There’s a strange imbalance in the world of college football coverage right now—one that prioritizes name recognition over actual production. While it’s no secret that the Manning surname carries significant weight in the sport, it’s time to acknowledge that sometimes legacy and reality don’t align. That brings us to Georgia’s Gunner Stockton—a quarterback who deserves far more hype than he’s been given. While the world gushes over Arch Manning’s lineage and theoretical upside, Stockton is quietly making his case on the field, where it actually counts.
The media spotlight has been laser-focused on Arch Manning ever since he stepped foot on a high school field. He’s football royalty, after all—the grandson of Archie, the nephew of Peyton and Eli. With that lineage comes expectations, and with those expectations comes saturation-level coverage. But the hard truth is this: for all the hoopla around Arch, there’s another SEC quarterback who’s actually put in the work, earned his stripes, and is poised to lead one of the most powerful programs in America.
That quarterback is Gunner Stockton.
Stockton’s journey hasn’t been fueled by a media machine or bolstered by a famous last name. He’s not appearing in commercials or gracing the covers of national magazines. He’s simply showing up, grinding, and delivering when called upon. And in today’s era of college football—where social media clout and NIL deals often supersede performance—his no-nonsense, prove-it-on-the-field approach is refreshingly old school.
At Rabun County High School in Georgia, Stockton was an absolute phenom. He threw for more than 13,000 yards and 177 touchdowns while rushing for over 4,000 yards and 77 more scores. Those are video game numbers, but even more importantly, they came with leadership and consistency. He wasn’t just a highlight reel—he was a winner, a gamer, and a field general who thrived in big moments.
Compare that to Arch Manning’s high school résumé, which, while respectable, didn’t touch Stockton’s statistically. Yet the media treated Arch as a surefire generational talent the moment he committed to Texas. The hype train had already left the station, and nothing Stockton could do seemed capable of catching up to it.
But hype doesn’t win football games. Grit, intelligence, and performance do.
At Georgia, Stockton has had to bide his time. That’s no easy task in a quarterback room that included names like Stetson Bennett, Carson Beck, and Brock Vandagriff. While others transferred out for a shot at quicker playing time, Stockton stuck around. He didn’t complain. He didn’t jump on social media to lament his position on the depth chart. Instead, he kept working, kept learning, and waited for his opportunity.
When that opportunity comes—and it will—don’t be surprised when he seizes it with the same poise and precision that defined his high school career. Stockton has all the tools. He’s mobile, accurate, and has a deep understanding of the game. He’s not just an athlete playing quarterback; he’s a quarterback through and through. His mechanics are clean. His footwork is disciplined. And perhaps most impressively, his demeanor never wavers. He plays with a quiet fire, a calm intensity that screams “leader” without ever needing to raise his voice.
There’s something to be said for how different his journey has been from Arch Manning’s. Stockton has been through the gauntlet of competition in a powerhouse program. He’s been humbled, tested, and seasoned. Meanwhile, Arch Manning is still largely a mystery. After redshirting in 2023 and seeing very limited snaps in 2024, the younger Manning has yet to prove himself against top-tier collegiate competition. And while his ceiling might be high, it’s still theoretical. We don’t know what he is yet—not really.
Gunner Stockton? We know exactly what he is. He’s a proven winner with elite production and a coach’s dream attitude. He’s been molded in the fire of Georgia’s ruthless practice culture, surrounded by NFL-bound talent, and sharpened by one of the nation’s most demanding coaching staffs.
The contrast is glaring. Arch Manning has been handed the spotlight; Gunner Stockton is fighting tooth and nail to earn it.
And here’s the kicker—Stockton might just be the better quarterback right now.
That’s not to say Arch won’t eventually grow into his potential. He very well might. But if you were choosing a QB to go win you a game today, who are you picking: the unproven prospect with a famous name or the hardened, high-IQ gunslinger who’s been waiting his turn in the SEC pressure cooker?
The reality is that Gunner Stockton could start for a dozen Power Five programs tomorrow. He has nothing left to prove in terms of readiness. The only thing standing between him and national acclaim is opportunity, and if Carson Beck were to head to the NFL or suffer a dip in form, Stockton would be next in line.
And when he gets that chance, he won’t need to “develop hype.” He’ll just produce.
College football has always had a flair for narratives. There’s nothing wrong with that—storytelling is part of what makes the sport so compelling. But sometimes the narrative obscures the facts. In this case, the narrative is all about Manning’s bloodline, while the facts point to Stockton’s preparation, patience, and production.
