Gunner Stockton Reflects on Growth, Confidence, and Georgia’s Playoff Push Ahead of Sugar Bowl Clash with Ole Miss
New Orleans, LA - A year ago, Gunner Stockton was the new kid under center, making his first career start for Georgia in the Sugar Bowl. Fast forward to now, and he's back in the same building - but this time, he’s the guy. And you can hear it in his voice: more poised, more confident, and ready to lead the Bulldogs into the College Football Playoff.
“It left a bad taste last year,” Stockton admitted when asked about returning to the Sugar Bowl. “But this venue is always a great experience, and I'm glad we're playing here.”
That “bad taste” he’s talking about? It's the kind that lingers all offseason - the kind that fuels a quarterback through early morning lifts, late-night film sessions, and the grind of an SEC schedule. Now, Stockton’s back in New Orleans, not just with more experience, but with a different edge.
Confidence Born from Reps
When asked what’s changed most in his game, Stockton didn’t hesitate: “My confidence.”
And it shows. After a full season as Georgia’s starter, Stockton has settled into the role - not just as a playmaker, but as a leader.
“Playing a full season, having a bunch of games under my belt, just playing with my teammates and having fun,” he said. “Compared to last year, I didn’t have that much confidence. Now I feel like I can help the team in that way.”
That confidence isn’t just internal. It’s something his teammates feel, too.
There’s a different vibe around this Georgia team heading into the playoff - more focused, more locked in. Tight end Lawson Luckie said earlier this week that last year’s team didn’t take practices leading up to the Sugar Bowl as seriously.
Stockton agreed.
“I don't know why, but I give credit to everybody on the football team,” he said. “The older guys, younger guys - everybody’s buying into what Coach Smart says and just attacking practice.
Not taking it for granted. Just trying to get better every day.”
The Bobo Factor
A big part of Stockton’s growth this season has come under the guidance of offensive coordinator Mike Bobo. The two have a natural chemistry - both competitive, both wired the same way.
“Coach Bobo, he's awesome,” Stockton said. “The amount of work he puts in, you can see the love he has for everyone and the university. It makes me want to go out here and play my best for him.”
When asked if they’re similar in personality and approach to the game, Stockton smiled: “Yeah, I would say so. I think we’re both competitive. So I think we share that.”
Familiar Opponent, New Game
Georgia’s Sugar Bowl opponent, Ole Miss, is a team the Bulldogs have already faced this season - and beaten. But don’t expect any complacency from Stockton or his teammates.
“Coach Smart’s been preaching it’s a one-game season now,” Stockton said. “We’ve played Ole Miss, but he isn’t saying, ‘We already beat them.’
It’s a whole separate game. We’re excited to play them and for the experience.”
That mindset - treating the playoff as a clean slate - has been a focal point for Georgia’s preparation. The past doesn’t carry over.
Not last year’s loss. Not this year’s regular-season win.
Everything resets in the postseason.
“Maybe it feels a little like déjà vu,” Stockton said of returning to New Orleans and facing a familiar opponent. “But you can’t transfer a win. It’s a whole separate season.”
Growth Beyond the Field
For Stockton, this trip to the Sugar Bowl is more than just another game. It’s a full-circle moment - a chance to reflect on how far he’s come in just a year.
“It’s crazy how much I’ve grown in a year,” he said. “I feel more comfortable and more confident. Just getting the season under my belt, playing with all the guys in here, and having fun while I’m doing it.”
That growth hasn’t gone unnoticed back home in Rabun County, either. Stockton’s become a bit of a local legend - and while he acknowledges that being Georgia’s quarterback comes with a certain spotlight, he’s still the same guy when he goes home.
“I still love going back home and seeing everybody I grew up with - from teachers to my buddies I went to high school with,” he said. “It’s always fun when I go back home.”
Handling the Unexpected
Last year’s Sugar Bowl was marked by tragedy and uncertainty - a terrorist attack that led to the game being postponed. Stockton recalled the surreal moment when he first heard the news.
“I woke up that morning getting ready for game day, eating breakfast, hadn’t checked my phone,” he said. “I forgot who I was sitting next to, but they were like, ‘Hey, we might not play.’
I thought they were messing with me, trying to play a prank. But seeing that stuff, just a bunch of uncertainty.
We really didn’t know what was going on. It was crazy.”
This year, the focus is sharper. The team had a first-round bye, which Stockton and his teammates used wisely - attacking practices, getting rest, and taking care of their bodies.
“We had a couple days off; I would go home on the weekends,” he said. “It was good to see [my family].”
One-Game Season Mentality
Kirby Smart’s message to the team has been consistent: this is a one-game season. Every snap, every possession, every detail matters.
And Stockton’s bought in.
“He talks about the Sugar Bowl and being in the College Football Playoffs - it’s a one-game season now,” Stockton said. “We’re excited to play and for the experience.”
The Bulldogs are back in the Sugar Bowl, but this time, they’re bringing a different energy - and a quarterback who’s grown into the moment.
Gunner Stockton isn’t just returning to the site of his first start. He’s returning as a confident leader with unfinished business.