The return of the college football video game has become one of the highlights of the offseason, and this year’s edition is bringing back a number of features fans have been waiting on. But at least one notable name looks to be missing from the Georgia side of things.
Per reports, Gunner Stockton didn’t show up in the game’s initial ratings release and isn’t currently listed on the Bulldogs’ in-game roster. Players have to actively opt in for developers to use their likeness, so Stockton’s absence points to him choosing to opt out this time around.
So why did Stockton opt out?
If you’ve followed Stockton at all, the move tracks with who he is. He’s never been one for the spotlight — he keeps a light social media footprint and isn’t out in public much beyond Saturdays in the fall. A player who prefers to stay low-key passing on a video game cameo isn’t hard to picture.
That said, nothing’s been confirmed. It’s also possible Stockton and his camp simply couldn’t line up terms for his appearance, which could just as easily explain the decision. He hasn’t spoken publicly on it, so the actual reason is still a guess.
It also wouldn’t be the first time a big name sat one out. Last year, Texas quarterback Arch Manning initially opted out before changing course and ending up in the game after all. So there’s a reasonable chance Stockton follows a similar path and turns up in the game down the line.
For now, though, he’s not in it. This year’s title is set to release July 9.
