The Georgia Bulldogs are in the thick of their offseason. One of the biggest questions on everyone’s mind is whether quarterback Gunner Stockton will come back for another year or throw his name into the 2026 NFL Draft.
Stockton turned into a key player for the Bulldogs, but he hasn’t said anything official about his plans yet. That’s left Bulldog fans hanging, waiting for some kind of sign.
As teams across the country start prepping for the 2026 season, there’s already talk of heavy roster changes. Stockton’s choice could seriously shake up Georgia’s outlook.
The Emergence of Gunner Stockton
Stockton first stepped in as Georgia’s starting quarterback late in the 2024 season. He took over for the injured Carson Beck during the Allstate Sugar Bowl.
The Bulldogs didn’t win that game, but Stockton flashed real potential as a passer. That performance set up a lot of hope for what he might do in 2025.
And wow, did he deliver. Stockton led Georgia to an SEC Championship and got them into the College Football Playoff.
2025 Season Highlights
Stockton put up close to 3,500 total yards during the 2025 season. He was responsible for 34 touchdowns, too.
Fans got fired up about what he was doing on the field. Now, people are even more eager to see if he’ll be back in 2026.
Uncertainty Surrounding Stockton’s Decision
Even with all the excitement, Stockton hasn’t said if he’s coming back or heading for the NFL Draft. He’s eligible, so that’s on the table.
There’s even some chatter about whether he might transfer somewhere else. Nobody really knows what he’s thinking right now.
Factors Influencing the Decision
There are a few things that could sway Stockton one way or the other:
- Development: The plan was for Stockton to start for two full seasons to really develop his game.
- Coaching Trends: Kirby Smart hasn’t had a quarterback declare for the NFL after just one year as a starter.
- Minimal Social Media Presence: Stockton barely posts online, so it’s not weird that he hasn’t made a big announcement yet.
What Can Georgia Fans Expect?
Stockton hasn’t given any official word. Still, most folks around Athens seem to think he’ll be back.
That’s mostly because no one under Kirby Smart has ever left for the NFL after just one year starting. And really, Stockton’s quiet online habits mean fans shouldn’t stress about the silence.
Implications of Stockton’s Return
If Stockton comes back, it’s a huge win for Georgia. He brings leadership and skill, which is exactly what you want at quarterback.
Having him under center would probably keep Georgia in the thick of the SEC race and maybe even the Playoff hunt. But until he says something, everyone’s just waiting and guessing.
Conclusion
These days, college football rosters change so fast, it’s hard to say what’s really locked in. Still, Bulldog fans have a reason to be hopeful about Gunner Stockton coming back for the 2026 season.
His 2025 performance raised the bar, no question about it. If he sticks around, Georgia’s got a shot at something big.
Want more details? Check out the full article on Sports Illustrated.
- Schools Covered
- College Football Articles
- Men's College Basketball Articles
- Men's College Soccer Articles
- Women's College Basketball Articles
- Olympic Athlete Articles
- Men's College Baseball Articles
- College Sports Media Professionals Articles
- Hall of Fame Member Articles
- Former College Player Articles
- Game Previews
