The Georgia Bulldogs’ quarterback situation is far from settled. With Carson Beck‘s transfer to Miami, the battle to lead Kirby Smart’s squad’s offense in 2025 is wide open. Gunner Stockton, the county high school’s QB, looked the obvious next in line. Especially given how he replaced Beck last season in the SEC Championship game. Stockton even featured in their playoff loss to Notre Dame. But the air in Athens has shifted. Being a Bulldogs quarterback isn’t just about talent; it’s about handling relentless scrutiny. Georgia’s tradition of dominance, with four national titles and the SEC’s brightest spotlight, leaves no room for comfort.

For Stockton, it’s not just about following Beck’s legacy; it’s about fending off rising threats from within. And chief among them? The redshirt freshman Ryan Puglisi. Despite being raw and untested in college games, Puglisi has caught attention for his explosive arm talent.

“Puglisi’s ball just flies off the fingertips. He’s got a rocket of an arm.” Dawgnation’s Ryan Kerley noted. The buzz is real, but so is the lack of experience. Stockton has seen real action and is more experienced. 45 of 64 passes for 440 yards (70.3%) completion rate with just one career start.

But here’s the kicker. Kirby Smart’s confession in McElroy and Cubelic in the Morning may have just cracked open the door for upcoming contenders. “Well, I mean, for me it’s about who plays the best, who gets the best chance to win,” Smart said. He added, “We’ve got two young guys. Then we’ve got a guy that now has some experience. He got to play in an SEC championship in a playoff game. So those two experiences for him were tremendous. And then you’ve got Puglisi, who’s really talented and coming up. So I’m excited about those guys.”

But the excitement comes with unease. While Smart praises his current options, another shadow looms large. Ryan Montgomery. The four-star QB might be shaking up the order next. Once sidelined in the first game of his senior year, the former Ohio Mr. Football finalist refused to let his injury define him. “I’m attacking [the rehab] every day… Just trying to get back as soon as possible.” Montgomery shared back in November.

Fast forward to May, and a viral video now shows the freshman regaining his rhythm, twisting the knee, planting with power, and letting it rip. His progress is not just noteworthy; it’s threatening. Especially to Stockton, who may have assumed the path to QB was his to lose. Amid this tight race, the external pressure isn’t doing Stockton any favors. The recent SEC QB rankings were less than kind, underscoring just how little faith analysts currently have in him. With Puglisi’s hype growing louder and Montgomery’s return ahead of schedule, Georgia’s quarterback room is a boiling pot of uncertainty.

Gunner Stockton’s SEC QB rankings spark controversy

Despite showing real promise in Georgia’s spring scrimmage, quarterback Gunner Stockton found himself buried deep in a recent SEC quarterback ranking that left many puzzled. Stockton, who has waited behind seasoned veterans for nearly three seasons, finally stepped into the spotlight during the Bulldogs’ spring game, throwing for 309 yards and two touchdowns on 17 completions out of 34 attempts.

The patience Stockton has shown in Athens hasn’t gone unnoticed. He’s been in the system long enough to gain the trust of the coaching staff, and Georgia’s decision to steer clear of the transfer portal at the quarterback position only amplified that belief in his readiness. His experience in the locker room and familiarity with the scheme make him more than just another name in the depth chart. Still, that wasn’t enough to earn respect from everyone.

A new set of SEC QB rankings placed Stockton at a surprising No. 12 out of 16 expected starters. The explanation? He simply hasn’t produced enough meaningful reps yet to justify a higher spot. What’s even more curious is who’s ranked ahead of him. Texas A&M’s Marcel Reed, Alabama’s Ty Simpson, and Ole Miss’s Austin Simmons have either underperformed or haven’t started a collegiate game. Given Stockton’s decent showing against Texas and Notre Dame and his grasp on Georgia’s playbook, if he stays on the trajectory, Stockton could soon force critics to rethink where he truly belongs in the SEC hierarchy.