In an age where star quarterbacks routinely chase lucrative NIL deals and early NFL exits, Georgia’s Gunner Stockton has chosen a different path — one marked by loyalty, family, and a deeply personal mission.
The redshirt sophomore quarterback, who became a breakout star after leading the Bulldogs to victory in the 2024 Sugar Bowl, confirmed on Monday that he will remain at Georgia for the 2025 season, turning down seven-figure NIL offers and postponing potential entry into the NFL Draft.
“This isn’t about money or exposure,” Stockton said at a press conference outside the Butts-Mehre Heritage Hall. “This is about my father. About home. About finishing what we started — together.”
A Breakout Star in Waiting
Stockton’s rise came swiftly but not unexpectedly. A four-star recruit out of Rabun County High School, he redshirted in 2023 behind Carson Beck and served as a reliable backup throughout 2024. But when Beck went down with a shoulder injury late last season, Stockton stepped in — and stepped up.
In the Sugar Bowl against Texas, he threw for 233 yards and two touchdowns, rushing for another 68 yards in a 31–17 win that reestablished Georgia as a national title contender.
The performance led to intense speculation about Stockton’s future. According to sources close to the program, offers from Power Five schools and brands emerged in the weeks following the bowl win, with some NIL estimates reaching over $1.2 million.
But for Stockton, the decision had already been made.
“I promised my dad I’d do this with him by my side,” he said. “He’s the reason I fell in love with this game.”
A Father’s Fight
Stockton’s father, Rob Stockton, a longtime high school coach in Georgia, was diagnosed with lymphoma in early 2024. Throughout the year, despite rounds of chemotherapy and frequent hospital visits, he never missed a game — even when Gunner wasn’t starting.
“I’d see him in the stands during warmups,” Stockton recalled. “He’d smile and give me a thumbs up, no matter how sick he was. That kind of love — that’s not something you walk away from.”
With Rob now in remission, Stockton says this season is about honoring that journey. He plans to dedicate the 2025 campaign to his father, wearing a custom wristband each game with the initials “R.S.” and the phrase “Finish Together.”
Georgia’s New Leader
With Beck off to the NFL, Stockton steps into the starting role at a pivotal moment for Georgia. The Bulldogs enter the 2025 season ranked No. 4 in the preseason AP Top 25, and expectations are sky-high for a team that returns several All-SEC defenders and rising offensive talent.
Head coach Kirby Smart had nothing but praise for his quarterback’s decision.
“Gunner could’ve gone anywhere,” Smart said. “But he chose to stay. Not for comfort — but because he believes in what this program stands for. That’s the kind of leader you want in your locker room.”
Fanbase Reaction
News of Stockton’s commitment quickly spread across social media, with hashtags like #StocktonStays and #ForTheG trending across Georgia.
“You don’t see this kind of heart in the game anymore,” wrote former Bulldog linebacker Nakobe Dean. “Gunner Stockton is the real deal — on and off the field.”
Even SEC rivals acknowledged the moment. Auburn assistant coach Zac Etheridge tweeted: “Respect where it’s due. Gunner’s decision speaks volumes.”
More Than a Season
For Stockton, this is about more than one final season under center.
“Football is what I do. But my purpose — that’s rooted in something deeper. Family. Loyalty. Community. I want to win for Georgia, yes. But I want to leave something here that lasts longer than a trophy.”
He’s already begun mentoring young quarterbacks from his hometown and is in talks with the UGA athletic department to launch a scholarship in his father’s name for student-athletes from northeast Georgia.
As the 2025 season approaches, Gunner Stockton isn’t just preparing to lead Georgia between the hedges.
He’s building a legacy that extends far beyond Sanford Stadium — a legacy powered by love, loyalty, and the quiet strength of a father-son bond.