Gunner Stockton has been keeping a low profile since Georgia wrapped up its season-and in today’s college football landscape, that’s often a sign of stability. No portal buzz, no cryptic social media posts, just silence. And for Georgia fans, that silence just turned into the best kind of noise.
On Monday, Stockton made headlines-not for leaving, but for staying. The Georgia quarterback has inked a new NIL deal with the Bulldogs for the 2026 season, reaffirming his commitment to the program in an era where loyalty is often the exception, not the rule.
According to his NIL representative, Faryn Healy of ESM, Stockton had options. Big ones.
“He could have earned two to three times more by entering the portal,” Healy shared. But that wasn’t even a consideration.
“Gunner bleeds red and black.”
That’s not just a soundbite-it’s a statement. In a college football world where top-tier talent is constantly being courted with lucrative offers and promises of instant stardom elsewhere, Stockton chose to stay grounded. He chose Georgia.
And honestly, this move shouldn’t shock anyone who’s followed his journey. Stockton’s always been wired a little differently. He’s not chasing headlines or dollar signs-he’s chasing wins, legacy, and the chance to wear the "G" on his helmet for as long as he can.
The new NIL deal is a reflection of that mindset. It’s not about maximizing value on the open market.
It’s about maximizing impact in Athens. Stockton’s decision sends a message-not just to his teammates, but to the entire locker room.
In a time when players are often seen as commodities, here’s a quarterback choosing culture over cash.
There’s still plenty of work ahead this offseason. Georgia’s quarterback room is deep, the expectations are sky-high, and the pressure never really lets up in Athens.
But this is a foundational move. It’s a signal that one of the program’s key leaders is all-in for 2026.
And for a fan base that lives and breathes Georgia football, that’s the kind of offseason win that matters just as much as any five-star commit.