Arch Manning vs. Gunner Stockton Battle Heats Up As Steve Sarkisian Gets Concerning Message

When the No. 5 Georgia Bulldogs host the No. 10 Texas Longhorns, all eyes will be on two quarterbacks carrying the weight of championship expectations. For Georgia’s Gunner Stockton and Texas’ Arch Manning, Saturday’s showdown in Athens is more than just another SEC game; it’s a contest that could define their seasons and shape the College Football Playoff picture.

Stockton took over as the Bulldogs’ starting quarterback during the 2024 SEC championship game following an injury to Carson Beck, who later departed for the Miami Hurricanes in January. This weekend will mark the third meeting between Georgia and Texas since the Longhorns joined the SEC in 2024.

How Will the Arch Manning vs. Gunner Stockton Matchup Decide the Georgia-Texas Game?

The importance of this game cannot be overstated for either program. The Bulldogs are fighting for a spot in the SEC championship game, which would give them a chance at a College Football Playoff home game or a first-round bye. Meanwhile, the Longhorns are aiming to secure a place in the College Football Playoff for the third consecutive season, setting the stage for a high-profile matchup.

During a segment on ESPN’s “Get Up” on Thursday, analyst Josh Pate predicted that the outcome will hinge on the quarterback play between Gunner Stockton and Arch Manning, and he ultimately picked Georgia to win.

“Georgia had two shots against Texas last year, they went 2-0,” Josh Pate said. “I think this matchup comes down to quarterback play. Gunner Stockton is a guy that over the season, you’ve seen linearly improve. That’s the hallmark of a good offensive staff and a kid with a good head on his shoulders and good skillset.”

“He’ll face a lot more pressure from Texas than Arch will from Georgia. It is tough to win in that building on a Saturday night though Bama did it earlier, I don’t think Texas will. Very close one-possession game, but I’ll take Georgia.”

Through nine games in the 2025 season, Stockton has accounted for 2,040 passing yards with a 69.4% completion rate, 15 touchdowns, and just two interceptions. He has also added 321 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on the ground, earning him a B+ PFSN College QB Impact score.

Meanwhile, Manning has recorded 2,123 passing yards on 62.7% completion, with 18 touchdowns and six interceptions, while also contributing 203 rushing yards and six touchdowns. The Texas quarterback holds a B- PFSN College QB Impact score.

While Manning entered the 2025 college football season as a Heisman Trophy favorite, an underwhelming campaign has caused him to fall out of contention for the award. On the other hand, Stockton has transformed from an uncertain candidate into one of the names being favored for the prestigious award.

However, during his weekly news conference ahead of the game, Georgia Bulldogs coach Kirby Smart was quick to dismiss any talk of Stockton being a Heisman candidate.

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“The last thing I’m worried about is the Heisman, and I think the last thing he’s worried about is the Heisman,” Smart said. “Gunner’s been awesome for our team. He’s a selfless player. He’s a winner. He cares about his team. He makes great decisions. I think that’s a decision for somebody else. I’ve never come out and said something like that with our guys.”

Despite Stockton’s performance for the Bulldogs so far, the national Heisman conversation has largely been dominated by other players. Ohio State’s Julian Sayin, Indiana Hoosiers’ Fernando Mendoza, and Alabama’s Ty Simpson are at the forefront, as their teams currently hold three of the top four spots in the College Football Playoff rankings.