Gunner Stockton Locked In Ahead of SEC Championship Rematch with Alabama
ATHENS - Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton is no stranger to big moments. He’s won at just about every level, and now he’s gearing up for one of the biggest yet - a rematch with Alabama in the SEC Championship Game. After a regular season that saw the Bulldogs finish 11-1, Stockton is focused, grounded, and ready for another shot at the Crimson Tide.
And make no mistake - that early-season loss to Alabama still lingers. Not in a way that derails confidence, but in the way that fuels preparation.
“For me as a competitor, I can't stand to lose,” Stockton said. “But finishing the regular season 11-1 set us up for a chance to play in the SEC Championship. Just a chance to play in an unreal game.”
Learning from the First Meeting
The last time Georgia faced Alabama, Stockton had a quiet day on the ground - just five rushing attempts, a season low against an SEC opponent. Since then, he says the offense has matured, grown tighter, and locked in on execution.
“After the 'Bama game, our offense and team have grown up a bunch,” he said. “We’ve been playing pretty good football.
We came closer together. Just being able to execute coach’s game plan - that’s the biggest part.”
He’s not tipping his hand about whether he’ll use his legs more this time around, but reading between the lines, it’s clear the Bulldogs are approaching this matchup with a more complete offensive identity.
History Doesn’t Call the Plays
There’s no denying the weight of the Georgia-Alabama rivalry. The Tide have had the upper hand in several recent meetings, and that history can loom large. But Stockton isn’t letting the past dictate the present.
“Everybody knows the history of Georgia-Alabama,” he said. “But they can’t transfer a win or a loss to this game. This is its own game.”
It’s a mature mindset, and one that speaks to the way Georgia is approaching Saturday - one game, one opportunity, and one shot to play their best football when it matters most.
Center of Attention
Stockton had high praise for center Malachi Toliver, who stepped up when called upon earlier in the year and hasn’t looked back.
“He’s been awesome,” Stockton said. “Since he got here, he’s always been working.
Against Charlotte, when he got his chance, he played his butt off. He’s always straining and working hard for the team.”
That kind of consistency and effort up front is critical, especially against an Alabama defense known for its speed and physicality.
Balance On and Off the Field
Stockton’s also had the benefit of a lighter academic load this fall. After graduating over the summer, he wrapped up his remaining classes early - a rare luxury for a student-athlete in December.
“I actually finished up last week with all my classes,” he said. “I’m excited I don’t really have to think about that or go home and do any homework. I’m kind of excited like that.”
With schoolwork off his plate, Stockton’s full attention is on football - and that could make a difference in a game where preparation and focus are everything.
From Backup to Leader
It wasn’t long ago that Stockton was preparing each week as the backup, unsure if or when his number would be called. Now, he’s the guy - the leader of the offense, the face of Georgia’s postseason hopes.
“Last year it was crazy,” he recalled. “I was preparing like I was a starter, just trying to watch a lot of film and be ready.
It was hard just having to make myself watch film each week, not playing. Then when the time came, I was ready.”
That preparation turned into opportunity, and now it’s evolved into leadership.
“As the starter, it’s a different mindset,” he said. “But it’s an opportunity I’m blessed to be in. Glad I get to go do that with my teammates.”
Confidence Built Through Reps
Stockton’s growth this season hasn’t just come from film study or game planning - it’s come from reps. Real ones. The kind you can’t simulate.
“At the start of the season, I didn’t have that many banked reps,” he said. “But as the season’s gone on - on the road at Tennessee, Auburn - just those environments boosted my confidence.”
That confidence is crucial heading into a game where every decision, every read, and every throw will matter.
What Stands Out About Alabama’s Defense
When asked about Alabama’s defense, Stockton didn’t hesitate. The Tide have made a habit of creating chaos - whether it’s interceptions, strip-outs, or simply swarming to the ball.
“They have a great defense,” he said. “The way they attack the ball.
They have a bunch of turnovers for the year. Just the way they swarm the ball.”
Georgia’s offense will need to be sharp, disciplined, and ball-secure. Alabama thrives on mistakes, and Stockton knows it.
Self-Reflection After Georgia Tech
Even after a win over Georgia Tech, Stockton saw areas for improvement. It’s that self-awareness that’s helped him evolve throughout the season.
“I talked about just calming down, doing what I do week in and week out,” he said. “Just doing the basic stuff that I’m taught to do.”
He’s not chasing highlight plays - he’s chasing consistency. And with the SEC title on the line, that mindset could be the difference.
A Second Chance Against the Tide
There’s something special about getting another crack at a team that beat you the first time. For Stockton, it’s about learning from the film, attacking the week of prep, and staying focused on the moment.
“We’re getting to play in the SEC Championship game, awesome venue,” he said. “We’re excited for the opportunity.”
Leadership on Both Sides
Stockton also gave a nod to his teammates on the other side of the ball - CJ and Raylen - two defensive leaders who’ve helped shape the team’s identity.
“They’re awesome,” he said. “Just to see how much hard work they put into it, just their leadership on that side of the ball is awesome. Nothing like no other.”
Eyes on the Prize - But One Step at a Time
Yes, there are College Football Playoff implications. Yes, a win could lock in a top-four seed and possibly a first-round bye. But for Stockton and the Bulldogs, all of that is background noise.
“At the end of the day, we’re playing Alabama in the SEC Championship,” he said. “That’s all we’re focused on right now. If we do what we got to do, it will all work out for us.”
Looking Ahead - But Not Too Far
Stockton also participated in Georgia’s Senior Day ceremony - a moment to reflect, but not necessarily a declaration about his future.
“I went out with Senior Day because those are all the guys I came in with,” he said. “Just a moment to kind of look back, just appreciate all the things that came with that.”
For now, the focus is clear. One game.
One goal. One more shot at Alabama.
And Gunner Stockton sounds like a quarterback who’s ready for it.