Georgia Bulldogs vs Marshall Thundering Herd Picks and Predictions August 30th 2025

Gunner Stockton Finally Gets Full-Time Chance to Lead Georgia

The Georgia Bulldogs will usher in a new era at quarterback on Saturday night as Gunner Stockton makes his debut as the full-time starter. After two years of waiting patiently behind Carson Beck, Stockton finally steps into the spotlight. The redshirt junior proved his readiness last season when he filled in during Georgia’s SEC Championship victory over Texas and later threw for 234 yards and a touchdown in the Sugar Bowl loss to Notre Dame. That brief audition gave Bulldog fans a glimpse of his poise and playmaking ability. Now, with a full offseason as QB1, Stockton is eager to establish himself as the next great leader in Athens.

Stockton doesn’t shy away from expectations. A Georgia high school legend, he set state records for career passing yards (13,652) and touchdowns (177) at Rabun County. Those numbers may be in the past, but they highlight the kind of natural talent Georgia now has directing its offense. “We’ve had a great offseason, just getting to know everybody and coming together,” Stockton said this week. “I’m excited for this new year with the SEC schedule. It’s no joke. I’m glad there’s a bunch of home games. Can’t wait for the first one against Marshall.”

Gunner Stockton career snapshot

Bulldogs aim to build on 2024

Georgia enters 2025 ranked No. 5 in the nation after an 11-3 season that included an SEC title but fell short of College Football Playoff expectations. Head coach Kirby Smart has made it clear that his team won’t overlook the opener, even against an opponent predicted to struggle. “Marshall’s got a tremendous history of a lot of good football players, a lot of good teams,” Smart said. “To look and see what they did last year in a really tough Sun Belt Conference, it kind of speaks for itself. We always say the game’s about us, and it’ll always be about how we play. We’ve got to go play our best.”

Georgia’s offense will look different with Stockton at the helm, but the supporting cast remains strong. Running backs Jordan Marshall and Alabama transfer Justice Haynes give the Bulldogs a powerful backfield, while Indiana transfer Donaven McCulley steps into the coveted No. 1 jersey as Stockton’s likely top target. Defensively, Georgia remains deep and aggressive, led by edge rushers TJ Guy and Derrick Moore, with Smart planning to rotate heavily to keep fresh legs throughout the game. For bettors tracking the matchup, NCAAF picks have Georgia as overwhelming favorites, while scores & odds reflect the lopsided nature of the contest.

Marshall rebuilding under Tony Gibson

While Georgia is focused on national contention, the Marshall Thundering Herd enter this season in rebuild mode. After winning the Sun Belt championship and finishing 10-3 in 2024, the program saw head coach Charles Huff leave for Southern Miss. His replacement, Tony Gibson, was hired from NC State, where he had been defensive coordinator. Gibson inherits a roster stripped bare by the transfer portal, with the team losing its starting quarterback, leading rusher, and nearly every major receiving contributor.

Marshall is predicted to finish sixth in the Sun Belt’s East Division, a steep drop from last year’s title run. Gibson has already made his philosophy clear. “We have 72 new players. We have 54 out of the portal and 18 from high school,” he said. “Our goal is to establish a run game. I want a physical football team. People that do not fit in well with me and our team are lazy and soft. I want loyal people as well.”

At quarterback, Syracuse transfer Carlos Del Rio-Wilson is expected to start. Though injuries derailed his 2024 season, he has experience, appearing in 14 games across 2022–23 and throwing for 624 yards with five total touchdowns. His athleticism adds versatility, but he’ll be working with an almost entirely new supporting cast.

Key Marshall roster changes

Conclusion

Saturday night will mark the start of the Gunner Stockton era in Athens, a moment long anticipated by Georgia fans eager to see their record-setting quarterback finally take full command of the offense. The Bulldogs, armed with a deep roster and fresh leadership, begin their quest for another playoff push against a Marshall team undergoing wholesale changes. While the Thundering Herd face an uphill climb in their rebuild, the matchup provides Tony Gibson’s squad with a measuring stick as they enter a new era of their own. For Georgia, it’s about focus, execution, and letting their new quarterback settle into his role under the lights at Sanford Stadium.