Miami quarterback Carson Beck was named by ESPN as one of their 10 "2026 NFL draft prospects under pressure this CFB season." Beck regressed in 2024, with Georgia struggling to replace tight end Brock Bowers and wide receiver Ladd McConkey and their WRs leading the country in drops.
In two seasons at Georgia, Beck was 24-3 as a starter. Despite the stellar record, Beck was often criticized during the 2024 season. Miami and Beck have a tough 2025 season opener versus Notre Dame. ESPN NFL Draft analyst Matt Miller discussed the game versus Notre Dame.
"The Irish defense will be a big early test for Beck -- and a chance to remind scouts of his talent and ability as a pure pocket passer." Notre Dame was fourth nationally in 2025, allowing 15.5 PPG and 11th with opponents gaining 307.4 yards per game fourth in permitting 169.4 passing YPG.
Notre Dame beat Georgia 23-10 in the College Football Playoff semifinal in January with Beck out following elbow surgery. Gunnar Stockton, who was the backup to Beck in 2024, completed 20 passes in 32 attempts for 234 yards and one touchdown.
"Beck was...the potential QB1 for the 2025 draft...Instead, Beck saw his production suffer in 2024, as his interceptions doubled from six to 12 while his completion percentage dropped from 72.4% to 64.7%...Matt Miller, ESPN
"He's better than people give him credit for," a college scouting director said. "He looks like a top-10 pick physically ... he just struggled too many times down the stretch at Georgia."
Following elbow surgery in December, Beck was cleared for spring practice and is expected to be at 100% for the season opener Aug. 31 against Notre Dame."
Beck initially entered the 2025 NFL Draft before deciding to transfer to Miami. Beck is following Cam Ward, who went from a projected second or third-day pick to the first overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft by the Tennessee Titans.
Surgery on his ulnar collateral ligament limited Beck throughout the offseason. Beck was unable to participate in spring practice. The chemistry Beck built with his receivers was completely off the field until he was cleared to start throwing in April.
Beck should provide Miami with a big advantage over Notre Dame, who has C.J. Carr and Kenny Minchey competing to be the starting QB. Beck has 27 games of experience as a starter, while Carr or Minchey will be making their first collegiate start and taking their first significant snaps in college.
In addition to Beck replacing Ward, Miami lost its top six receivers from 2024. Beck and the nearly all-new Miami receiving corps will have to learn the offense together. Miami head coach Shannon Dawson proved he can develop QBs with Ward becoming a Heisman Trophy finalist in 2024.