As the SEC gears up for another season under heavy national attention, ESPN’s Paul Finebaum has turned his attention to Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton. Entering 2025, Stockton is viewed as one of the league’s most scrutinized signal-callers. His limited action revealed inconsistencies, raising questions about whether he can meet Georgia’s lofty expectations. Stockton, however, has had a full offseason to prepare.
Paul Finebaum Highlights Gunner Stockton’s Uncertainty as Georgia’s 2025 Season Nears
ESPN analyst Paul Finebaum used his recent appearance on “SportsCenter” to point out one of the biggest quarterback questions in the SEC entering the 2025 season. When asked which new starter raised the most doubt, Finebaum singled out Stockton.
“It is Gunner Stockton at Georgia, and there has been a big narrative after he took over for Carson Beck late last year,” Finebaum said. “He was not spectacular when he played against Notre Dame in the Sugar Bowl, but some of that was his coaching on the sideline, but I’m just worried about him at this moment. He is well loved by his teammates, that’s what I hear from the team. But can he handle the moment? He won’t have one for a few weeks, but he will see Alabama at the end of September, and Alabama seems to have Georgia’s number lately.”
Stockton replaced Beck in the College Football Playoff after Beck suffered a season-ending injury in the SEC Championship. In nine career appearances, the Tiger, Georgia native has posted 588 passing yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions.
The concern over Stockton’s readiness comes as Georgia seeks to maintain its dominance under head coach Kirby Smart. The Bulldogs have finished inside the top 10 for eight straight seasons, compiling a 53-5 record across the past four years.
Smart, however, has publicly defended Stockton’s preparation and progress. When asked during the offseason if he was ready to confirm Stockton as the starter, Smart pushed back.
“Why, so y’all can write about it?” he joked. He later added that what he expects most from Stockton is “good decisions, good decisions. Make good decisions. Continue to develop and understanding situational football.”
Smart elaborated on the growth he has seen.
“Being the quarterback and understanding the game. Understanding what the defense is doing. He’s grown so much when it comes to that. ID and protections. ID and run game. Playing quarterback is like being a computer… it’s got a million things going on at once. He’s gotten better and better at handling those things and that’s what I want to see him do when he gets the opportunity.”
At SEC Media Days, Smart praised Stockton for consistently preparing as if he were the starter.
“You just don’t ever know when your number is going to be called,” Smart said. “He went in, watched extra tape, and he knew that, at any point in time, he could be called on to go in the game and play.”
Georgia opens the 2025 season on Aug. 30 against Marshall, with kickoff set for 3:30 p.m. on ESPN.