Kirby Smart updates ongoing quarterback battle between Gunner Stockton, Ryan Puglisi

This offseason all eyes are on the Georgia Bulldogs quarterback room. That’s where head coach Kirby Smart is overseeing a quarterback battle to replace Carson Beck.

The two quarterbacks primarily competing for the starting job are Gunner Stockton and Ryan Puglisi. Smart recently shared an update on where those two quarterbacks stand, highlighting that Puglisi has been getting some reps with the ones. However, he also made it clear he thinks both are playing well.

“Both those guys are doing a great job,” Kirby Smart said. “I’m really pleased with where both of them are at. Ryan’s taking some reps with the ones. Gunner continues to grow and get better. I think both those guys are doing a great job.”

Gunner Stockton has a bit more experience than Ryan Puglisi. He came to Georgia as a four-star recruit in the Class of 2022, according to the On3 Industry Ranking. Stockton was the 149th-ranked player overall and the ninth-ranked quarterback in that recruiting cycle. Last season, after Carson Beck was injured at halftime of the SEC Championship Game, Stockton replaced him for the remainder of the season.

In two quarters and a game since he replaced Beck, Stockton found mixed results as the Georgia quarterback. Against elite competition in Texas and Notre Dame, Stockton completed 32 of 48 passes. That was for 305 yards passing yards and a passing touchdown to go with an interception. That also saw him spark the offense in an overtime win against Texas for the SEC Championship, though the Bulldogs only scored 10 points in their Sugar Bowl loss to Notre Dame.

Ryan Puglisi, for his part, came to Georgia as a four-star recruit in the Class of 2024, according to the On3 Industry Ranking. He was the 109th-ranked recruit and the 10th-ranked quarterback in that recruiting cycle. He redshirted as a freshman in 2024 and did not see any game action.

The last time Kirby Smart and Georgia were dealing with a quarterback battle like this one was the one that ended with Carson Beck being named the team’s starter. He wasn’t named the starting quarterback until August, around two weeks before the regular season started. So, there is nothing to say that a decision is imminent this offseason.

The Transfer Portal is also set to open once again following the end of spring practice. That will give players an opportunity to move if they don’t feel they’re in the right situation for themselves, which could factor into when Smart decides on his next quarterback.