As expected, Georgia cruised to a commanding 48-3 victory over Tennessee Tech on Saturday. Carson Beck, Georgia’s star quarterback, tied a school record for touchdown passes in a single game, further solidifying his Heisman candidacy. The Bulldogs’ defense was as dominant as ever, and once the game was securely in hand, Kirby Smart turned to his backups earlier than usual.
This provided an excellent opportunity for Gunner Stockton, Georgia’s potential quarterback of the future, to showcase his talent. Stockton took over with more than 11 minutes left in the third quarter, giving him plenty of time to display his skills. He didn’t disappoint, completing 10 of 12 passes for nearly 100 yards, running the offense with poise and control. His calm demeanor and effective decision-making left a strong impression on the coaching staff and fans alike.
After the game, Kirby Smart expressed excitement about Stockton’s progress. “Gunner [Stockton] played with more confidence today. Last year, he was mostly managing the clock in mop-up duty. But today, he got to play a little more, like he did against Florida State. He made good decisions, worked well with the guys around him, and continued to improve. He’s getting wiser, and that’s exactly what we need.”
For Stockton, this was the first chance to truly run the offense in a meaningful way, even if the game was already decided. Though he didn’t deliver jaw-dropping throws, his performance showed he’s ready to step up as Georgia’s potential future starting quarterback. Stockton, much like Carson Beck before him, has been waiting patiently for his opportunity to shine. A four-star recruit from the 2022 class, Stockton has developed quietly behind the scenes, much like Beck did before his breakout this year.
One thing that sets Stockton apart from Beck is his mobility. Stockton has the ability to extend plays with his legs, making him a dual threat. While he didn’t need to rely on his mobility in Saturday’s blowout, this added dimension could be key in future games and give Georgia’s offense a new wrinkle when he gets his chance to start.
As the heir apparent to Carson Beck, Stockton’s path seems to mirror that of his predecessor—waiting his turn behind center and developing under Kirby Smart’s guidance. With Beck likely to enter the 2025 NFL Draft as a potential first-round pick, Stockton is positioning himself as a strong candidate to take over the reins.
Though the competition for Georgia’s next starting quarterback is far from over, Stockton’s performance against Tennessee Tech showed he’s more than capable. If Georgia continues to dominate their opponents, Stockton should have more opportunities to prove himself this season. The future of Georgia’s quarterback position looks promising, and Stockton is doing everything right to ensure he’s the next in line to lead the Bulldogs to continued success.
