Gunner Stockton Cracks Early Heisman Watchlist After Breakout Season with Georgia
With Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza freshly crowned as the 2025 Heisman Trophy winner, the college football world is already turning the page, looking ahead to the next big thing in 2026. And if ESPN’s early projections are any indication, Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton is officially on the national radar.
Stockton, who stepped into the starting role this season, didn’t just manage expectations-he exceeded them. ESPN’s Mark Schlabach included him among 15 early candidates to watch for next year’s Heisman, and it’s easy to see why.
The Bulldogs' offense leaned heavily on Stockton’s dual-threat skill set, especially as the team navigated a season full of injuries and shuffling along the offensive line. Through it all, Stockton was the steady hand-and at times, the spark-that kept Georgia rolling.
In his first full season under center, Stockton led Georgia to a 12-1 record and an SEC Championship, a testament to his poise and playmaking ability. The Bulldogs averaged 31.9 points per game, and Stockton’s fingerprints were all over that production. He completed 70.7% of his passes for 2,691 yards, tossed 25 touchdown passes, added six more on the ground, and racked up 442 rushing yards for good measure.
But it wasn’t just the stats-it was the timing. Stockton saved his best for the biggest moments.
Against ranked opponents in the fourth quarter, he completed a staggering 86% of his passes, throwing 11 touchdowns to just one interception. That kind of clutch performance is what separates solid starters from potential Heisman contenders.
Georgia’s offense wasn’t always at full strength this season, particularly up front. The offensive line dealt with a carousel of injuries, forcing Stockton to adapt on the fly.
He used his legs to extend plays, his arm to keep defenses honest, and his composure to guide the Bulldogs through tough stretches. That resilience didn’t just help Georgia win games-it helped them secure the SEC crown.
Now, with the College Football Playoff looming, Stockton has a chance to further cement his status on the national stage. Georgia is set to face either Tulane or Ole Miss in the Sugar Bowl on January 1, and a strong showing there could provide the perfect springboard into a 2026 campaign filled with Heisman buzz.
For now, Stockton is just one name on a long list of early contenders. But if this season was any indication, he won’t be flying under the radar for long.