Gunner Stockton didn’t just step into Georgia’s starting quarterback role in 2025 - he seized it with authority. After a breakout performance in last year’s SEC Championship Game, Stockton followed it up with a full season that not only solidified his place as the Bulldogs’ QB1 but also landed him seventh in Heisman Trophy voting. And as we look ahead to 2026, the buzz around Stockton isn’t fading - it’s only getting louder.
Both ESPN and Pro Football Focus have already spotlighted Stockton as a top-tier Heisman contender for next season. PFF’s Max Chadwick went so far as to project him as one of four finalists, placing him alongside Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin, Buckeyes wideout Jeremiah Smith, and Texas signal-caller Arch Manning. ESPN’s list of 15 contenders also included that trio, along with Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, Missouri running back Ahmad Hardy, and Miami receiver Malachi Toney.
What’s driving this early Heisman hype? For starters, Stockton’s numbers from 2025 speak for themselves.
Through 13 games, he completed 70.7% of his passes for 2,691 yards, 23 touchdowns, and just five interceptions. He added another dimension with his legs, rushing for 442 yards and eight scores.
That dual-threat ability made him a constant problem for defenses - and a steadying force for a Georgia offense that battled injuries across the offensive line.
As ESPN’s Mark Schlabach noted, Stockton was at his sharpest when the stakes were highest. Against ranked opponents in the fourth quarter, he completed a staggering 86% of his passes, throwing 11 touchdowns to just one pick. That’s not just clutch - that’s elite-level poise under pressure.
Stockton’s 2025 campaign wasn’t without its ups and downs, but the big moments were undeniable. He made an early statement in Week 3 with a gutsy fourth-down touchdown pass to London Humphreys against Tennessee. He followed that up with key performances in wins over Auburn, Ole Miss, and Florida - games where his decision-making and toughness stood out.
He hit another gear in November, putting together standout showings against Texas and Mississippi State that briefly vaulted him into the Heisman conversation. While the buzz cooled after quieter outings against Charlotte and Georgia Tech, Stockton came roaring back with an MVP performance in the SEC Championship Game against Alabama - a game that reminded everyone why his name belongs in the Heisman mix.
And it’s not just the stats or the highlight plays - it’s the way Stockton carries himself. Teammates rave about his toughness and leadership.
After the SEC title game, Georgia receiver Dillon Bell summed it up best: “That dude right there has so much resiliency, composure. He plays his butt off, man.
He’s a very tough guy - you know, lower his shoulder and everything. But I’m not surprised.
He does everything at practice well.”
With a full season under his belt and the confidence of his team behind him, Stockton heads into 2026 not just as Georgia’s quarterback, but as one of college football’s most intriguing stars. If he continues to build on what he showed this year - the arm talent, the mobility, the clutch factor - don’t be surprised if he’s back in New York next December, this time as a Heisman finalist.