The quarterback carousel is spinning in Athens, and Georgia fans are glued to the ride. All offseason, the big question was: who’s stepping up to fill Carson Beck’s shoes? Now, with spring practice underway, we’re finally getting a glimpse of the contenders. Kirby Smart’s got three guys under the microscope: Gunner Stockton, who saw action in the SEC Championship and started the Sugar Bowl; 4-star recruit Ryan Montgomery; and Ryan Puglisi. And just when it looked like Stockton was having a tough time solidifying his spot, Kirby Smart threw a curveball that definitely raised some eyebrows.

On March 12, Dawgs insider Dean Legge delivered a reality check. “Gunner was not as accurate today,” he noted. Those deep passes were off the mark, some too long and some too short. It wasn’t the kind of performance that cements a QB1 spot. That left the door open for Ryan Puglisi, the highly touted 19-year-old redshirt freshman from Connecticut, to rise up and take control. But just two days later, the tide turned again. 

Spring football was rolling into its second day on March 14, and Georgia’s QB picture is starting to clear up. In the latest episode on UGA Football on Dawg Post, Dawgs insider Ryan Kerley dropped his notes that revealed a major shift. “Gunner Stockton, it looks like he’s taking the first team reps,” he said. “It looks like Gunner Stockton is QB1 for now, or at least that’s what they were showing us.” Kirby Smart didn’t let out any word on whether or not there’s a QB competition but noted, “there’s competition at every single position.” And yes, everyone from JT Daniels to Carson Beck had to fight for their spot. But for now, we know who’s leading the pack. 

Kirby Smart may be vague in his statement, but actions speak louder than words. As Kerley added, “It looks like Gunner Stockton is QB1 and Ryan Puglisi, the second-year guy out of New England, out of Connecticut, looks like he’s QB2 at the moment.” This wasn’t how some people expected the battle to unfold. Ryan Puglisi, a 4-star recruit ranked as the No. 10 QB in his class, had all the tools to make a push. Back in 2023, ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky was already hyping him up, calling him “incredibly talented with an absolute cannon.” But he faced a roadblock with a fractured leg that kept him out of last year’s G-Day.

Still, despite the talent, Ryan Puglisi is trailing behind Gunner Stockton in the QB race. Football analyst Greg McElroy is high on the latter’s ability to bring mobility more than what his predecessor offered in the last couple of years. The 22-year-old’s stats give him reason to hope. Last season, despite limited action, he completed 70.3% of his passes for 440 yards in five games. Not mind-blowing but steady. 

Top Comment by billeeG

It is gonna be fun to watch …. Go Dawgs

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Why Gunner Stockton holds the edge for QB1

Kirby Smart may not have officially named a starter yet. But his comments about Gunner Stockton paint a clear picture. “He’s a tremendous leader, but that’s nothing I didn’t already know,” the HC said. “I would be remiss if I said he’s done this or that. He’s done everything right since he’s been here.” But keep the comment aside; here’s the biggest sign of all. 

When Georgia’s former players needed a QB to throw at their annual Pro Day on Wednesday, they didn’t pick Ryan Puglisi. They picked Gunner Stockton. That speaks volumes. It’s a clear sign that his teammates trust him. But of course, the race isn’t over, and the final call is up to Smart and his staff. There’s also time for Ryan Puglisi to make a big push for the starting nod. 

As of now, all signs point to Gunner Stockton sitting atop Georgia’s QB throne. The battle’s only just beginning, and if Ryan Puglisi wants to change the narrative, he’s got work to do.