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Gunner Stockton: The Most Scrutinized Man in Athens?

Doubts linger about Gunnar Stockton. No, he hasn’t yet had the opportunity to show his talents over an SEC schedule. And yes, questions about his physical tools persist. But Georgia’s setup could hardly be more favorable for a quarterback needing live game touches. A soft couple of games to open the schedule gives him room to grow, an elite roster cushions any early missteps, and a coaching staff renowned for developing confidence offers a runway few QBs get. Stockton doesn’t need to dazzle—just deliver. If he can elevate his play even modestly, Georgia’s playoff hopes remain very much alive, and months of operating as the guy in the months of drills and practices that lead up to the season should provide that edge. And if he reaches anything close to what Stetson Bennett became, the Dawgs could be barking deep into January.

Media Criticism: What They’re Saying About Stockton

Outside the Top 40 QBs

Sports Grid recently ranked Stockton outside the top 40 for 2025. Analyst TJ Inman labeled him a “wildcard,” citing limited arm talent and a lack of high-end pedigree.

Paul Finebaum, never one to hold back, called Stockton’s Sugar Bowl debut “underwhelming.” The stat line—20-of-32, 234 yards, one TD, no picks—was clean but uninspiring to Finebaum.

A June SEC preview described Stockton as a “game manager,” referencing his meager stats – 395 yards and one touchdown over three starts, and suggesting Georgia’s QB picture remains unsettled.

The New York Post forecasted struggles for Stockton against elite defenses like Notre Dame’s, projecting sub-180-yard passing totals in a potential playoff matchup.

Counterpoints: Why There’s Real Belief in Stockton – The Bennett Blueprint

Sports Grid pointed to the Bennett comparison, not as an insult, but as a roadmap. Like Stockton, Bennett lacked flash but delivered rings. The idea that Stockton could follow suit is gaining quiet traction.

A possible Stetson Bennett-type arc? Few preseason publications have him rated better than the middle of the SEC quarterback pack. The Stetson Bennett comparison could be apt.

Kirby Smart stuck with Stockton through spring, praising his grasp of the offense and leadership in the locker room. That internal endorsement matters, especially in Georgia’s system-first approach.

Sports Illustrated noted Georgia’s successful past QB transitions—Fromm, Bennett, Beck—all benefited from top-tier talent around them. Stockton inherits the same structure, tailored to timing and chemistry rather than hero-ball.

Former UGA star David Pollack lauded Stockton’s mental toughness and work ethic, even projecting potential to surpass Beck statistically. Program insiders also reported significant strides during spring ball.

Cautious but Credible Optimism

The criticisms:

• Stockton lacks elite physical traits.
• His early showings were competent but unspectacular.
• Analysts doubt his ceiling in marquee matchups.

But the upside is just as real:

• He’s being likened to Stetson Bennett – for good reason.
• Georgia’s infrastructure maximizes so-called game managers. I perfer “gamer.”
• His internal faith is strong and continues to grow.

Stockton doesn’t have to become a Heisman finalist. He just needs to outperform the average SEC starter and avoid critical mistakes. With Georgia’s defense, coaching, and weapons, that formula has already proven championship-worthy.

Georgia Softball Adds 5 Transfers

University of Georgia head softball coach Tony Baldwin has announced the additions of five transfer student-athletes for the 2026 season. The signees include pitchers Addisen Fisher (UCLA) and Maddie Johnson (Georgia Southern), infielders Bailey Lindemuth (Texas Tech) and Keirstin Roose (Coastal Carolina), and outfielder Delani Sullivan (Kentucky).

“We are excited to welcome Addison, Bailey, Delani, Kierstin, and Maddie to our program. We believe that each will have a significant impact on our team,” Baldwin said. “Not only are they very talented, but they’re also the right ‘fit’ for our locker room, which is critical to our success. We believe that we have positively impacted our team offensively, defensively, and in the circle. With the mix of these transfers, a solid group of returners, and an exciting incoming freshman class, we will head into the fall with optimism, and we’re looking forward to getting to work.

“Much of the credit goes to our coaching staff and support staff. The work they put into identifying the right people, doing the homework they need to do to make sure we are bringing in the right people, and doing it in a timely fashion is critical in this new world of recruiting. I really am thankful for all the people who are invested in our program, the work they do, and the character with which they do it. Go Dawgs!”

ADDISEN FISHER | RHP | Bend, Ore. | UCLA | Bend HS

Right-handed pitcher Addisen Fisher transfers to Georgia from UCLA, where she was named a 2025 D1Softball First Team Freshman All-American, an NFCA All-West Region First Team member, a Big Ten All-Freshman Team selection, and appeared on the NFCA Freshman of the Year Top 10 list.

Last season, Fisher posted a 16-2 record with a. 2.59 earned run average (eighth best in the Big Ten), 1.28 WHIP, and 100 strikeouts over 113.2 innings and 32 appearances (16 starts). She notched two complete-game shutouts and allowed a .241 opponent batting average (105 hits). She opened her career with a 16-0 record before drawing her first loss, tying Amanda Freed (1999) for the best start by a Bruins’ freshman in program history. Her best outing of the year was a complete-game shutout performance at No. 5 Oregon, where she struck out three in her return to her home state (April 19). She tossed the first no-hitter of her collegiate career at Howard (March 26).

Fisher competed for Team USA at the WBSC U-18 World Cup Group Stage Event in Dallas, Texas, finishing with a 2-0 record and 15 strikeouts over 10.0 innings in three appearances.  Fisher threw a complete-game shutout, the only Team USA pitcher to throw a complete game, with eight strikeouts in a 7-0 win over Canada to punch Team USA’s ticket to the World Cup Finals, held in 2025 (Sept. 2).

Fisher was a four-year letterwinner at Bend High School in Bend, Oregon, and was heralded as the top-ranked player in the 2024 signing class by Softball America, Extra Inning Softball, and Perfect Game Softball. She was named the 2024 Gatorade National Softball Player of the Year for her senior season. Additionally, Fisher was a three-time winner of the Gatorade Oregon Softball Player of the Year award (2021, 2023, 2024) and a four-time Class 5A All-State First Team honoree. She finished her high school career with a 66-3 record, 861 strikeouts, 24 no-hitters and 11 perfect games, leading Bend to the 2024 Class 5A state title her senior season, compiling a 20-2 record, 0.36 ERA, 261 strikeouts, .092 opponent batting average, 10 shutouts, five no-hitters and four perfect games over 134.2 innings.

Baldwin on Fisher: “Addison has all the pieces to be a front-line starter in the SEC. She throws hard, commands the ball, and has one of the best drop balls in the country. She is truly a top talent, but what really makes her special is her personality. She has a fun personality and loves to smile! Bulldog fans are going to love watching her compete this spring.”

MADDIE JOHNSON | RHP | Athens, Ga. | Georgia Southern | North Oconee HS

Athens native and right-handed pitcher Maddie Johnson signs to UGA from Georgia Southern, where she was tabbed a D1Softball Second Team Freshman All-American, Softball America Freshman All-American, NFCA Third Team All-South Region member, and First Team All-Sun Belt Team selection.

Johnson pitched 145 innings in 30 appearances and 21 starts as a freshman in 2025. She concluded the season with a conference-leading 2.03 ERA, a 12-10 record, and a pair of saves. Johnson fanned 110 batters, allowing only 39 walks. Johnson pitched a seven-inning no-hitter, Georgia Southern’s first since 2017, against Georgia Mason on Feb. 28, recording a season-high 11 strikeouts and no walks. She was named Sun Belt Pitcher of the Week twice in 2025.

Johnson was a four-year letter winner at North Oconee HS. She was named 2023 Region 8-AAAA Pitcher of the Year, was a four-time First Team All-Region Team member, 2023 First Team All-State, and 2021 Second Team All-State. Johnson holds the school records in career strikeouts, games pitched, consecutive shutout innings, single-season strikeouts, and strikeouts in a game. In the classroom, she was a four-year academic honor roll honoree. She played travel ball for Georgia Impact Maher and Impact Janney/Lewis.

Baldwin on Johnson: “Maddie is a Dawg through and through. She had success in high school locally at North Oconee High School, but really blossomed last year as a freshman. Her ability to command the ball with velocity and change speeds allowed her to have success against some of the top teams in the country, including us! We believe she still has better days ahead and are excited for those days to be in the Red and Black.”

BAILEY LINDEMUTH | INF | Burleson, Texas | Texas Tech | Burleson Centennial HS

Infielder Bailey Lindemuth has signed with UGA from Texas Tech. Lindemuth helped guide the Red Raiders to a Women’s College World Series championship series appearance as a true freshman in 2025.

Lindemuth played and started in all 68 games, 66 starts at third base and two in the circle. She finished with a 2-1 record and 2.55 ERA in the circle, hit .395 with 50 hits, including eight doubles and five home runs, and drove in 32 runs. She was named to the All-Big 12 First Team and All-Big 12 Freshmen Team for her performance and was named Big 12 Player of the Week on March 11.

She signed to Texas Tech as the 11^th-ranked pitcher in the 2024 class, according to Extra Inning. She garnered several honors, including being named the 2021 District 8-5A Offensive Player of the Year, and being selected 2021 First Team All-District, the DFW Sophomore of the Year, District MVP in 2022, 2022 First Team All-District, 2022 All-Johnson County MVP, 2023 District 8-5A MVP, Fort Worth Star Telegram Area MVP, and earning TGCA All-State honors. She holds the school record for home runs, RBI, and strikeouts, and established herself as one of the best two-way players in the 2024 class. Lindemuth played travel ball for Stryker National Esparza under coach Charlie Esparza, where she hit .489 with a 1.472 on-base percentage and 34 RBI, thanks to 45 hits and 13 home runs. She was named to the District 8-5A Academic team for her work in the classroom.

Baldwin on Lindemuth: “Bailey is the perfect fit for our program. She is a talented infielder and a high-character individual. A full-time starter and an All-Big 12 performer as a freshman, we believe she makes our team better now while still having her best softball ahead of her. One thing for sure about Bailey is that she loves to compete, and we can’t wait to get her to Athens and get to work.”

KEIRSTIN ROOSE | INF | Wolcottville, Ind. | Coastal Carolina | Lakeland HS

Infielder Keirstin Roose has signed with UGA as a graduate transfer from Coastal Carolina. In her final season at CCU, Roose picked up NFCA All-South Region Second Team honors, All-Sun Belt Second Team honors, and landed a spot on the CSC Academic All-District Team. Roose helped guide the Chanticleers to the program’s first-ever Sun Belt Tournament Championship and an appearance in the NCAA Durham Regional.

In her CCU career, Roose played in 177 games, starting all but three in four seasons. She hit .281, scattering 145 hits, including 31 doubles, three triples, and blasting 25 home runs. She drove in 102 runs and slugged .498 with a .340 on-base percentage. In the classroom, she has been named an Easton/NFCA All-America Scholar-Athlete in 2022, 2023, and 2024.

Prior to her Coastal Carolina career, Roose was a multi-sport athlete at Lakeland High School. She lettered in softball, soccer, basketball, track & field, and golf. She was a finalist for the 2021 Indiana Miss Softball award. She was named the 2022 Prep Player of the Year, 2021 Indiana all-state softball team, was a three-time KPC All-Area selection, and a three-time NECC All-Conference selection. She helped lead Lakeland to a 2018 conference championship and a 2019 sectional championship. She set single-season records at Lakeland in home runs (18), batting average (.667), and RBI (44). Off the softball diamond, she was a three-time KPC All-Area selection in soccer, a two-time NECC All-Conference performer in soccer, and a two-time all-conference selection in both basketball and track & field, and was a KPC All-Area honoree once in both basketball and track & field. Roose was named the 2019 Prep Player of the Year in soccer in her sophomore season and was a three-time conference champion in soccer (2017, 2018, 2019). Additionally, she was the 2019 sectional champion in the discus throw in track & field.

Baldwin on Roose: “Kierstin is a grad transfer that will bring a wealth of experience to our team. She is a competitor and a go-getter. Her athleticism and power were two things that stood out physically when we started evaluating her. Adding her power bat and athleticism to our lineup will be a welcome addition. We are excited to get her to Athens.”

DELANI SULLIVAN | OF | Georgetown, Ky. | Kentucky | Great Crossing HS

Outfielder Delani Sullivan has signed with UGA from Kentucky. In two seasons in Lexington, Sullivan played in 95 games. She scattered 25 hits in 103 at-bats, including four doubles, a triple, and three home runs. Last season, she drove in 10 runs. She stole four bases in each season for the Wildcats. In the classroom, she was a member of the 2025 SEC Spring Academic Honor Roll and the 2023-24 SEC First Year Academic Honor Roll.

In high school, she was named to the Kentucky District and Regional All-Tournament Team and the First Team All-State for Kentucky in 2021. As a senior, she led the Warhawks in many offensive categories, including average (.527), at-bats (112), runs (48), hits (59), doubles (15), triples (7), and stolen bases (36).

Her sister Kennedy played for Kentucky from 2022-23.

Baldwin on Sullivan: “We are excited to welcome Delani to Athens. With the loss of Dallis Goodnight, the centerfield position is one we will have a lot of competition for. Delani will be right in the middle of that competition. Her speed and ability to make things happen will add a valuable piece to our offense. We believe she is just tapping into her potential and look forward to seeing that potential in the Red and Black.”

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