Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton faces another postseason test on Jan. 1 in New Orleans against Ole Miss in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal.
Stockton will make his second career start in the College Football Playoff and his second overall appearance in the Sugar Bowl. It will also be his second game against Ole Miss, adding an element of familiarity to a high-stakes matchup.
While Georgia prepares for the immediate task ahead, clarity has also emerged around the program’s quarterback room moving forward. During Sugar Bowl Media Day, backup passer Ryan Puglisi confirmed that he plans to return to Georgia next season, a decision first reported by Jake Reuse of DawgsHQ.
“Yeah, I’m coming back,” Puglisi told reporters Tuesday. “I’m staying here. I’m at Georgia. I love Georgia.”
Puglisi, a 6-foot-3, 210-pound quarterback from Avon, Connecticut, arrived in Athens as a four-star prospect, per the 247Sports Composite ratings. In limited action, he has completed 16 of 27 passes for 161 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions, according to Sports Reference. While the sample size remains small, his development has continued behind the scenes.
Why did Ryan Puglisi choose to stay at Georgia?
Puglisi explained that daily growth and the program’s culture played a significant role in his decision to stay.
“It’s hard not to love it. I’m getting better every day,” Puglisi said. “I’m around the best coaches. I’ve got great friends here, great teammates. It’s fun to be a part of this culture. It’s something I would definitely miss if I made the decision to leave.”
With Puglisi confirming his return for the 2026 season and the expectation that Stockton will remain in the program as well, Georgia is positioned to retain both its projected QB1 and QB2. That level of continuity at quarterback provides stability for the offense and aligns with the long-term roster construction Georgia has prioritized under Kirby Smart.
