Depth Chart Thursday: Gunner Stockton Anchors Georgia's 2026 Aspirations

The Anchor: Stockton's Veteran Presence

As we navigate through the dog days of summer toward a massive 2026 season opener against a Top-15 non-conference opponent at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Georgia's depth chart remains a primary focus for fans and analysts alike. Head Coach Kirby Smart continues to steer the program with a clear vision. Entering the preseason as a top-three national title favorite, the Bulldogs are fueled by an "unfinished business" mantra, determined to snap a frustrating streak of two consecutive College Football Playoff Quarterfinal exits.

The most critical position on the field remains completely settled. Redshirt senior Gunner Stockton is firmly entrenched as QB1 for his second season at the helm. After leading Georgia to a 12-2 record in 2025, Stockton enters the year boasting 3,850 career passing yards and 31 touchdowns. Behind him, Ryan Puglisi and Ryan Montgomery—who split second-team reps equally during the spring cycle—ensure a developmental pipeline remains firmly intact as Stockton spends the summer building rapport with a restructured receiving corps.

Schematic Stability and Trench Warfare

Offensive Coordinator Mike Bobo and Defensive Coordinator Glenn Schumann recently inked contract extensions keeping them in Athens through the 2029 season. Schumann’s retention is particularly massive, as the elite play-caller turned down multiple head coaching opportunities this offseason to maintain college football's strongest schematic consistency.

The true ceiling of this 2026 Georgia squad won't just be dictated by Stockton's arm, but by how quickly a retooled secondary and an aggressive offensive line gel under unmatched coaching continuity.

While the perimeter weapons sort themselves out, primary depth chart intrigue resides in the trenches. Smart noted in a mid-July media briefing that the "internal leadership" of the offensive line is the team's greatest strength. The influx of talent via the transfer portal has only bolstered this group. Bryson Beaver, a former multi-year starter at Colorado who officially joined the active roster on June 1, adds vital veteran depth at offensive tackle as fierce competition continues for the starting right tackle spot.

Next Man Up: Replacing Draft Picks

Georgia is navigating the transition of 8 NFL Draft selections from the 2025 roster, including two defensive linemen taken in the first round. Despite these losses, the roster still features a formidable 15 returning starters.

Defensively, the secondary is a major area of focus. With three starters needing replacement, the coaching staff is placing a heavy emphasis on sophomores from the 2025 class to step into elevated roles. Meanwhile, the future remains staggeringly bright on the recruiting trail:

• The Bulldogs' 2026 recruiting class currently sits at number one nationally across major services.
• The class features 19 total commitments, bolstered by a massive wave of five commitments in the first ten days of July alone.
• The pipeline remains fully loaded with premier talent waiting to take the reins.

As the Bulldogs aim for another national championship run, the emphasis on elite internal competition ensures that complacency has no home in Athens.