Projected $823,000 Touted Georgia QB Has 'Inside Track' To Be Named Starter

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Dave Holcomb | Last updated May 14, 2025 2:16 PM ET

The Georgia Bulldogs are expected to have a competition behind center through the summer and perhaps even at the beginning of the regular season. But that doesn't mean there isn't a favorite emerging in the quarterback battle.

On3's Pete Nakos reported Tuesday that Gunner Stockton should be considered the favorite to be the Bulldogs starting signal-caller to open the 2025 season.

"Simply put, Gunner Stockton has the inside track to the starting quarterback job at Georgia," Nakos wrote. "Kirby Smart has yet to name a starter, and that probably will not come until August, but Stockton is in full control.

"He impressed in spring ball, and his experience running the offense showed."

Nakos added the fact Georgia didn't address quarterback in the transfer portal is a strong indication the program feels good about Stockton and fellow signal-caller Ryan Puglisi.

"The Bulldogs were expected to evaluate the spring quarterback market, even for another backup, but opted to sit tight," Nakos wrote. "Ryan Puglisi continues to improve, but he didn’t play a snap as a true freshman last year.

"All signs point to Stockton getting the starting job."

Here's Gunner Stockton's production vs ranked opponents in 2024:

- Completion Percentage 66.7% (Very Good)
- Passing Efficiency Rating: 122.8 (Average)#GoDawgs pic.twitter.com/8RIl72wbKk
— The Bulldawg Report (@ReportBulldawg) May 13, 2025

Stockton appeared in five games last season. Most notably, he led Georgia to a victory against the Texas Longhorns in the SEC Championship Game, replacing an injured Carson Beck in the second half.

Stockton then started versus the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the College Football Playoffs.

In those two games, Stockton went 32-for-48 with 305 passing yards, one touchdown and one interception.

Puglisi hasn't appeared in a game for Georgia yet.

During the program's spring game, Stockton completed 17 of 34 passes for 309 yards and two touchdowns. Puglisi was 23-for-49 with 224 yards and two touchdowns in the game.

On3 projected Stockton's NIL value to be $823,000 this season.

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

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