Mario Cristobal isn’t messing around this offseason. And Saturday just proved it. After all the noise about Miami needing to stack up for Carson Beck’s big move, the HC went out and landed an absolute gem. We’re talking about a 1,261-yard versatile weapon who racked up 1,125 receiving yards and 136 rushing yards in his career. This is a major win-now move for the Canes.
“I just want to win.” That’s the mentality of someone who was once one of the top players in the transfer portal. And now, he’s got the squad to make it happen. It’s official. As Hayes Fawcett reported on X on April 26, “BYU All-American WR/KR Keelan Marion has Committed to Miami.” He might be listed as a three-star prospect but don’t let ratings fool you. This kid can do many things. No wonder Keelan Marion had plenty of choices. 25 Power Four offers coming in hot. Tennessee wanted him. SMU threw everything they had at him. But at the end of the day, one visit to Coral Gables changed everything.
BREAKING: BYU All-American WR/KR Keelan Marion has Committed to Miami, he tells @On3sports
In his career he’s totaled 76 Catches for 1,125 YDs & 12 total TDs
Has 38 Kick Return Attempts for 881 YDS & 3 TDs
Was one of the Top Players in the Portalhttps://t.co/RlUbB6EMhS pic.twitter.com/IMKnJHA7KB
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) April 26, 2025
After all the buzz, Keelan Marion pulled the trigger on Saturday, becoming Mario Cristobal’s 13th transfer portal addition this offseason. Perhaps, he saw the upside in Carson Beck. And he’s not just a receiver. Aside from his 76 catches for 12 TDs, he also attempted 38 kick returns for 881 yards and three TDs, including two just last season alone. You know, he’s the first Cougars player to do that since Stacy Corley in the ‘90s.
Let’s be real. Miami needed this. With names like Ny Carr already hitting the portal and guys like JoJo Trader and Ray Ray Joseph stepping up, there’s a lot of talent. But also a need to check their depth. Keelan Marion isn’t just filling a spot. He’s bringing real playmaking abilities with two years of eligibility after lighting it up at BYU last season. 24 catches for 346 yards and a score, 21 rushing attempts for 96 yards, and averaging 26.2 yards per return as a KR, earning him All-American honors. Besides, Carson Beck is going to love this guy who’s seen it all. Across UConn and BYU, Keelan Marion recorded more than 1,500 snaps and drew over 150 targets. He’s ready. And Miami’s ready with their new QB who’s opening up about his past injuries.
Carson Beck gets real on his injury
Speaking of Carson Beck, just a day before Keelan Marion committed, he finally opened up about the injury that almost ended his career before this new Miami chapter even began. On the Built 4 More podcast, the Georgia transfer QB got raw about that SEC Championship game against Texas in December. He suffered a season-ending elbow injury just before halftime which put Gunner Stockton in his place. You could hear the emotion in his voice when he recalled, “I mean that’s a lot. I don’t even think I’ve really thought about it since it’s happened until this moment in time. But feel like that whole day was just a blur in the first place.”
Carson Beck barely remembers the lead-up — just the hit that changed everything. “That first quarter, the first time we get the b—, we go three and out,” he said. “We try to like QB sneak when on like third and inches and a guy jumps over the line and lands on top of me.” That’s it. That’s how you know it was bad. But now, he’s got a second chance. And Mario Cristobal is making sure he’s armed to the teeth.
With Keelan Marion on the fold, Miami’s offense just added a proven, versatile weapon who can score anywhere on the field. The question now is, can Carson Beck make the most out of it?
The post Mario Cristobal Announces Massive 1261-Yd Weapon Move for Carson Beck After Miami QB’s Career-threatening Injury Admission appeared first on EssentiallySports.
