Gunner Stockton, Georgia Football News: Draft Scout Player News

Draft Scout College Football Player News

12/06/25 - QB Gunner Stockton, rJr/2027, Georgia, (DS#9 QB)

Gunner Stockton and Georgia finally put an end to Alabama's mastery of the rivalry between Southeastern Conference powers. Stockton threw three touchdown passes as the third-ranked Bulldogs solidified their position for a first-round bye in the College Football Playoff and beat Alabama in the SEC championship game for the first time, pounding the 10th-ranked Crimson Tide 28-7 on Saturday. Stockton, who completed 20 of 26 passes for 156 yards and rushed for 39 yards, was named the game's MVP. It was the first victory over Alabama for Georgia's fourth-year players, including Stockton. "We approached it the same, like it was a big game, and didn't make it bigger than it was," Stockton said. Georgia (12-1, No. 3 CFP) had been 0-4 against Alabama in the SEC title game and 1-7 against the Crimson Tide under coach Kirby Smart. Playing in their fifth straight league championship game, the Bulldogs earned their fourth title under Smart and 16th overall. During a team meeting at the start of the week, Georgia players who had a win over Alabama were asked to stand up. "None of them stood up," Smart said. Now the Bulldogs can stand. They also can brag about winning back-to-back SEC championships. "I thought it hit right between the eyes of doing it for the seniors," Smart said.

The lopsided loss forces Alabama (10-3, No. 9 CFP) to worry about its standing with the College Football Playoff selection committee. The Crimson Tide were believed to be in good position when they moved up one spot in last week's CFP ranking, but the loss to the Bulldogs provides renewed cause for concern that the Crimson Tide could miss the playoff for the second consecutive season under coach Kalen DeBoer. "We fell short today, but I'm proud of our season," DeBoer said. "Getting to the SEC championship, getting to this great game, there's a lot to build off of." Alabama will learn its playoff fate on Sunday. "If this game applies to and takes away from our resume, I don't think that's right," DeBoer said. "I really don't." Georgia led 21-0 before Alabama's Ty Simpson threw a 23-yard touchdown pass to Germie Bernard early in the fourth quarter. Georgia will play a CFP quarterfinal game in the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans. - Georgia/AP College Football

(DS#9 QB) rJr/2027