Paul Finebaum Takes Subtle Shot at Georgia's Gunner Stockton

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matt De Lima | Last updated Feb 16, 2025 3:22 PM ET

In an article explaining how Carson Beck's transfer from Georgia to Miami might work out well for both parties, ESPN's Paul Finebaum may have made one of his opinions about the Bulldogs a little too clear.

First, Finebaum criticized Beck's decision to consider declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft but added some spin to suggest that while leaving Georgia was the right decision, landing with the Hurricanes was better for the 22-year-old signal caller and the Bulldogs.

“(Beck) was ill-advised to go into the draft, first of all, because of the injury and because there was never going to be a good read on that,” Finebaum said.

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“So I think that made it easier for him to slip away than just going into the portal. Georgia fans were in some way fatigued with Carson anyway. They lost a better quarterback than the guy they have.”

Blink and you'll miss it. 'The guy' in question is Georgia's Gunner Stockton. For all the talent that will shine for the Bulldogs next season, the quarterback is a question mark for the college football powerhouse.

Last week, Finebaum was more clear in his concern about Stockton.

"I don't know about Georgia," Finebaum said. "I know everybody was enthralled by Gunner Stockton after the Sugar Bowl, I was not."

Georgia will likely start Stockton in 2025. In a conversation with Dawgpost.com, fellow quarterback and backup Ryan Puglisi praised the starter.

“I love everything about (Stockton),” Puglisi said. “He handles his business in a professional way. He’s been the same person day in and day out. Being able to learn from him has been amazing.”

A former four-star, Puglisi is projected to be the Bulldogs' backup next season after Jaden Rashada entered the transfer portal in January.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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