Gunner Stockton Disconnects From Georgia Bulldogs to Commit to Ohio State
In a stunning turn of events, highly touted quarterback prospect Gunner Stockton has announced his decision to decommit from the University of Georgia and instead pledge his allegiance to the Ohio State Buckeyes. This decision, which sent shockwaves through the college football recruiting landscape, is a significant win for Ohio State and a surprising blow to the Bulldogs.
Stockton, a five-star recruit out of Rabun County High School in Georgia, had been considered a cornerstone of the Bulldogs’ future offensive plans. His commitment to Georgia, made during his junior year of high school, was seen as a major victory for head coach Kirby Smart and his staff. However, the 6-foot-1, 220-pound quarterback has now opted to change course, citing a desire for a better fit and alignment with his long-term goals.
The Decision
In a statement released on social media, Stockton expressed gratitude to the Georgia program but explained his reasoning for the switch.
“After much thought, prayer, and discussion with my family, I have decided to decommit from the University of Georgia and commit to Ohio State University,” Stockton wrote. “This was not an easy decision, as I have great respect for Coach Smart, the staff, and the Georgia program. However, I believe Ohio State is the best place for me to grow as a player and as a person.”
Sources close to Stockton indicated that Ohio State’s offensive system and recent track record of producing NFL-ready quarterbacks played a significant role in his decision. The Buckeyes have developed star quarterbacks such as Justin Fields and C.J. Stroud, both of whom became high NFL draft picks. Stockton was reportedly impressed by head coach Ryan Day’s vision for his future and the potential to compete for a national championship in Columbus.
The Impact on Georgia
Stockton’s departure leaves a noticeable void in Georgia’s 2025 recruiting class. The Bulldogs had invested significant effort into securing Stockton, and his commitment was seen as a cornerstone of their plans to remain competitive in the ultra-competitive SEC. While Georgia has other talented quarterbacks on its roster and in its recruiting pipeline, losing a player of Stockton’s caliber is undoubtedly a setback.
For Kirby Smart, the focus now shifts to reloading the position and ensuring that Georgia’s offensive depth remains strong. The Bulldogs have been one of the most consistent programs in recruiting under Smart, and they will likely turn their attention to other top quarterback prospects to fill the void.
Ohio State’s Gain
For Ohio State, Stockton’s commitment is a significant boost to an already strong program. The Buckeyes have consistently been among the top contenders for the College Football Playoff, and adding Stockton only enhances their chances of maintaining that status. His dual-threat abilities and football IQ make him an ideal fit for Ryan Day’s offense, which emphasizes precision passing and mobility.
Recruiting analysts believe Stockton’s decision could also have a ripple effect on Ohio State’s overall recruiting efforts, potentially attracting other top-tier talent to Columbus. The Buckeyes’ ability to land a player of Stockton’s caliber underscores their national reach and reinforces their status as a quarterback factory.
Looking Ahead
As Stockton prepares to join the Buckeyes, the college football world will be watching closely to see how he develops in Ohio State’s system. With his natural talent, work ethic, and the Buckeyes’ proven ability to develop quarterbacks, Stockton has the potential to become a game-changing player at the next level.
For Georgia, the challenge will be to move forward without one of their prized recruits and ensure that their program remains on the cutting edge of college football’s ever-evolving landscape. While Stockton’s decision is a tough pill to swallow for Bulldogs fans, it’s a reminder of the unpredictable nature of recruiting and the high stakes involved in securing top talent.
In the end, Gunner Stockton’s journey from Rabun County to Ohio State is just beginning, and his story will undoubtedly be one to follow in the years to come.
