Before this season, Gunner Stockton was mostly a backup—just 16 passes and three runs to his name. But when Carson Beck went down in the SEC title game on Dec. 7, Stockton was ready. He completed 12 of 16 passes, leading Georgia to a comeback win and clinching the championship. Now, Gunner’s future with the Bulldogs is uncertain. Kirby Smart’s plans are coming to light, and it’s clear Georgia is thinking bigger than just Stockton’s past performances. The quarterback competition is heating up, and Georgia’s next move could change everything for Gunner’s role in the program.

In a recent 247Sports episode, Andrew Ivins dropped a major bombshell on Georgia’s 2025 National Signing Day—one that has fans buzzing about Gunner Stockton’s future. He said, “To me, Gunner Stockton looked like the Gunner Stockton we saw as a senior in high school. I think there are some limitations with him, and I’m not right now ready to say he’s the guy.” So, who’s the guy then? It seems like Kirby Smart might be eyeing someone else to take the reins.

According to Andrew Ivins, the real competition could be rising star Ryan Puglisi in Athens. A former Elite 11 quarterback, Puglisi was highly coveted by Georgia when they signed him.

Although he arrived a bit banged up, being a multi-sport athlete, Ivins revisited his high school tape and was impressed. Puglisi can do it all—just like Gunner Stockton—using his legs to make plays. Looks like Georgia’s QB race just got even more exciting.

But Georgia’s QB recruiting is strengthening. The Bulldogs want more mobility, and the offers are proving it. We know Gunner Stockton can make plays with his legs—and so can Ryan “Pug” Puglisi, whose nickname alone makes him intriguing. But don’t get too comfortable, Gunner. Spring practice could bring more competition than expected. And the future QB is up for grabs.

So, is it Gunner or Pug? As Ivins put it, “I think Ryan Pug, as he enters year two, needs to factor into all of this when we talk about the offense.” The QB battle just got real for Gunner, and Georgia’s future under the center is anyone’s guess.

But Kirby Smart has a lot on his plate than just the QB battle. While some problems seem solved, others are just bubbling up.

At this moment, Kirby Smart’s Georgia

Georgia and Kirby Smart are facing a major issue that’s hard to ignore—the mass exodus of players. Beyond star QB Beck, nearly 36 Bulldogs entered the transfer portal in December. Big names like Rara Thomas and Michael Jackson III are among the departures. So, is there a solution to Smart’s player exit dilemma? The pressure’s on, but Georgia’s next move could be a game-changer.

Smart isn’t sitting still—he’s pulling every string to lock down top 2026 recruits, including the highly sought-after RB KJ Edwards. But the battle’s heating up. Smart’s targets, like Tyler Atkinson, are also being pursued hard by Ryan Day. It’s a race to the top and Smart’s got competition. Who will come out on top in this recruiting showdown?

Don’t know. But Smart’s troubles keep piling up. Jared Curtis, an elite QB from Vols with nearly 3,000 passing yards, de-committed after agreeing to terms with Smart. It’s another curveball in an already chaotic offseason. With top recruits slipping away and roster gaps widening, the big question remains: can Smart overcome these challenges and get Georgia back on track? The clock is ticking, and let’s wait and see.