November 10, 2026 | Football
ATHENS, Ga. --- Georgia had a trio of players named to either the semifinalists lists for the Bednarik Award or the Maxwell Award, according to an announcement Tuesday.
Fifth-year graduate QB Gunner Stockton is one of 18 semifinalists for the Maxwell Award, given to the collegiate player of the year, and junior LB Chris Cole and junior S KJ Bolden are two of the 18 semifinalists for the Bednark Award, given to the country's outstanding defensive player.
Stockton, a native of Tiger, Ga., is 139-of-196 for 1,857 yards and 20 touchdown passes and only four interceptions this season. Also boasting 233 yards rushing and two scores on the ground, Stockton is fourth nationally in Passing Efficiency at 180.1 and ranks eighth nationally in Completion Percentage at 70.9. The National Football Foundation (NFF) National Scholar-Athlete Award winner is also in the top 10 for the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award and is part of the Davey O'Brien QB Class of 2026.
Cole, a native of Salem, Va., is tied for the team lead with 58 stops, including a team-high 41 solo tackles, and leads the team with 11 tackles for loss and five sacks. The Lombardi Award and Butkus Award semifinalist ranks second nationally with three fumble recoveries as well. Cole returned one of those loose balls 85 yards for a touchdown against Oklahoma and another 66 yards versus Florida for a score.
Bolden, a native of Buford, Ga., has 31 stops, two tackles for loss, half a sack and is tied for the team lead with two interceptions. The Thorpe Award semifinalist returned a pick versus Oklahoma 29 yards and then one against Ole Miss 26 yards during a pair of Georgia's victories this season.
The Bulldogs play host to Missouri on Dooley Field in Sanford Stadium on Saturday. ABC will televise the matchup at 3:30 p.m.
Fifth-year graduate QB Gunner Stockton is one of 18 semifinalists for the Maxwell Award, given to the collegiate player of the year, and junior LB Chris Cole and junior S KJ Bolden are two of the 18 semifinalists for the Bednark Award, given to the country's outstanding defensive player.
Stockton, a native of Tiger, Ga., is 139-of-196 for 1,857 yards and 20 touchdown passes and only four interceptions this season. Also boasting 233 yards rushing and two scores on the ground, Stockton is fourth nationally in Passing Efficiency at 180.1 and ranks eighth nationally in Completion Percentage at 70.9. The National Football Foundation (NFF) National Scholar-Athlete Award winner is also in the top 10 for the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award and is part of the Davey O'Brien QB Class of 2026.
Cole, a native of Salem, Va., is tied for the team lead with 58 stops, including a team-high 41 solo tackles, and leads the team with 11 tackles for loss and five sacks. The Lombardi Award and Butkus Award semifinalist ranks second nationally with three fumble recoveries as well. Cole returned one of those loose balls 85 yards for a touchdown against Oklahoma and another 66 yards versus Florida for a score.
Bolden, a native of Buford, Ga., has 31 stops, two tackles for loss, half a sack and is tied for the team lead with two interceptions. The Thorpe Award semifinalist returned a pick versus Oklahoma 29 yards and then one against Ole Miss 26 yards during a pair of Georgia's victories this season.
The Bulldogs play host to Missouri on Dooley Field in Sanford Stadium on Saturday. ABC will televise the matchup at 3:30 p.m.
Players Mentioned
Tuesday, November 10
Tuesday, November 10
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Monday, November 09