Georgia QB Gunner Stockton Speaks at Trump Rally in Rome

Bulldogs star joins former player Herschel Walker on stage with former president

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton made a surprise appearance at a rally held by former President Donald Trump in Rome, Georgia. Stockton, the Bulldogs' second-year starting QB, was invited on stage by Trump and addressed the crowd, calling it "an awesome experience" to meet the former president. Stockton was joined by another Georgia legend, Herschel Walker, who served as a U.S. Ambassador under Trump.

Why it matters

Stockton's appearance at the Trump rally provides a high-profile platform for the young quarterback, who is expected to be a key player for the Bulldogs this upcoming season. The event also highlights the continued political involvement of prominent college football figures like Walker, who ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. Senate in 2024.

The details

Stockton was among a group of state representatives who greeted Trump after Air Force One landed at the Richard B. Russell Regional Airport in Floyd County. The rally was held at the Coosa Steel Corporation factory in Rome, which is located in Georgia's 14th Congressional District that is holding a special election to replace former GOP Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene.

  • Stockton spoke at the rally on Thursday, February 19, 2026.
  • Trump is making his first visit back to Georgia since his 2025 re-election.

The players

Gunner Stockton

The 21-year-old starting quarterback for the University of Georgia Bulldogs football team.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who held the rally in Rome, Georgia.

Herschel Walker

A legendary former Georgia Bulldogs football player who won the Heisman Trophy in 1982 and later served as a U.S. Ambassador under the Trump administration.

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What they’re saying

“This is a great opportunity, just to meet a president, Donald Trump. This is an awesome experience, and I'm just glad to be here.”

— Gunner Stockton (@Acyn on X/Twitter)

What’s next

The special election in Georgia's 14th Congressional District, where the rally was held, is currently in the early voting stage to replace former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene.

The takeaway

Stockton's appearance at the Trump rally demonstrates the continued political involvement of prominent college football figures, even as the sport tries to remain largely apolitical. The event highlights the high-profile platform these athletes can command, which could have implications for their future careers both on and off the field.