When the Georgia Bulldogs fell short in Tuscaloosa, chaos erupted among fans and analysts alike. Criticism rained down on quarterback Carson Beck, with some declaring his draft stock had dropped from a sixth-round pick to a seventh and others outright calling him a “fraud.” Some fans even dismissed him completely, saying they wouldn’t want their team to draft him because of his overall performance.
Taking over the quarterback role for Georgia after the team’s 2022 national championship victory was no easy feat. Beck had to either deliver another title or risk fading into obscurity. Yet, despite the immense pressure, he performed exceptionally well, even managing to surpass the standard set by Stetson Bennett. He once expressed his high expectations for himself, saying, “I want to go throw a perfect game…Like, 30-40, four touchdowns. I mean, that’s what I was thinking about walking into the stadium.”
However, Georgia’s 2024 season ended as a mere shadow of its former self, leaving fans disillusioned. The weight of those expectations was heavy on Beck, as highlighted by college football analyst Kirk Herbstreit, who recounted Beck’s personal struggles. On a podcast, Herbstreit described how the pressure from Georgia fans was overwhelming, recalling how Beck’s mother faced hostility, including verbal abuse and having objects thrown at her while trying to reach the locker room. According to Herbstreit, Beck reassured him that he could handle the pressure, but the toxic environment surrounding the team was undeniable.
While Beck’s season was far from flawless, it’s unfair to pin all of Georgia’s struggles solely on him. His deep throws were inconsistent, but the team’s receiving corps also failed to deliver, struggling with even routine catches. In the SEC Championship game against Alabama, Georgia fell behind 0-21 in the first quarter. Yet, Beck played a key role in rallying his team back, bringing the Bulldogs within one point at 34-33 late in the game.
Despite the criticism, Beck’s decision to transfer to Miami appears to be a wise move. Draft expert Mel Kiper has emphasized that staying in college for another year can benefit certain players. Beck’s transfer provides him with a fresh start, an opportunity to develop further, and a lucrative $4 million NIL deal. This change in scenery might be exactly what he needs to revitalize his draft stock.
At Miami, Beck is already integrating into the Hurricanes’ system, participating in team drills despite recovering from a shoulder injury. According to head coach Mario Cristobal, Beck fits well into the team’s diversified passing scheme. Though he hasn’t resumed throwing yet, he is expected to do so soon.
Ultimately, Beck’s decision wasn’t a betrayal of Georgia but a strategic move to secure his future in the NFL. Rather than condemning him, Georgia fans should recognize that he made the best choice for his career. If anything, his transfer to Miami presents an opportunity for redemption.