NEW ORLEANS — The physical nature of the College Football Playoff reached a brutal peak on New Year’s Day during the Sugar Bowl, as Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Gunner Stockton was leveled by what many analysts are calling the hardest hit of the 2025-2026 season.
The play occurred midway through the second quarter of the quarterfinal matchup against the Ole Miss Rebels. As Stockton attempted to scramble toward the sideline for a first down, he was met squarely by an unblocked Ole Miss defender. The resulting collision was audible throughout the Caesars Superdome, sent Stockton’s helmet flying, and left the sophomore quarterback on the turf for several moments.
The hit, which went viral in “4K” clarity across social media within minutes, initially sparked concerns of a serious injury. However, in a display of toughness that drew praise from head coach Kirby Smart, Stockton was able to walk off the field under his own power. After a brief evaluation in the medical tent, he remarkably returned to the game for the following possession.
“Gunner is as tough as they come,” Smart said during his post-game media availability. “You never want to see your quarterback take a shot like that, but he popped right back up. That’s the kind of leadership and grit this team feeds on, especially in a high-stakes playoff environment like the Sugar Bowl.”
The hit served as a microcosm of a game defined by defensive ferocity. While Ole Miss utilized their speed to create several disruptive plays in the backfield, Georgia’s offensive line struggled at times to contain the Rebels’ aggressive blitz packages. Despite the physical toll, Stockton finished the game with a respectable stat line, showing no visible signs of hesitation following the massive impact.
For the Bulldogs, the focus now shifts to recovery. With a potential semifinal matchup looming, the health of Stockton—who has taken over the starting role following Carson Beck’s departure—is paramount. The Georgia medical staff is expected to monitor him closely for any delayed symptoms of a concussion or upper-body trauma throughout the week.
As the College Football Playoff continues, Stockton’s resilience in New Orleans will likely be remembered as a defining moment of his young career, proving he can withstand the most violent aspects of elite SEC competition.
