Fall 2024

Georgia QB Jake Fromm's pastor is an Alabama fan

As you watch tonight’s college football championship game between Alabama and Georgia, keep an eye on the quarterback for the Bulldogs, Jake Fromm.

In the 104th Rose Bowl game on January 1, the 19-year-old Fromm threw for 210 yards and 2 touchdowns in helping the Bulldogs win 54-48 over Oklahoma in a thrilling 2-OT game that catapulted Jake and his Georgia team to tonight’s title game.

“God is good. I don’t know why He’s blessed this team like he has, but we’re thankful,” Fromm said after the Rose Bowl win. “We’re going to keep fighting and keep working and hopefully bring a national championship to the University of Georgia.”

Fromm, an outspoken believer in Christ, grew up attending services at Southside Baptist Church in Warner Robins, Georgia, listening to the wisdom of Pastor Jerry Wells.

Wells has played a big part in Fromm’s spiritual growth and has been a church mentor of Jake’s for many years.

But there’s one problem.

Pastor Wells is a longtime Alabama football fan. Walls, a native of Montgomery, Alabama, has rooted for the Tide his entire life. And now, he’s a preacher to a congregation that will be cheering hard for Fromm and the Georgia Bulldogs.

“I’m not going to cheer against Jake Fromm, I’m just going to tell you that,” Walls told BP News. “Now, I’m not cheering against Alabama, either. I’m cheering for Jake, and I’m cheering for Bama. I’m in a dilemma, brother. I’m in a dilemma.”

Pastor Walls often sends Fromm scriptures before big games. On Sunday morning he texted him a verse from Psalm 84:11

“For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly.” – Psalm 84:11 (ESV) 

So tonight, as you watch Georgia take on Alabama, remember Pastor Wells, knowing that no matter the outcome, he’ll likely be happy on some level, either way.

“I hope Jake throws for six touchdowns, 350 yards but there’s a little something in me that wants him to lose by one,” Walls told WMAZ in Georgia.

Georgia and Alabama kick off for the National Championship tonight at 8pm ET on ESPN.