DeBoer gives initial thoughts on how Gunner Stockton could challenge Alabama

Sep 6, 2025; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Gunner Stockton (14) looks to throw against the Austin Peay Governors in the second quarter at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Alabama football’s head coach Kalen DeBoer was asked about his early thoughts on the Georgia Bulldogs’ starting quarterback Gunner Stockton during the SEC Coaches Teleconference on Wednesday.

DeBoer feels Stockton has been placed in some tough spots in a short amount of time but feels the signal caller is better because of those big situations.

“I think he’s played some big games and just a short amount of time when you look at the end of last year, this last week in particular,” DeBoer said. “He’s done a nice job just managing the offense and then making plays when he needs to, throwing the ball down the field, finding his matchups and then keeping plays alive with his feet. He really, I think, adds a dimension to their offense because of that. So, I think they’re doing a good job utilizing his skill set and the offensive personnel that are around him and that’s a credit to Georgia’s staff.”

Stockton was impressive in the Bulldogs’ win over Tennessee last Saturday. He threw for 304 yards and two touchdowns en route to leading Georgia to the overtime win.

Alabama’s defensive coordinator Kane Wommack praised Stockton earlier in the week.

“I’ve been really impressed with their quarterback, Stockton,” Wommack said to reporters on Monday in Mobile at a 68 Venture’s Bowl event. “I’ve been really impressed with Gunner. Highly efficient in what he’s doing. I think Coach (Mike) Bobo’s doing a great job of kind of working the frame of what they do offensively within the framework of what Gunner does well. He runs the ball well. He does a really good job making decisions in the perimeter game.”

Alabama is preparing to stop Stockton and the Georgia offense in a highly-anticipated matchup.