As Georgia football gears up for its College Football Playoff showdown against Notre Dame, all eyes are on backup quarterback Gunner Stockton. Stepping in for the injured Carson Beck, Stockton faces the monumental task of leading the Bulldogs in his first career start on the sport’s biggest stage. But former Georgia quarterback Jake Fromm knows exactly what Stockton is going through—and he has some words of wisdom.
In 2017, Fromm found himself in a similar position. Thrust into the starting role as a freshman, Fromm led Georgia to a stunning victory over Notre Dame in South Bend, a moment etched in Bulldogs history. Speaking about Stockton’s upcoming challenge, Fromm emphasized the importance of focusing on the team’s collective effort.
“Gunner doesn’t have to be perfect,” Fromm said in a recent interview. “He doesn’t need to throw for 300 yards or three touchdowns. What’s crucial is that he plays smart, stays calm, and executes the game plan. This is a moment for Georgia’s offense, defense, and special teams to come together.”
Fromm highlighted the role of head coach Kirby Smart in easing Stockton into his responsibilities. “Kirby will design plays to put Gunner in a position to succeed—short completions, opportunities to use his legs, and situations that build his confidence,” Fromm added.
Stockton’s debut comes with high stakes, but the Bulldogs have already shown resilience with his leadership. Stockton played a key role in Georgia’s second-half performance during their SEC Championship win over Texas.
Fromm’s message to Stockton and Georgia fans is clear: this game is not just about one player. It will take a complete team effort to secure victory against Notre Dame. As history shows, Georgia has thrived in these underdog scenarios, and Stockton could write the next chapter of the Bulldogs’ legacy.
