Can't Wait For Saturday Georgia QB seems to have the perfect first name, Guner, for a Heisman candidate
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Jul. 1—***
Earlier in June, I used this space to count down the Top 10 Heisman Trophy candidates for 2026. (The list is at the bottom.)
That doesn't come close to covering all the possibilities. Last year, Fernando Mendoza wasn't considered a candidate going into the year. So, into July. I will float some names of guys who might enter the conversation if they get off to a hot start.
Today, the team that has won only two Heismans is on my mind.
Gunner Stockton, Georgia quarterback
Let's give credit to the player's parents Sherrie and Rob picking the perfect quarterback name. Only position that would have worked out better: basketball shooting guard.
Equally interesting, to me at least, he is from Tiger, Ga. So Gunner from Tiger plays for the Bulldogs. Think you've got the lead character for "Johnny Be Good II."
After redshirting in 2022 and limited time in 2023 and '24, Stockton had a strong season as Carson Beck's replacement in '24.
Stockton hit 70 percent of his attempts for 2,894 yards with 24 touchdowns and only five interceptions. He is also a willing runner — his offensive linemen must love that — picking up 462 yards and 10 more scores.
Stockton can do much more if asked and he has plenty of help. Three startres are back on the offensive line, the receivers are better thanks to the portal and tailback Nate Frazier ran for 947 yards and six touchdowns.
The schedule, as usual, is a doozy with Oklahoma, Alabama, Mississippi and Georgia Tech. But no Texas unless they meet in the SEC title game.
The more I write about Stockton, the better I like Georgia's chances to contend for the national title.
Oh, one more thing: How has Georgia only taken two Heisman Trophies? And none since Herschel Walker in 1982. I would have guessed the Bulldogs could have five more. Perhaps Stockton ends the drought.
1. Jeremiah Smith Ohio State receiver
2. Arch Manning Texas quarterback
3. Malachi Toney Miami receiver
4. Julian Sayin Ohio State quarterback
5. Trinidad Chambliss Mississippi quarterback
6. CJ Carr, Notre Dame quarterback
7. Dante Moore, Oregon quarterback
8. Demond Williams Jr., Washington quarterback
9. Josh Hoover, Indiana quarterback
10. Darian Mensah, Miami quarterback
Byrum Brown, Auburn quarterback
Sam Leavitt, LSU quarterback
John Mateer, Oklahoma quarterback
Bo Jackson, Ohio State running back
Jayden Maiava, Southern California quarterback
Marcel Reed, Texas A&M quarterback
LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina quarterback
Bryce Underwood, Michigan quarterback
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