscaloosa or Austin, that chemistry matters more than a 40-yard dash time.
Why This Matters for the 2025 CFP Run
As we head toward the business end of the season and the Sugar Bowl looms, the Georgia Bulldogs quarterback 2025 narrative is no longer about "who" is playing, but "how" they are playing.
The defense has been a bit leakier than we’re used to—Raylen Wilson and CJ Allen are great, but they’ve had to cover for some secondary lapses. This puts the burden on Stockton to score 35+ against top-tier SEC competition.
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Can he do it? The evidence says yes. His efficiency in the red zone has been a massive upgrade over 2024. He’s taking fewer sacks because he can actually move, and his connection with tight end Oscar Delp has become a security blanket that works on 3rd-and-long.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Bettors
If you’re watching the Dawgs the rest of this season, keep your eyes on these three things:
Watch the "Scramble Drill": Stockton’s biggest value isn't the designed runs; it’s when the play breaks down. Georgia’s receivers have clearly practiced the scramble drill more this year, and it’s leading to huge chunk plays.
Monitor the 2026 Recruiting Fallout: Since Georgia missed on Jared Curtis (who flipped to Vanderbilt), the pressure on Stockton to be a multi-year starter is immense. If he plays well, Kirby can afford to be picky in the 2026 cycle.
The "Branch Factor": Zachariah Branch is the most explosive player Georgia has had since... maybe ever? See how Bobo uses Stockton’s mobility to create 1-on-1 matchups for Branch on the perimeter.
The 2025 season started with questions, but Gunner Stockton has provided a very loud answer. Georgia didn't just find a replacement for Carson Beck; they found a different way to win. And in a 12-team playoff world, having a quarterback who can beat you with his brain and his boots is the ultimate trump card.