Who Is Gunner Stockton? 5 Things to Know About the Georgia Quarterback

Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton have been waiting a lifetime for this moment.

Gunner was promoted to the role of starting quarterback for the University of Georgia after quarterback Carson Beck suffered an elbow injury during the SEC Championship Game against Texas on Dec. 7. Beck underwent season-ending surgery and has since declared for the 2025 NFL Draft.

Born in Tiger, Georgia, about 75 miles from the University of Georgia campus in Athens, Gunner grew up a huge Bulldogs fan. The son of two collegiate athletes – his father, Rob, played football at Georgia Southern and his mother, Sherri, played basketball at Erskine College – he has athletics in his blood.

“The most important thing for Gunner is that he knows our community, and especially our family, his friends, and those people closest to him, who believe in him,” Rob by UGASports in a story published on Sunday, December 29. “We’ve always loved him and want the best for him. This is something he has worked for (and) something he has dreamed of.”

Rob added, “You look at pictures of your kid, and they’re throwing the ball in your backyard and dreaming of being the starting quarterback at the University of Georgia. It has happened. It’s unreal.”

For more on Gunner’s story, keep reading.

Gunner Stockton Was Named After His Great Grandfather

Gunner’s great grandfather, VD Stocktonhe served in the Second World War. A newspaper at the time referred to him as “Gunner Stockton.”

Back The AthleticsGunner’s parents liked the nickname so much that they decided to give it to their son.

Grandfather Gunner Died After Leaving Georgia Game

In October 2010, Gunner’s grandfather, Lawrence Stocktondied shortly after leaving Georgia’s 34-31 overtime loss to the Florida Gators at Jacksonville’s EverBank Field.

Back ESPNLawrence walked back to the tailgate area after the game and collapsed and died of a heart attack. He was 63 years old.

Gunner Stockton Is Close With Her Older Sister

Gunner shares a close bond with his older sister, Georgiahis only sibling.

The duo shared a cute moment when Georgia was dropped off at Presbyterian College in Clinton, South Carolina in the summer of 2019.

“UW officially has a baller on campus,” Gunner shared via Instagram. “I know it will be hard for you not to see me every day but I hope it won’t be too hard for you 😂 . You are the best. Love you more than you know ❤️”

In 2021, Gunner and Georgia took on the Bulldogs game from the sides of Sanford Stadium.

“Pretty good way to end the week,” Gunner shared via Instagram alongside a picture of him and his sister.

Gunner, Georgia and the rest of their extended family spent the holidays together in 2024, just days before the Bulldogs’ game against Notre Dame in the 2025 Sugar Bowl, as evidenced by a series of photos shared by Georgia via Instagram.

Gunner Stockton Originally committed to South Carolina

Gunner originally committed to play quarterback at SEC rival South Carolina. However, he announced its separation in January 2021.

“After much discussion and prayer with my family, I have decided to withdraw from the University of South Carolina,” Gunner said in a statement at the time. “Back in August, I made the decision to commit to the University, the program and the staff. A lot has changed since then, and I feel I should re-evaluate my position.”

Gunner’s decision came on the heels Will Muschampthe head coach that Gunner committed to, is fired.

The quarterback announced his commitment to the University of Georgia later that month.

Gunner Stockton Drives His Grandfather’s Old Truck on Campus

If you see a 1984 Ford F-150 driving around Georgia’s campus, that’s just the team’s starting quarterback.

“It was literally broken down, parked up at their house and it wouldn’t crank,” his father, Rob, he told the Banner-Herald of Athens in a story published on Friday evening, December 27. “He wanted to get it running, so he and I tinkered with it.”

According to the shop, Rob helps run an automotive dealership that has been in the family since 1956.

The truck has no air conditioning and more than 300,000 miles on the odometer.

“I’d say he’s going to keep driving that old truck no matter what opportunities come his way,” said Rob.