Title: Breaking Shocker: Kirby Smart Reveals Explosive QB Battle Brewing Ahead of 2025 Season Opener
Athens, GA — June 20, 2025
In a development that has stunned the college football world and lit a fire under Bulldog Nation, Georgia head coach Kirby Smart stepped up to the podium during a surprise media availability and delivered a bombshell: the starting quarterback spot for the 2025 season opener is officially up for grabs.
“This is not a drill,” Smart said with signature intensity. “We’ve got a war in the quarterback room — and I love it.”
The announcement comes just weeks before fall camp, shattering the widely held belief that redshirt sophomore Gunner Stockton had the job locked down. Instead, Smart revealed that three quarterbacks are in heated competition: Stockton, true freshman phenom T.J. Rawlins, and transfer portal acquisition Malik Redd, formerly of Oregon.
The Contenders
Gunner Stockton, once hailed as Georgia’s next great field general, showed flashes of brilliance in limited action last year. His pocket awareness, arm strength, and deep ball accuracy have impressed coaches, but inconsistency in spring practice has opened the door for challengers.
Enter T.J. Rawlins, a five-star recruit out of California’s Mater Dei High School, who stunned teammates with his composure and elite footwork during the spring game. Rawlins is a dual-threat monster with a cannon arm and a cerebral approach that belies his age.
“Kid’s got ice in his veins,” offensive coordinator Dell McGee said. “He’s pushing veterans like he’s been here for three years.”
And then there’s the wild card: Malik Redd, a transfer who started nine games for Oregon in 2024 before hitting the portal. Redd brings Pac-12 battle scars and leadership — along with a highlight reel full of electrifying scrambles and pinpoint back-shoulder throws. He’s the most experienced of the three and reportedly impressed in offseason player-led workouts.
Smart’s Strategy
“We’re not handing anyone the job,” Smart told reporters. “This is Georgia. You earn everything. We’ve got three guys that could start at 90% of programs in America. Only one will start here.”
He confirmed that the battle would play out over the summer, with no starter named until two weeks before kickoff against Clemson in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
“Every rep will matter. Every throw, every audible, every mistake,” he said. “We’re not just looking for talent — we’re looking for the guy who can lead this locker room.”
Reaction from the Dawg House
Within minutes, Twitter/X exploded with takes. Fans debated the frontrunners while analysts marveled at the depth in the QB room. ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit called it “the most high-stakes quarterback battle in college football right now.”
Former Bulldog great Stetson Bennett posted cryptically, “Been there. Pressure makes diamonds. 🐶💎”
What’s at Stake
Georgia enters the 2025 season with national title expectations yet again. After finishing 13-2 in 2024 and narrowly losing in the CFP Semifinal, the Bulldogs are ranked No. 2 in early preseason polls. With weapons like tight end Elias King, wide receiver Jaylen Rush, and a brutal defense returning, the QB will need to be more than solid — he’ll need to be special.
Whether it’s Stockton’s experience, Rawlins’ raw potential, or Redd’s veteran poise, one thing is certain: the Dawgs’ championship hopes ride on Kirby Smart’s most explosive QB battle yet.
And just like that, all eyes turn to Athens.
