In an era where name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals are reshaping the landscape of college football, one rising star has chosen loyalty and legacy over a multimillion-dollar payday.
University of Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton shocked the college football world by declining a staggering $4.5 million NIL offer from the University of Tennessee. The offer reportedly included the opportunity to succeed current Tennessee starter Nico Iamaleava in 2025. Instead of chasing a bigger check, Stockton has reaffirmed his commitment to the Georgia Bulldogs — the program he has called home since 2022.
The bold decision stands out in today’s highly commercialized college football climate. Stockton, already believed to have secured around $2.1 million in NIL earnings back in December, turned down more than double that amount to remain with the Bulldogs. It’s a rare move in a time when top prospects and veteran players alike are making career decisions heavily influenced by NIL offers that sometimes reach NFL-level figures.
For Stockton, however, the decision wasn’t just about money — it was about pride, loyalty, and the opportunity to cement his name in Georgia football history.
A Rare Move in a Chaotic NIL Era
College athletes now operate in a business-like atmosphere, with lucrative NIL deals often luring players to new schools or convincing them to delay NFL dreams. But Gunner Stockton’s move bucks that trend.
Instead of joining a rival SEC powerhouse and potentially taking the reins from Iamaleava at Tennessee, Stockton chose the more difficult path: staying and fighting for his moment in Athens.
This decision sends a strong message — one that Bulldog fans have welcomed with open arms. Stockton’s commitment isn’t just a testament to his belief in himself, but also a vote of confidence in head coach Kirby Smart’s vision and the Georgia program’s continued dominance.
The Dawgs’ Quarterback Room and Future
Georgia has consistently recruited top-tier quarterbacks, and Stockton has quietly developed into a serious contender to lead the Bulldogs’ offense. While he’s largely operated behind the scenes so far, insiders believe his time is coming. With Carson Beck likely heading to the NFL after the 2024 season, the quarterback competition in Athens will open wide — and Stockton is expected to be in prime position to take over.
By staying with Georgia, Stockton is betting not only on his talent but also on the value of continuity. He knows the system, the coaches, and the expectations. More importantly, he knows what it means to wear the red and black.
More Than Just a Football Decision
This isn’t just a football story — it’s a character story. Stockton’s decision represents the values that college football fans often say they want to see: loyalty, team-first mentality, and a desire to build something bigger than individual brand value.
At a time when players are transferring multiple times, chasing NIL deals that sometimes come with strings attached, Stockton’s move is refreshingly old-school. It reminds fans of a time when the name on the front of the jersey mattered just as much — if not more — than the one on the back.
What’s Next for Stockton and Georgia
With his future at Georgia intact and fan support stronger than ever, all eyes will be on Gunner Stockton this upcoming season. Even if he isn’t the starter right away, he has positioned himself as the emotional leader of the program’s next chapter. And when his time comes — whether this year or next — he’ll take the field not just as another quarterback, but as a symbol of commitment and belief in something greater than money.
In a sport increasingly dominated by dollar signs, Gunner Stockton just proved that there’s still room for loyalty. And in Athens, that means everything.