Gunner Stockton Rejects Bigger Offer, Stays at Georgia

In a college football era driven by big NIL money, Gunner Stockton chose loyalty over a larger paycheck. According to his agent, the Georgia quarterback rejected an offer that was reportedly three times bigger to remain in Athens for his final college season.

Gunner Stockton’s decision fits his personality. While some teammates have shown off luxury cars, he has been known to drive a 1984 Ford F-150 and spend his free time tending to his cattle. To him, the lure of a bigger NIL deal apparently did not outweigh his dream of leading Georgia.

The quarterback’s future had been uncertain during the transfer portal window. Rumors suggested Gunner Stockton could leave for a more lucrative opportunity, but those concerns ended when On3 reporter Pete Nakos revealed that Stockton had signed a new deal to stay with the Bulldogs. The agreement was confirmed through his agency, ESM, though financial details were not disclosed.

Stockton’s representative, Faryn Healy, said Gunner Stockton never seriously considered leaving. She explained that he had opportunities to earn far more elsewhere but wanted Georgia to keep resources available to build a championship-caliber roster.

Healy told On3 that Stockton’s focus was on helping Georgia keep and recruit the talent needed to chase another championship. She added that money was never his main motivation, because his dream has always been to lead the Bulldogs as their quarterback.

Keeping key players after a tough postseason can be difficult for any program. However, head coach Kirby Smart recently said one of his main offseason goals was to retain most of his roster, and Gunner Stockton’s decision helps solidify that plan.

Gunner Stockton enters his fourth season in the program after a strong first year as the full-time starter. He started all 14 games last season and threw for 2,894 yards with a 69.7% completion rate. He also accounted for 24 passing touchdowns, added 462 rushing yards, and scored 10 times on the ground. His 84.9 QBR ranked sixth nationally.

Those numbers only tell part of the story. Stockton played a major role in Georgia’s SEC Championship run, showing poise in big moments. Even in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal loss to Ole Miss, he completed 18 of 31 passes with a touchdown, battling through a difficult matchup.

With Gunner Stockton returning, plus several retained players and new additions, Georgia looks set up for another deep postseason push in 2026. But Smart is already thinking well beyond the next season.

The Bulldogs recently offered a scholarship to wide receiver Colton Laisure, a member of the 2029 recruiting class. The 6-foot-2, 185-pound prospect from Sullivan East High School has also drawn interest from programs like Miami and USF.

Laisure was contacted by wide receivers coach James Coley, who has helped develop several future NFL players, including Isaiah McKenzie and Javon Wims. With that offer, Georgia has now extended scholarships to 17 prospects in the 2029 class, showing the program’s long-term recruiting vision.

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