Georgia's Backup QB Gunner Stockton to Start in Sugar Bowl Against Notre Dame

Stockton steps in for injured starter Carson Beck as Georgia pursues a College Football Playoff title.

Gunner Stockton, Georgia's redshirt sophomore quarterback, will make his first college start in the Sugar Bowl against Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals.
Stockton replaces Carson Beck, who suffered a season-ending UCL injury during the SEC championship game and recently underwent surgery.
Coaches and analysts highlight Stockton's decision-making, accuracy, and dual-threat abilities, which could bring a different dynamic to Georgia's offense.
The transfer portal era has made maintaining quarterback depth challenging, with players often leaving for starting opportunities elsewhere.
The game underscores the importance of backup quarterbacks, as NIL deals and upcoming NCAA revenue-sharing rules are reshaping how teams build depth at critical positions.