ESPN SHOCKER: Georgia Bulldogs QB Gunner Stockton Stuns College Football World—Declines $4.5M NIL Deal from Tennessee to Succeed Nico Iamaleava! Already Secured $2.1M in December, But Chooses Loyalty to the Dawgs Over Bigger Payday—A Bold Move in Today’s Chaotic NIL Landscape!”

ESPN SHOCKER: Georgia Bulldogs QB Gunner Stockton Stuns College Football World—Declines $4.5M NIL Deal from Tennessee to Succeed Nico Iamaleava! Already Secured $2.1M in December, But Chooses Loyalty to the Dawgs Over Bigger Payday—A Bold Move in Today’s Chaotic NIL Landscape!

In an era where loyalty is often sold to the highest bidder, Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Gunner Stockton has stunned the college football universe with a move that bucks the current trend. In a blockbuster report that aired on ESPN early Tuesday, it was revealed that Stockton rejected a jaw-dropping $4.5 million Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal from the University of Tennessee, where he was being eyed as the heir apparent to rising superstar Nico Iamaleava.

The offer, according to multiple sources close to the situation, would have made Stockton one of the top-five highest-paid college athletes in the NIL era. But instead of chasing a bigger payday in Knoxville, Stockton made a decision that speaks volumes in today’s chaotic and often cutthroat NIL marketplace: he chose loyalty to the Georgia Bulldogs.

The NIL Temptation—and the Surprising Refusal

The 6’1″, 220-pound quarterback out of Rabun County has been part of Georgia’s quarterback rotation since 2022, patiently waiting behind Carson Beck and making the most of limited snaps. But after securing $2.1 million in NIL endorsements back in December, most believed he would capitalize further by jumping to a school like Tennessee, where the starting job would be his to lose following Iamaleava’s eventual departure to the NFL.

Tennessee’s boosters reportedly pitched a comprehensive NIL package involving national branding, automotive endorsements, and personal branding support. But Stockton, known for his quiet leadership and team-first mentality, shocked recruiters by turning it all down.

“I came to Georgia to win championships, not to chase checks,” Stockton was quoted as saying to teammates in a closed-door meeting, according to a team source. “My heart is here. My fight is here. And when my time comes, I want to win in red and black.”

Loyalty in a Market of Movement

In a time where elite quarterbacks are transferring annually in pursuit of bigger NIL deals or starting opportunities, Stockton’s decision has sparked praise from fans and criticism from some insiders who believe he may have passed up generational wealth.

But Georgia head coach Kirby Smart had nothing but respect for the junior signal-caller.

“Gunner’s a Dawg through and through,” Smart said in a press conference. “In this environment, where everybody’s chasing money, his decision shows integrity and heart. He’s betting on himself and betting on us. That’s the kind of guy you want under center.”

What It Means for Georgia—and for College Football

With Beck expected to enter the NFL Draft after the 2025 season, Stockton is widely projected to take over the reins in Athens. His familiarity with Georgia’s complex offensive system and strong chemistry with teammates gives him a distinct advantage.

More importantly, Stockton’s decision has become a rallying cry for those who fear that college football is becoming too transactional. In the wild west of NIL where schools are bidding like auction houses, Stockton’s move is a powerful reminder that some players still value legacy over ledger.

Only time will tell if Stockton’s gamble pays off in championships and an eventual NFL future—but for now, he’s captured the respect of a nation that still believes in playing for something more than money.

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