Mark Ingram Named Gunner Stockton Heisman Contender
Georgia's quarterback has earned early season praise after a dominant start to the 2026 campaign.
Updated on Sept. 26, 2026 in Football
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Former college football star Mark Ingram has identified Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton as a top candidate for the Heisman Trophy. The No. 2 ranked Bulldogs have relied on Stockton to command the offense through the first three games of the season.
Why it matters
Stockton's emergence as a legitimate Heisman contender highlights the explosive potential of Georgia's offense this year. His ability to maintain efficiency while leading both passing and rushing production has drawn national attention to the Athens program.
Stockton has completed 38 of 45 passes for 583 yards with nine touchdowns and zero interceptions. He has also added 100 rushing yards on eight carries, maintaining a standout 84.4% completion rate.
The players
Gunner Stockton
He is the starting quarterback for the University of Georgia football team.
Mark Ingram
He is a former collegiate and professional football player who won the 2009 Heisman Trophy.
Kirby Smart
He serves as the head coach for the University of Georgia football program.
The details
Stockton has displayed significant poise while leading his receivers during practice and executing commands in the huddle. Alongside his individual efforts, teammates Nate Frazier and Chauncey Bowens have contributed a combined eight touchdowns through the first three games.
Timeline
Late-August 2026 saw Kirby Smart offer praise regarding the quarterback's growing confidence.
September 26, 2026, marks the date Georgia hosts Oklahoma at 3:30 p.m. ET.
Season Trajectory
Stockton's performance positions No. 2 Georgia as a primary contender in the national championship race as the team enters critical SEC matchups. His play effectively shifts the conference landscape by raising the threshold for what constitutes elite quarterback output this season.
Stockton's current 84.4% completion percentage and total of nine touchdowns provide a significant boost to fantasy valuations and overall team efficiency metrics. His high-volume output across both passing and rushing categories makes him a focal point for upcoming betting lines and defensive game planning.
The takeaway
Maintaining such a high completion percentage is difficult as the intensity of conference play increases throughout the fall. Fans should watch for how Stockton performs under pressure during the high-stakes game against Oklahoma on September 26.
Further reading
For more on the Bulldogs' season progress, visit Athens Football.
Source note: This article includes information reported by On3.
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