As Georgia gears up for a marquee showdown against Ole Miss, all eyes are on quarterback Gunner Stockton-and offensive coordinator Mike Bobo isn’t interested in rewriting the script. His message to the young signal-caller is simple: keep being yourself. That might sound like coach-speak on the surface, but dig a little deeper, and it’s clear Bobo sees something in Stockton that goes beyond stats or schemes.
“I want him to be Gunner Stockton,” Bobo said, doubling down on the idea that authenticity isn’t just encouraged-it’s essential. In a locker room full of high-level athletes, respect isn’t handed out for trying to be someone you’re not. According to Bobo, it’s Stockton’s consistency in being true to himself that has helped him earn the trust of his teammates.
And while Stockton came into this season with plenty of reps under his belt-practice time, film study, and a solid understanding of Georgia’s system-Bobo knows there’s no substitute for live action. The learning curve in real games is different, steeper, and far more revealing.
But the way Stockton has handled those growing pains? That’s what’s impressed Bobo the most.
“He has learned from the bad places that he’s had in games and the good ones,” Bobo said. “Extremely proud of him.
Can’t say enough about how hard he works and how he prepares.” That work ethic has never been in question.
If anything, it’s the foundation of what Bobo believes could be a breakout future.
Even with the Heisman conversation shifting away from Stockton this season, Bobo isn’t blinking. He’s not measuring Gunner by awards or headlines-he’s looking at the bigger picture.
And from his vantage point, Stockton is still just scratching the surface. “He’s not even close to reaching his ceiling,” Bobo said.
“He can continue to improve.”
The timing of this message isn’t accidental. Georgia’s about to face an Ole Miss defense led by Pete Golding, a unit known for bringing the heat and forcing quarterbacks into uncomfortable territory.
It’s the kind of test that can rattle a young QB-or reveal just how far he’s come. Bobo’s confidence suggests he expects the latter.
“He wants to go out and, like our whole football team, play well in this game and give ourselves a chance to win the ball game,” Bobo added.
It’s a big-stage moment at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, and while the spotlight will inevitably shine on Stockton, Bobo’s message is a reminder that the best version of Gunner is the one who doesn’t try to be anything else. If he sticks to that, Georgia might just have the steady hand it needs under center-not just for this game, but for seasons to come.