Stockton Faces Alabama Test as Georgia Trusts Its Quarterback

Georgia's undefeated start and improved passing attack will face a major test when senior quarterback Gunner Stockton leads the Bulldogs against Alabama in Tuscaloosa on Saturday night. The top-10 Southeastern Conference matchup could shape both teams' College Football Playoff prospects, with Stockton expected to help Georgia counter an explosive Crimson Tide offense led by sophomore quarterback Keelon Russell.

According to CBS Sports, Stockton has completed 75.5% of his passes for 1,049 yards, 13 touchdowns and one interception through five games. He has also rushed for 122 yards on 20 carries, while Georgia leads the nation in scoring with 51.4 points per game.

Alabama's Russell has averaged 283 passing yards per game, compared with Stockton's 210, according to DawgNation. Russell has thrown 11 touchdown passes and two interceptions while adding 184 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns on 37 attempts.

Alabama defensive coordinator Kane Wommack praised Stockton's decision-making and command of Georgia's offense ahead of the matchup.

"I think Gunner Stockton is playing as highly efficient as I've seen from a quarterback," Wommack said. "You can just see he's very comfortable, he's very decisive ... he presents a significant challenge because he's so dialed into what they're doing and has great answers based off of what a defense shows."

Stockton's development has extended beyond completion percentage. CBS Sports reported that his yards per attempt increased from 7.5 in 2025 to 10.3 in 2026, reflecting Georgia's greater success attacking downfield.

The Bulldogs completed 11 passes of at least 30 yards in their first five games of 2026, including seven covering more than 40 yards. In the entire 2025 season, they recorded 17 completions of at least 30 yards and only four of 40 or more.

ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith nevertheless favored Alabama's quarterback when comparing the two players.

"I'm definitely higher on Keelon Russell," Smith said on ESPN's First Take. "Gunner Stockton is efficient, he's good, but he ain't Russell."

Smith pointed to Alabama's scoring potential and explosive offensive production as reasons for his preference.

"In the end this year, they (Alabama) are loaded, obviously they've got some horses that can put up points in bunches, explosive plays are the norm for Alabama, Keelon Russell is that dude …" Smith said.

Former NFL safety Louis Riddick offered a different assessment, expressing greater confidence in Georgia's overall program and Stockton's ability to perform within its system.

"Keelon Russell is the truth, (offensive coordinator) Ryan Grubb has got that offense humming," Riddick said. "They have finally assembled a team at Alabama, that for the fist time — if you listen to Kalen DeBoer — is built in the image of how they envisioned it."

Riddick emphasized Georgia's performance against Oklahoma and the support Stockton receives from the Bulldogs' running game and offensive line.

"Who do I trust? I trust the Georgia program, I trust Gunner Stockton, I trust Kirby Smart," Riddick said.

He cited Georgia's 41-13 victory over Oklahoma as evidence of the team's strength, while acknowledging the importance of its offensive personnel.

"…. they played those Oklahoma Sooners and absolutely dismantled them in every way possible." Riddick said.

He also highlighted the physicality of Georgia's offensive line and its running backs, along with Stockton's improving ability to throw downfield.

"Gunner Stockton has one of the biggest, most physical offensive lines in college football in front of him and absolute studs at running back that take the life out of you." Riddick said. "As this passing game continues to evolve, Gunner Stockton is a damn good passer now, defensively they hunt, they just hunt and hunt. Kirby Smart if, you sit and talk to this dude, he's the standard in college football."

Former Oklahoma All-American Gerald McCoy also backed Russell, emphasizing the sophomore's potential as a runner and his ability to create plays when the pocket breaks down.

"There's a difference between being mobile and being able to run, (and) Keelon Russell hasn't even unlocked what he can be with his legs." McCoy said.

McCoy said Russell's rushing ability could become particularly important in a decisive situation, when defensive backs may be occupied covering receivers.

"… if the game is on the line (Russell) is a dual threat. We're not worried about Gunner Stockton beating us with his feet." McCoy said.

He described Georgia's defensive approach to mobile quarterbacks as an effort to prevent them from escaping the pocket and creating opportunities with their legs.

"When you have a person able to run, we try to build a wall around them to keep them in the pocket," McCoy said, explaining what Georgia defenders refer to as a 'trap,' "because if you allow them to get out of the pocket, you have (defensive backs) in coverage (with their backs turned to the ball)."

McCoy added that Russell's mobility could create openings for big plays when the game is on the line.

"If the game is on the line and DBs are in coverage, he can make plays." McCoy said.

Georgia's recent performances have shown progress, but Stockton has yet to consistently demonstrate his improvement against the toughest defenses. Against Oklahoma, he completed 14 of 25 passes for 171 yards, one touchdown and one interception in a game Georgia won 41-13.

In Georgia's latest game against Vanderbilt, Stockton completed 25 of 32 passes for 295 yards and three touchdowns without an interception, according to Dawn of the Dawg. Head coach Kirby Smart praised the performance while stressing that further improvement remains necessary.

"He played a really, really good game the other day, and I was really happy for him because of how hard he works at it," Smart said. "But he's gotta continue to get better to give us a chance where we wanna go."

Smart attributed Stockton's progress to experience, the players around him and a game plan suited to the quarterback's responsibilities.

"I'm certainly very happy and pleased with where Gunner is as a player," Smart said. "I think experience helps. I think experience matters.

I think how people play around you matters. I think gameplan and what you're asked to do, not asking a quarterback to do more than he needs to do, is important."

Georgia could face additional offensive challenges because running back Chauncey Bowens is unavailable and Nate Frazier has been managing a rib injury, according to Dawn of the Dawg. The potential effects of Hurricane Isaias have also raised questions about whether wind and rain could disrupt the passing game.

Offensive tackle Earnest Greene III expressed confidence in Stockton's preparation and competitiveness before the trip to Alabama.

"I wouldn't go to war with anyone else in America, I truly believe that," Greene said. "The way he prepares day in and day out for games like this, I'm just happy I get to block for a guy like that."

Stockton has already faced Alabama twice, including the Bulldogs' SEC championship victory, when he completed 20 of 26 passes for 156 yards and three touchdowns. His first start against the Crimson Tide produced 130 passing yards on 20 attempts, making Saturday's game his third start against Alabama and his first at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

Smart also warned that Alabama's defense can turn interceptions into immediate scoring opportunities, highlighting the importance of protecting the football against a team that recorded four interception-return touchdowns in its first five games.

"They've been really opportunistic as well when they've gotten them, running them back and scoring," Smart said. "Any time you score on defense, it's a big, huge momentum swing, and they've got players who can do it."

Stockton said preparation and communication would be essential in the road environment, where Georgia must execute against Alabama's offense and defensive pressure.

"It starts with a good week of prep," Stockton said. "Any time you're on the road you've got to communicate at a high level and execute. Because everything in those games–- it just comes down to little details."