ATHENS, GA (December 16, 2025) — In the hallowed halls of the University of Georgia, legends are usually minted in gold, measured by national championship rings and Heisman Trophies. But on Tuesday, Bulldogs quarterback Gunner Stockton achieved a distinction that transcends the hash marks of Sanford Stadium, placing him in a stratosphere reserved for the likes of LeBron James, Lionel Messi, and Simone Biles.

In a move that underscores his rapid ascent from regional standout to international figure, TIME magazine has named Gunner Stockton one of the “100 Most Influential People in Global Sports.”

The recognition marks a defining watershed moment in Stockton’s young career. It is a rare accolade for a collegiate athlete, signaling that the criteria for greatness in the modern era has shifted. Stockton is no longer just being measured by touchdown passes or completion percentages; he is being measured by his voice, his responsibility, and a reach that now extends far beyond the borders of the Southeastern Conference.

A New Era of Influence

According to TIME, Stockton’s inclusion on the prestigious list reflects “a new paradigm in athletics, where impact is measured not just in wins, but in the ability to shift culture.” The magazine cited Stockton’s poise under pressure, his command of the national spotlight, and his refusal to be defined solely by his sport as key factors in his selection.

“Gunner Stockton has become a symbol of the modern college athlete,” the TIME profile reads. “He navigates fame, leadership, and social responsibility with a maturity that belies his age. In an era of chaotic change in college sports, he has become its steady, moral center.”

From High School Legend to National Leader

Stockton’s journey to this moment was not a straight shot to stardom, but a testament to patience—a virtue often lost in the transfer portal era. Arriving in Athens with a record-breaking high school résumé that made him a household name in Georgia long before he took a meaningful snap, Stockton faced expectations that would crush lesser talents.

Instead of demanding instant playing time, Stockton built his climb on discipline and trust in Georgia’s demanding system. When he finally stepped into the starting role, the results were undeniable. Coaches praised a football IQ that seemed to process defenses in slow motion. Teammates gravitated toward his calm confidence.

“He didn’t scream for attention,” said a source close to the program. “He earned it. And when the world started watching, they saw a leader who was ready for the moment.”

The “Stabilizing Force”

Inside the Butts-Mehre Heritage Hall, the news of the TIME honor was met with pride, but not surprise. Within the program, Stockton is widely regarded as a stabilizing force—a quarterback who leads film sessions with the same intensity he brings to game days.

Teammates describe him as demanding but supportive, a fierce competitor who remains grounded amidst the noise. He is known for holding himself accountable for errors before calling out others, a trait that has endeared him to a locker room full of future NFL talent.

“Gunner is the guy you want in the foxhole,” a teammate told reporters. “He doesn’t panic. Whether it’s 3rd and long or a media firestorm, he’s the same guy. That’s why we follow him.”

Championing Mental Health and Rural Roots

However, TIME’s recognition makes it clear that this honor goes far beyond his ability to throw a spiral. The magazine highlighted Stockton’s quiet but profound commitment to causes centered on youth development and mental health awareness, particularly in rural Georgia.

Unlike many of his peers who curate flashy social media personas, Stockton has avoided grandstanding. He often opts for private involvement rather than public praise, visiting schools and community centers without a camera crew in tow.

In recent interviews, Stockton has spoken with disarming openness about the pressure of elite competition and the mental toll it takes on young athletes. These conversations have resonated deeply with a generation of athletes facing similar anxieties.

“Football teaches you toughness,” Stockton said in a recent appearance cited by TIME. “But it also teaches you when to ask for help.”

This willingness to show vulnerability while playing the toughest position in sports has made him a cultural icon. He has destigmatized the conversation around mental health in a sport often defined by “macho” stoicism.

A Cultural Presence

What distinguishes Stockton in the current landscape is his understanding of his platform. He represents the evolution of the student-athlete: powerful, autonomous, and socially conscious.

By being named to the TIME 100, Stockton has crossed the threshold from “football player” to “public figure.” He is now a voice that carries weight in boardrooms and living rooms alike.

As the Bulldogs prepare for the postseason, the spotlight on their quarterback has never been brighter. But if Gunner Stockton has proven anything, it is that the spotlight doesn’t blind him—it only illuminates the character that was there all along.

For the University of Georgia, having a player named to the TIME 100 is a recruiting tool money can’t buy. For Gunner Stockton, it is validation that playing the game the right way—with patience, integrity, and heart—still matters to the world. The kid from Georgia is now a global influencer, and he’s just getting started.