No. 9 Georgia mounted a stunning fourth-quarter rally to overcome No. 5 Ole Miss 43-35 in a key college football clash, with quarterback Gunner Stockton delivering a career-best performance to secure the victory.
The game unfolded on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at Sanford Stadium in Athens, Georgia, pitting two top-10 Southeastern Conference rivals in a high-stakes battle. Ole Miss entered undefeated and seeking to solidify their playoff credentials, while Georgia aimed to build momentum after an earlier season loss. A packed stadium witnessed an offensive showcase from the outset, with both teams trading blows in a back-and-forth contest that kept fans on edge throughout.
Ole Miss seized control early, scoring touchdowns on each of their first five possessions to build a commanding 35-26 lead by the end of the third quarter. Their offense operated with precision, exploiting gaps in Georgia’s typically stout defense and marking the first time under head coach Kirby Smart that the Bulldogs had allowed such a prolific start. The Rebels’ dominance through three quarters suggested an impending victory, putting Georgia’s resilience to the test.
Gunner Stockton, playing through an oblique injury sustained the previous week, defied limitations to orchestrate Georgia’s comeback. He completed 26 of 31 passes for 289 yards and four touchdowns, including three scoring connections with tight end Lawson Luckie. Stockton added 59 rushing yards and another touchdown on 10 carries, demonstrating his versatility and grit under pressure. His unwavering confidence and physical toughness became the catalyst for the Bulldogs’ late surge.
The fourth quarter saw a complete shift in momentum as Georgia outscored Ole Miss 17-0 while controlling the ball for over 13 minutes. Stockton was perfect in the second half, completing all 12 pass attempts for 135 yards and three touchdowns, including two in the final period. His 40-yard touchdown pass to Luckie with 7:29 remaining gave Georgia their first lead since the early stages, capping a remarkable turnaround.
Georgia’s defense, which had struggled to contain Ole Miss through three quarters, rose to the occasion when it mattered most. They forced the Rebels into their first three-and-out of the game early in the fourth quarter, then secured another critical stop with under seven minutes remaining. The game-clinching play came when defensive tackle Josh Horton batted down a fourth-down pass from Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, preserving the hard-fought victory.
Coach Kirby Smart praised his team’s mental fortitude, describing the win as a “culture win” that highlighted their resilience. He emphasized Stockton’s leadership and how it inspired both offensive and defensive units, particularly when players on the sideline rallied to motivate the defense during crucial moments. Smart acknowledged that this season’s narrower margins require such comebacks, contrasting with previous years when Georgia often dominated opponents.
This victory represents Georgia’s third comeback win of the season, following earlier rallies against Tennessee and Auburn, and strengthens their position in the College Football Playoff conversation. The loss drops Ole Miss from the ranks of the unbeaten and will likely impact their standing in the AP Top 25 rankings. Both teams now face critical stretches in their schedules, with this game serving as a potential turning point for their postseason aspirations.
Looking ahead, Georgia enjoys a bye week before facing rival Florida in Jacksonville on November 1, while Ole Miss returns home to regroup for their next opponent. With challenging matchups remaining, including games against ranked opponents, both programs must build on this experience as they navigate the remainder of the season.