As the Georgia Bulldogs prepare for another run at a national championship under Kirby Smart, they face questions that could define their 2025-26 season. Despite coming off an SEC title and a statement win over Texas, one prominent college football analyst believes the road ahead isn’t guaranteed.
Can Gunner Stockton Handle the Pressure of Leading Georgia’s Championship Hopes?
In a recent episode of Josh Pate’s College Football Show, the 247Sports host outlined three critical factors that will determine whether Georgia returns to championship form or falls short of expectations.
Despite a 2024 SEC title and a stunning win over No. 1 Texas, Pate noted that Georgia’s “B-game” was enough to win last season but won’t be enough in the 2025-26 campaign.
The Gunner Stockton era has officially begun in Athens. After stepping in for an injured Carson Beck in the 2024 SEC Championship Game and starting the Sugar Bowl against Notre Dame, Stockton showed flashes of elite potential. He threw for 234 yards and a touchdown against the Fighting Irish, including a 67-yard strike to Arian Smith that showcased his arm talent.
However, Pate emphasized the difference between showing promise and delivering consistently. “You still have to make the plays,” he said.
“They love him internally. I don’t doubt that,” Pate explained. “He’s wired the right way. But now it’s his team. It’s his time.”
With national title hopes riding on his shoulders, Stockton will need to elevate his game against elite competition, beginning with Georgia’s season opener against Marshall.
Will Georgia’s Offensive Line Return to Championship Form?
Pate’s second major concern centers on offensive line consistency. The Bulldogs struggled up front during the 2024 season, and their approach to addressing those issues has raised eyebrows. While many programs would have attacked the transfer portal aggressively, Georgia chose a different path.
“They replaced four starters and didn’t go to the portal,” he said.
Gunner Stockton wanted ALL the smoke after taking his first big hit on Saturday.
Gamer. This is why the team loves this kid so much. pic.twitter.com/f08EGt08NL
— UGA Savage Pads (@savagepads) December 10, 2024
This decision reflects confidence in their recruiting and development system, but it also means the Bulldogs are banking on internal improvement rather than proven commodities. In the SEC, known for dominating the trenches, Georgia’s line play must return to the standard that helped them win national championships.
The talent exists within the program, but after a season of inconsistent blocking, questions remain about whether the unit can provide the protection and run blocking necessary for championship-level football. Stockton’s success will largely depend on having time to operate and clean pockets to throw from.
Can the Bulldogs Revive Their Championship-Caliber Ground Game?
Perhaps most troubling for Georgia’s championship aspirations is their recent struggles running the football. The Bulldogs finished 102nd in rush yards per game last season — a number that seems almost impossible for a Kirby Smart-coached team.
“They weren’t good at running the ball last year,” Pate stated bluntly. “Was it a blip or the new norm?”
These statistics represent a dramatic departure from Georgia’s identity under Smart. His teams have long been known for physical, balanced football that controls the line of scrimmage and wears down opponents. A strong running game not only opens up the passing attack but also makes Stockton’s transition to full-time starter much smoother.
KEEP READING: One Issue Holding Kirby Smart and Georgia Back From Major Success, but Analyst Says It Can Be Fixed
The inability to establish a consistent ground game affects every aspect of Georgia’s offense. It puts additional pressure on the quarterback, limits play-action effectiveness, and prevents the Bulldogs from controlling game tempo in crucial situations.
“I can’t imagine a Kirby Smart team struggling to run the ball long term,” Pate added. “But we’ve got to see it.”
Smart enters his 10th season with a 105-19 record, two national titles, and three SEC championships. His 2025-26 squad is loaded with NFL talent and elite depth across the roster, giving the Bulldogs the second-best odds to win the national championship.
But as Pate warns, championship expectations require championship-level execution in every phase. Stockton’s readiness for primetime, offensive line cohesion, and a resurgent running attack will either launch Georgia back to glory or expose fundamental issues that prevent them from reaching their potential.
