Georgia football’s success in the College Football Playoff national championship will not be attributed to Carson Beck but rather to Gunner Stockton and head coach Kirby Smart. Stockton, the redshirt sophomore backup quarterback for the Bulldogs, is set to make his first start in the CFP quarterfinals against Notre Dame at the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans. The Tiger, Georgia native took over for Beck in the SEC conference championship game, showcasing his ability to lead the team down the field and make crucial plays. Stockton’s dual-threat capabilities have impressed opponents and analysts alike, with Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman acknowledging his talent and athleticism. Former Alabama coach Nick Saban even revealed that he tried to recruit Stockton for the Crimson Tide due to his skills as a runner and passer. Smart has expressed confidence in Stockton, praising his winning mentality and special abilities. As Georgia prepares to face Notre Dame, all eyes will be on Stockton as he looks to guide the Bulldogs to victory in the crucial playoff matchup.
Georgia’s starting quarterback against Notre Dame and for the remainder of the season will be Gunner Stockton, as Carson Beck underwent season-ending elbow surgery on December 23. Beck underwent surgery to repair his ulnar collateral ligament (UCL), which he injured at the end of the first half of the Bulldogs’ SEC championship game victory over Texas on December 7.
The 6-foot-4 quarterback sustained his injury while attempting a Hail Mary pass near the 50-yard line in the closing seconds of the first half, as he was brought down by Texas’ Trey Moore for a sack. Beck briefly returned to the game for the game-winning handoff to Trevor Etienne in overtime, after Stockton replaced him following a hit to the head. He underwent an MRI on December 8 before Georgia’s official selection for the College Football Playoff was announced.
Georgia has stated that Beck is expected to make a full recovery and start throwing again in the spring of 2025, as reported by Marc Weiszer of the Athens Banner-Herald. Following successful surgery on his right elbow to repair his UCL, performed by orthopedic specialist Dr. Neal ElAttrache in Los Angeles, Beck will not return to play this year, per the University of Georgia.
During a Sugar Bowl media availability, head coach Kirby Smart discussed Stockton, the new starting quarterback, emphasizing his decision-making skills, accuracy, and athletic abilities. Smart praised Stockton’s character and toughness, highlighting his ability to elevate the performance of those around him, indicating that players rally and play harder in his presence due to his leadership qualities.
In the SEC championship game victory, Stockton completed 12 of 16 passes for 71 yards, while also recording two sacks and an interception. Additionally, he contributed eight rushing yards on eight carries against Texas. Stockton’s season statistics include completing 10 of 12 passes for 90 yards against Tennessee Tech, 3 of 4 passes for 45 yards versus UMass, and the performance in the SEC championship game.
Ranked as a four-star recruit, Stockton is recognized as the No. 7 quarterback in the 2022 recruiting class and the No. 124 overall player according to his 247Sports Composite rankings. Hailing from the state of Georgia, he is also ranked as the No. 12 player in the state.
Stockton’s emergence as Georgia’s starting quarterback signifies a new chapter for the team, following Beck’s unfortunate injury. As the Bulldogs prepare to face Notre Dame and navigate the rest of the season, Stockton’s skills and leadership qualities will be crucial in maintaining the team’s competitive edge and pursuit of success in the College Football Playoff.
This update on Georgia’s quarterback situation sheds light on the transition to Stockton at the helm and the team’s outlook moving forward in the postseason and beyond.
