CJ Daniels already knew what he was capable of, and now the rest of the college football world knows as well.
Daniels didn't necessarily downplay his amazing touchdown catch against Notre Dame, but he wasn't surprised by it. If there were any doubts that Daniels could be a difference maker in this offense, Daniels erased them in one play.
From the man, CJ Daniels Himself#miamihurricanes #collegefootball #football pic.twitter.com/RKNisxIbfE
— Miami Hurricanes On SI (@CanesCentralSI) September 3, 2025
"I wouldn't say I was surprised. The world was surprised.I know I'm capable of making any play," Daniels said. "When the ball is in the air, I feel like it's really just me and the ball. I wouldn't say surprising, but it was definitely a great play."
Calling it a great play almost seems like he's underplaying it a bit. It might end up being the catch of the college football season or at least one of the top five catches of the season.
This apparently happens in practice all the time
Carson Beck also wasn't surprised by Daniels' catch because he said he's seen Daniels make an even better catch in spring practice.
"One of the most unbelievable catches I've ever seen in my life and, honestly, two of the most unbelievable catches I've ever seen in my life are both by him," Beck said, "One was at practice, which was in the spring, when I wasn't even playing. I wish that could've been live, people would've actually gone nuts for that one. He like caught it with one hand over three different people."
Beck didn't actually see this catch when it happened because he was too busy taking a hit.
"I saw the replay on the screen, I didn't see it live," Beck added. "I threw it off of my back foot as I was getting thrown to the ground. So I didn't even see him catch it, I just saw him in the end zone. I didn't know that he caught it like that live."
As we are rightfully still in awe by Daniels' catch, let's talk a little more about Beck's throw. It was under duress and, to the normal eye, it might not have looked like a great decision. But Beck said it was all about the trust he had in his guys to make a play. Like Daniels said earlier, if the ball is in the air, he believes he'll get it. And it's clear Beck believes that as well.
Carson Beck's throw to DJ Daniel's was NOT a lucky break like most people think. Watch the throw, In a situation like that the ball was thrown in an area giving the WR a chance to make a play and DJ Daniel's made a play. The difference between Miami and Georgia receivers.
— least I'm honest (@DamYoouThick) September 2, 2025
"Trust is everything. Yes, there are 18 seconds left in the first half, and we're in field goal range. Is it a risky throw? 100 percent. But like, I trust that guy to make a play," Beck continued. "Obviously, him going up and making a catch like that is absolutely insane."