In a stunning development, sources have revealed that the Georgia Bulldogs are preparing for their College Football Playoff campaign without star quarterback Carson Beck. The Jacksonville native, who was considered a potential first-round pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, is reportedly exploring surgery options to repair an elbow injury sustained on his throwing arm during the SEC Championship Game against Texas.
The news comes as a significant blow to the Bulldogs, who secured the No. 2 seed and a first-round bye in the CFP after a thrilling 22-19 overtime victory against the Longhorns on December 7th. Beck, a senior with one season of eligibility remaining, hasn’t practiced with the team since suffering the injury on the final play of the first half in that game.
Stockton Set to Step Up
With Beck’s return this season deemed unlikely, the Bulldogs will turn to sophomore Gunner Stockton to lead the charge. The former five-star recruit from Tiger, Georgia, is expected to make his first college start in the Allstate Sugar Bowl on New Year’s Day, where Georgia will face the winner of the showdown between No. 7 Notre Dame and No. 10 Indiana.
“Well, I think his strengths are somewhat different than Carson’s, obviously. But we’ve known that. There’s not a game we don’t go into that we don’t have a plan for Gunner if he were to have to play.”
– Georgia head coach Kirby Smart on Gunner Stockton
Stockton has seen limited action this season, completing 25 of 32 passes for 206 yards across three appearances. However, his impressive high school career, which saw him amass 13,652 passing yards and 177 touchdowns to go along with 4,372 rushing yards and 77 scores, has the Bulldogs faithful hopeful that he can rise to the occasion on the biggest stage.
Beck’s Inconsistent Campaign
While undeniably talented, Beck endured an up-and-down season in 2024, throwing for 3,485 yards, 28 touchdowns, and a concerning 12 interceptions. He struggled with consistency, tossing three picks apiece in games against Alabama, Texas, and Florida, and throwing nine interceptions over a four-game stretch in the middle of the season.
Despite these issues, Beck’s raw ability and potential kept him firmly in the first-round conversation for the 2025 NFL Draft. ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr. ranked him as the No. 4 overall prospect, behind only Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders, Miami’s Cam Ward, and Alabama’s Jalen Milroe.
An Uncertain Future
As Beck contemplates his next steps, the Bulldogs must forge ahead in their quest to capture another national championship. The team’s receiving corps and offensive line will need to step up and provide Stockton with the support he needs to keep the offense humming in Beck’s absence.
For Beck, the future holds several potential paths. He could opt to return to Georgia for one more season, test the transfer portal waters in search of a new opportunity, or take his chances in the NFL Draft, betting on his talent to overcome the uncertainty surrounding his health.
Regardless of how the situation unfolds, one thing is certain: the college football world will be watching closely as the Bulldogs navigate this unexpected obstacle in their pursuit of glory. With Stockton at the helm and a roster brimming with talent, Georgia remains a force to be reckoned with – but the road ahead just became a bit more challenging.
