Kirby Smart Shuts Down Paul Finebaum’s Criticism: ‘Reckless and Wrong’ to Question Gunner Stockton’s Potential – Georgia’s Quarterback Future Looks Bright

Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart is not a man who often entertains media noise, but when longtime SEC commentator Paul Finebaum questioned the potential of redshirt sophomore quarterback Gunner Stockton, Smart didn’t hold back. In a fiery response that has rippled across the college football landscape, Smart defended his quarterback and set the record straight: doubting Stockton is not just misguided — it’s “reckless and wrong.”

Finebaum, who is no stranger to provocative takes, recently voiced skepticism about Georgia’s quarterback situation post-Carson Beck. On his ESPN show, he questioned whether Stockton had the tools necessary to lead a championship-caliber team. The comments sparked widespread discussion among fans and pundits, but none were as emphatic as Smart’s.

“I’ve heard the noise,” Smart said after a spring practice session. “It’s disappointing when people with a platform throw shade at a young man who’s been nothing but dedicated to this program. To suggest that Gunner Stockton can’t lead Georgia — that’s reckless and flat-out wrong.”

Gunner Stockton has been waiting for his moment. After sitting behind Stetson Bennett and Carson Beck — two highly productive quarterbacks who helped Georgia remain a dominant force in the SEC — Stockton has had time to grow under Smart’s system and offensive coordinator Mike Bobo’s guidance. According to Smart, that time has been well spent.

“He’s improved every single day,” Smart noted. “He’s one of the hardest workers in the building. He understands the offense better than most, he’s built strong relationships with his teammates, and most importantly — he’s a competitor. That’s who we want leading this team.”

Coaches and teammates alike have praised Stockton’s arm strength, mobility, and football IQ. While he has not had extensive playing time, practices and scrimmages have shown what he can do when given the reins.

Smart’s frustration with Finebaum’s remarks stems from a broader concern: the rush to judge college quarterbacks before they’ve had a real chance. Stockton, a former four-star recruit from Rabun County, Georgia, was once one of the most highly touted dual-threat quarterbacks in the nation. Smart sees the narrative around Stockton shifting unfairly — not because of performance, but because of limited exposure.

“It’s easy to sit behind a mic and throw around opinions,” Smart said. “But that young man has done everything we’ve asked and more. He’s had the benefit of developing without being thrown into the fire, and that’s going to pay dividends.”

Indeed, Georgia’s quarterback room has remained one of the most stable in the SEC in recent years. With Beck entering the NFL and Stockton next in line, the Bulldogs are betting on continuity and internal development rather than a quick-fix transfer portal solution.

Gunner Stockton has responded to the criticism in typical Georgia fashion — by staying focused and silent. Sources close to the program say he’s been more motivated than ever during spring drills, with a determination to prove the doubters wrong not through words, but through performance.

“He’s a grinder,” said offensive lineman Tate Ratledge. “He doesn’t care what people say about him. All he wants to do is help us win, and that’s exactly what he’s doing every day at practice.”

Teammates say Stockton’s leadership has become more visible now that he’s assumed the top role. He’s organizing offseason workouts, spending extra time in the film room, and making an effort to build chemistry with his receivers.

Smart reminded the media that Georgia has been here before. Stetson Bennett, once considered a walk-on with no future in Athens, went on to become a two-time national champion and a Heisman finalist. Carson Beck faced questions about his readiness before stepping in seamlessly last season.

“What people forget,” Smart said, “is that we’ve been questioned before. Stetson wasn’t supposed to be ‘the guy.’ Neither was Beck. But they developed. They earned their shot. Gunner is on the same trajectory. It’s a process.”

With the 2025 season on the horizon, Georgia is entering a new era. The Bulldogs’ defense is still elite, the skill positions are loaded with talent, and the offensive line remains one of the best in the country. The biggest question — at least from outsiders — is the quarterback. But internally, there’s no doubt.

Whether Stockton silences his critics immediately or grows into the role over the season, one thing is clear: Kirby Smart isn’t letting the outside noise shake his belief in his quarterback. In Athens, development and loyalty matter — and Smart believes that Gunner Stockton is about to prove exactly why.