Georgia Update Drops on Competition for New Starting Quarterback

Georgia Update: Drops on Competition for New Starting Quarterback

As the 2025 college football season inches closer, one of the most highly anticipated developments for the University of Georgia is the battle to secure the starting quarterback position. The Bulldogs, coming off a successful run in recent years with elite quarterback play, have entered a new chapter with an open competition for their next signal-caller. With their former starter, Stetson Bennett IV, moving on to the NFL, Georgia is looking for a quarterback who can continue the program’s recent dominance. Let’s take a closer look at the latest developments in this high-stakes competition and what it means for the Bulldogs moving forward.

The Stetson Bennett Era Ends

Stetson Bennett, who led Georgia to back-to-back national championships in 2021 and 2022, is a tough act to follow. After taking over as Georgia’s starting quarterback in 2021, Bennett proved himself to be a clutch performer, with his poise and leadership on display during the Bulldogs’ championship runs. His success, particularly during Georgia’s 2022 championship win over Alabama and the 2023 season, helped the Bulldogs maintain a championship-caliber program. With Bennett now in the NFL, Georgia has no choice but to find his successor, and the competition is wide open.

The Candidates for the Job

Georgia has a wealth of talent in the quarterback room, and head coach Kirby Smart is no stranger to navigating tough position battles. This year, the competition is fierce as several highly touted quarterbacks are vying for the starting role. The three most prominent names currently in the mix are Carson Beck, Brock Vandagriff, and Gunner Stockton. Let’s take a closer look at each candidate and how they’ve performed so far.

Carson Beck:
The most experienced of the bunch, Carson Beck has spent the last few seasons waiting in the wings behind Bennett. Beck, a former four-star recruit from Florida, has shown flashes of brilliance in limited action over the past two seasons. In the 2023 season, he appeared in several games, including blowouts where he showcased his arm strength, decision-making, and ability to read defenses. Beck is known for his composure under pressure, and many believe he’s the favorite to win the starting job. However, being a backup for so long means that Beck is still a bit of an unknown when it comes to starting in a high-pressure environment. The question remains: can he handle the spotlight and lead Georgia’s high-powered offense to continued success?

Brock Vandagriff:
Brock Vandagriff, a former five-star recruit and Georgia native, has been on Georgia’s roster since 2022 and has had a couple of years to learn the offense and develop his game. Vandagriff has all the physical tools to be a star. He’s an athletic quarterback with a strong arm and the ability to extend plays with his legs. While his limited appearances have been mostly in garbage time, Vandagriff has shown promise in his short stints. However, there are still questions about his consistency, accuracy, and ability to perform when the stakes are high. If he can improve his decision-making and show more poise in practice and scrimmages, Vandagriff could emerge as the starter. His upside makes him a tempting choice, but it remains to be seen if he can put it all together on the field.

Gunner Stockton:
Gunner Stockton is a highly touted quarterback recruit from the 2023 class, known for his dual-threat abilities. He has the ability to make plays with both his arm and his legs, making him a unique weapon in Georgia’s offense. While Stockton hasn’t yet seen significant action in college football, his high school tape shows an explosive playmaker with a natural feel for the game. Stockton’s speed and ability to break tackles in the open field set him apart from the other quarterbacks on the roster. However, he’s still in the early stages of his college career and needs to further develop his mechanics and understanding of the offense. Stockton is definitely one to watch, but it’s unclear if he’ll be ready to start right away.

What Kirby Smart Is Looking For

Head coach Kirby Smart is well known for his attention to detail and his ability to find the right balance between a talented roster and the leadership necessary to win championships. With so much talent at quarterback, it’s safe to say that Smart will be looking for a player who can not only manage the game effectively but also elevate the team in critical moments.

Smart has consistently emphasized the importance of making smart decisions, managing the game, and showing leadership on and off the field. The Georgia offense, which has traditionally relied on a strong running game and an elite defense, doesn’t need a quarterback who will go out and throw for 400 yards every game. Instead, they need someone who can make efficient throws, manage the game, and avoid turnovers. This is where Beck and Vandagriff’s experience will likely give them an edge over Stockton, though the latter’s upside may force Smart to take a hard look at him as well.

Moreover, Smart will be considering how each quarterback fits into Georgia’s larger system, which has evolved into one of the most balanced offenses in the country. The offensive line is elite, the running back room is deep, and the defense remains one of the best in the nation. The quarterback needs to be able to make the necessary throws when called upon but also avoid making critical mistakes. Smart wants a leader who can stay calm under pressure, just like Bennett did during his tenure.

The Road Ahead

As the Bulldogs head into spring practices and the summer months, it’s clear that the competition for the starting quarterback role is heating up. All three candidates bring something unique to the table, and it’s likely that Smart will let this battle play out throughout the offseason. Each quarterback will have an opportunity to prove themselves during scrimmages and practice sessions, with the ultimate decision likely coming down to which player shows the most consistency, poise, and leadership in the fall.

Ultimately, the quarterback competition will play a significant role in determining Georgia’s chances of continuing its dominance in the SEC and college football at large. Whether Beck, Vandagriff, or Stockton emerges as the starter, it’s clear that Georgia’s football program is in good hands. With an abundance of talent across the roster, the Bulldogs will be poised for another successful season, no matter who takes the snaps under center. Keep an eye on this competition as the season progresses—it’s bound to be one of the most exciting quarterback battles in college football.