Georgia Football Quarterback Out for Spring: What It Means for the Bulldogs’ 2025 Campaign
The Georgia Bulldogs have long been one of the most dominant teams in college football, and a significant part of their success has been rooted in stable quarterback play. From the legendary Stetson Bennett leading Georgia to back-to-back national championships, to the highly anticipated transition to new leadership under the program’s incoming quarterbacks, the Bulldogs are poised to once again be in the national title conversation. However, a major development in the 2025 spring practices has left Georgia fans reeling: their starting quarterback is out for the spring.
This development has the potential to alter the trajectory of the team’s offseason preparations, creating a situation that requires adaptability and determination from both the coaching staff and the players. So, what does this news mean for Georgia’s spring and, more importantly, for the upcoming season? Let’s take a deeper dive into what the absence of the starting quarterback means for the Bulldogs’ offense, coaching staff, and quarterback room, and how Georgia is preparing to adapt in the face of adversity.
The Impact on Georgia’s Spring Practices
Spring football is an incredibly important time for college teams, as it allows players to hone their skills, build team chemistry, and establish depth at every position. For the Georgia Bulldogs, the spring practices are critical for establishing continuity after losing a veteran leader like Stetson Bennett. Bennett’s departure following his stellar performances in the College Football Playoff (CFP) left a major void in the Georgia lineup. Head coach Kirby Smart and his coaching staff had hoped that this spring would provide a clear answer regarding who will take the reins as the Bulldogs’ next quarterback.
However, with the news that Georgia’s starting quarterback is sidelined for the entirety of the spring session, the team must shift gears. The spring is usually when the team’s starting quarterback gets the most repetitions with the first-team offense, allowing them to build timing and trust with their receivers and offensive line. With the absence of the starter, Georgia’s quarterback battle becomes even more unpredictable.
Who’s Out, and Why?
The key question that remains on the minds of Georgia fans is: who exactly is the starting quarterback? And why are they out for spring practice?
Carson Beck, widely considered the favorite to assume the starting role, has been a consistent presence for Georgia, both in relief of Stetson Bennett and in prior seasons. Beck has significant experience and has been primed as the potential successor to Bennett. However, news broke that Beck suffered a minor injury during the offseason, which has kept him sidelined for the entirety of spring practice. While the injury is not expected to be a long-term concern, the timing of it certainly complicates Georgia’s efforts to establish their starting quarterback.
In addition to Beck, Brock Vandagriff and Gunnar Stockton have both been vying for the position. Vandagriff, known for his athleticism and dual-threat ability, was widely considered a strong candidate for the role, especially given the success of mobile quarterbacks in today’s game. Meanwhile, Stockton, an extremely talented incoming freshman, has impressed the coaching staff with his arm strength and football IQ. But with Beck’s absence, these two quarterbacks are now tasked with handling the first-team offense and gaining as many repetitions as possible during the spring.
The injury to Beck is not catastrophic, but it certainly puts the Bulldogs in a unique position for the spring. Given the importance of quarterback play in the college football landscape, and the added weight of following a legacy like Bennett’s, Georgia’s coaching staff has to approach this period with caution and efficiency. Smart and offensive coordinator Todd Monken (who recently left to coach in the NFL, leaving Mike Bobo to take over as OC) will have to make adjustments on the fly, prioritizing development and preparation for whoever ultimately earns the starting spot.
How Does This Affect the Quarterback Battle?
While it’s true that a quarterback battle is often exciting, it also adds pressure and uncertainty, especially when a team like Georgia is trying to defend its national title. With Beck, Vandagriff, and Stockton all vying for the starting spot, Georgia’s coaches have a complex situation to navigate. Let’s look at the strengths and weaknesses of these three quarterbacks and how the spring absence of the presumed starter impacts each player’s chances:
- Carson Beck – Beck, a 6-foot-4, 215-pound junior, has been a key figure in Georgia’s backup quarterback room for the past few seasons. He played admirably in relief of Stetson Bennett during blowout victories and has had plenty of practice reps with the first-team offense. Beck’s arm strength, decision-making, and maturity in the pocket have made him the front-runner for the starting job. His absence during spring practice is a blow to his development and ability to establish rapport with the offense. However, Beck’s experience and leadership still make him the favorite to take over once he returns to full health. His main challenge now is maintaining his leadership role even as the spotlight shifts to Vandagriff and Stockton in his absence.
- Brock Vandagriff – A former five-star recruit, Vandagriff has shown flashes of greatness since joining Georgia’s program. His mobility and athleticism have led many to believe he could be the future of the Georgia offense. His ability to create plays with his legs, combined with his strong arm, could make him a weapon in Georgia’s system. However, questions about his consistency and decision-making in high-pressure situations remain. With Beck out, Vandagriff has a golden opportunity to prove himself as the most capable starting quarterback for the Bulldogs. If he takes command of the offense during spring practice and handles the increased reps effectively, he could solidify his spot as the starter heading into the fall.
- Gunnar Stockton – A highly-touted freshman who enrolled early, Stockton is one of the most intriguing prospects in Georgia’s quarterback room. The former four-star recruit from Georgia has received praise for his arm strength and his ability to read defenses. As an incoming freshman, Stockton is still developing physically and mentally, but he is clearly a quarterback to keep an eye on. The spring absence of Beck creates an opportunity for Stockton to prove himself in meaningful practice reps. While it may be a stretch for him to earn the starting role in the short term, Stockton’s talent cannot be overlooked. If he performs well in practice, he could earn a backup role heading into the fall, setting himself up for future success in the Bulldogs’ system.
Ultimately, the spring quarterback battle has turned into a more complicated situation due to Beck’s injury. While Vandagriff and Stockton are now thrust into the spotlight, Georgia’s offense may not reach its peak potential until Beck returns. However, this spring battle gives all three quarterbacks the chance to learn and improve. They are facing the challenge of competing for a prestigious role in one of the most successful programs in college football.
What This Means for Georgia’s Offensive Scheme
With all three quarterbacks vying for the starting spot, Georgia will likely have to adapt its offensive scheme during the spring practices to fit the skill sets of the players. Todd Monken’s departure to the NFL means that Georgia will be working with a new offensive coordinator, Mike Bobo, who has a long history with the program and is familiar with the team’s culture.
Bobo’s offensive scheme is likely to be more traditional compared to Monken’s spread offense, which was known for its dynamic and explosive plays. Under Bobo, the offense may be more focused on the ground game, with a heavy emphasis on running backs like Kendall Milton and Dajon Edwards. With Brock Vandagriff’s mobility and Gunnar Stockton’s dual-threat potential, the running game could be integrated into the offense more heavily than under Monken.
In the passing game, Bobo will need to adjust the offense to fit the strengths of each quarterback. Carson Beck, with his solid pocket presence and strong arm, may be best suited for a more pro-style attack with multiple deep shots down the field. On the other hand, Brock Vandagriff’s ability to extend plays with his legs may require more rollouts, read-option plays, and designed runs. Similarly, Gunnar Stockton’s ability to create off-script may also demand a more flexible passing scheme.
The Bigger Picture: What’s at Stake for Georgia?
As the defending national champions, Georgia has a massive target on its back in 2025. The absence of their starting quarterback during the spring practices presents a challenge in an already competitive and unpredictable season. While the quarterback position is still up in the air, the talent in Georgia’s roster—particularly on defense and the offensive line—gives the Bulldogs a strong foundation for any of these quarterbacks to thrive once the season begins. The importance of spring practice cannot be overstated, but Georgia has plenty of time to iron out its quarterback situation, especially once Carson Beck returns to full health.
What’s most important is the ability of the coaching staff to rally the team and maintain focus throughout spring practice and into the regular season. Regardless of who emerges as the starting quarterback, Georgia will remain a force to be reckoned with. The quarterback may be the face of the team, but Georgia’s success has always been built on its depth, defense, and explosive playmakers across the roster. Kirby Smart’s ability to navigate this quarterback situation will be key, but the Bulldogs’ path to success remains strong, even in the face of uncertainty at the game’s most important position.