Georgia Bulldogs’ quarterback Carson Beck has announced his decision to enter the NFL draft, just five days following a season-ending elbow surgery. As a fifth-year senior, Beck revealed his plans via social media, marking a significant transition in his career.
Beck sustained a right elbow injury during the first half of the Bulldogs’ narrow 22-19 overtime victory against Texas in the Southeastern Conference championship held on December 7 in Atlanta. On Monday, he underwent a surgical procedure to repair the ulnar collateral ligament in his elbow, a surgery performed by Dr. Neal ElAttrache in Los Angeles. Beck is projected to begin throwing again in the spring, despite being eligible for an additional sixth season at Georgia.
Expressing his gratitude, Beck posted on Instagram, stating, “The past five years at the University of Georgia have been nothing short of a dream come true and I will forever cherish the memories that have been made.” Meanwhile, Gunner Stockton is set to make his first start for Georgia in the upcoming Sugar Bowl against Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals, stepping in for Beck.
In his time as the starting quarterback for the Bulldogs, Beck played in every game of the 2023 and 2024 seasons, boasting an impressive 24-3 record. During the 2023 season, he amassed 3,941 passing yards, along with 24 touchdowns and just six interceptions. However, his performance in 2024 saw an increase in turnovers, finishing with 28 touchdowns but 12 interceptions. Before his injury in the SEC championship game, he completed 7 of 13 passes for 56 yards.
Despite facing criticism, Georgia coach Kirby Smart remained supportive of Beck during a challenging midseason stretch, where he recorded eight interceptions across three games. Offensive coordinator Mike Bobo remarked on Beck’s contributions, emphasizing the importance of winning the SEC championship. “He was the quarterback of that team that got us to that game and put us in that position,” Bobo noted. Offensive guard Tate Ratledge echoed this sentiment, stating, “I think Carson should be remembered as a great player. He’s who got us to this point of the season.”
Gunner Stockton, a sophomore who replaced Beck during the second half against Texas, completed 12 of 16 passes for 71 yards but had one interception. Prior to joining Georgia, Stockton was a highly regarded recruit from Rabun County High School, where he set records for career touchdown passes and for combined rushing and passing touchdowns. “He just has that fire in him,” said linebacker Chaz Chambliss, highlighting Stockton’s competitive nature.
As Stockton prepares for his first start, he aims to join the ranks of successful backup quarterbacks who have gone on to win national championships, a feat accomplished previously by performers such as Stetson Bennett of Georgia and Cardale Jones of Ohio State. Stockton’s initial performance against Texas was promising, as he led his team to a touchdown on his opening drive. He has benefitted from additional practice time due to Georgia receiving a first-round bye in the playoffs.
Georgia safety Malaki Starks noted Stockton’s development, stating, “He’s been waiting patiently, putting his time in and working while he was waiting. Now he gets a chance to prove what he can do.” Starks, a Jefferson, Ga. native, has faced Stockton in high school and has confidence in Stockton’s leadership and abilities. “He’s an easy guy to follow. I mean, Gunner is a great guy,” Starks said, praising Stockton’s character and the respect he holds among teammates.
