Is Georgia QB Gunner Stockton entering the draft? Here's what we know

The 2026 NFL draft deadline has passed and we haven't heard a peep out of Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton. That should not be surprising

Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Gunner Stockton has seen the 2026 NFL draft's decision deadline pass. Stockton along with Georgia offensive tackle Earnest Greene, center Drew Bobo and tight end Lawson Luckie have all allowed the Jan. 14 declaration deadline to pass without making an announcement on their future. These players still could enter the transfer portal, which closes on Jan. 16.

Stockton and the others all appear to be slated to return to Georgia and it should not be a major surprise that Stockton along with other top Georgia players aren't taking to social media to announce their return. Ahead of the Sugar Bowl, Georgia coach Kirby Smart went on a rant about players announcing everything these days.

"Everybody’s announcing what they’re doing," Smart said. "I’m announcing that I’m going in the portal. I’m announcing that I’m re-signing. How about you announce that you’re getting better and you’re going to practice and, like, actually do what the 20 and 30 years of college football players did before you, which was practice in December when they’re on good teams, and get better?"

Dec 6, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Gunner Stockton (14) throws a pass during the fourth quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the 2025 SEC Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Stockton along with several of his Georgia teammates are focused on getting better and not the draft or the portal. Stockton's silence is a good sign for Georgia football fans, but it would be reassuring for Stockton along with the others to share their final draft decision. Stockton is not ranked among ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper's top-10 quarterback prospects, so it is likely a worthwhile decision for him to return to school.

Four key Georgia players did officially announce their return to UGA. Linebacker Raylen Wilson, kicker Peyton Woodring, defensive lineman Xzavier McLeod and pass rusher Gabe Harris all announced their plans to return between the hedges for another season.

The Bulldogs certainly lost a significant chunk of their roster to the NFL draft. Wide receiver Zachariah Branch, linebacker CJ Allen, defensive lineman Christen Miller and offensive tackle Monroe Freeling all all entering the draft with eligibility remaining.

Georgia players out of eligibility

  • Tight end Oscar Delp
  • Wide receiver Dillon Bell
  • Wide receiver Colbie Young
  • Wide receiver Noah Thomas
  • Wide receiver Cole Speer
  • Punter Brett Thorson
  • Safety JaCorey Thomas
  • Offensive guard Micah Morris
  • Running back Cash Jones
  • Running back Josh McCray
  • Cornerback Daylen Everette
  • Long snapper Beau Gardner

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This article originally appeared on UGA Wire: What we know about Georgia QB Gunner Stockton's NFL draft decision

Category: General Sports