ATHENS, GEORGIA (VINnews) — Some University of Georgia football fans have called for quarterback Gunner Stockton to be dropped from the team after he appeared with President Trump at an event in Georgia earlier this year.

Stockton, the Bulldogs’ starting quarterback, joined former Georgia running back Herschel Walker, now U.S. ambassador to the Bahamas, in greeting Trump on Feb. 19 after Air Force One landed at Richard B. Russell Regional Airport in Rome, Ga. Small Business Administration Administrator Kelly Loeffler also was present.

Trump called Stockton forward and praised him.

“Gunner is a big star and a really talented quarterback,” Trump said. “But I heard, much more importantly, he’s a Trump fan. So, he was standing at the plane, and anybody that likes me, I like them, but I hear he has a fantastic future.”

Stockton then spoke briefly.

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

The appearance drew sharp reaction on social media. Some Georgia supporters said they no longer backed Stockton.

“Gunner Stockton you are dead to me,” one user wrote on X.

Others said they wanted him off the team or called the appearance “nasty work.” Several comments also referenced Trump and the Epstein files.

Not all reaction was negative. Some fans defended Stockton and called him “America’s QB.”

Stockton, a fifth-year senior from Tiger, Ga., completed 269 of 386 passes last season for 2,894 yards and 24 touchdowns with five interceptions. He also rushed for 462 yards and 10 touchdowns and was named third-team All-SEC. He finished seventh in Heisman Trophy voting.

Georgia, ranked No. 3 in the preseason Associated Press Top 25, opens the 2026 season with Stockton as the clear starter. Coach Kirby Smart has said Stockton has improved and is in a better place than a year ago.

There has been no indication from the university or coaching staff that Stockton’s roster status is in question.