Carson Beck rode the hype train last year as a potential No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. But oh, how the tables have turned. Now, it’s Cam Ward grabbing the spotlight as the projected top pick—while Beck? He’s filling Ward’s shoes in Miami. Yep, the twist? Expected to bolt for the NFL, Beck did the unthinkable—he stayed. He made waves as the biggest name in the transfer portal, swapping Athens for Coral Gables. The move stunned just about everyone. And not all feedback has been glowing.
One NFL GM reportedly called it a “big red flag,” questioning whether Kirby Smart let Beck walk or if Beck chose to dip. After all, this is a two-time national title-winning QB we’re talking about. But his rollercoaster 2024 season only added fuel to the debate—injuries, inconsistency, and 12 interceptions all contributed to a rough ending in Athens. Now, in Miami, things aren’t set in stone. His QB1 status isn’t a lock just yet. And that’s where Miami reporter Cam Underwood stepped in with a bold take.
On the March 24th episode of Miami at The Voice of CFB, Underwood addressed the hot topic: Is Carson Beck really QB1 for the Hurricanes? Rumors have been swirling, but Underwood didn’t flinch: “There are rumors otherwise. Yes, unless he’s unhealthy, I don’t see a world in which he’s not the starting quarterback for the University of Miami.”
Sure, Beck’s not throwing right now due to injury, but Underwood’s not shaken. “Yeah, he’s going to—he’s not throwing presently. I know that there are guys who are motivated, especially Emory Williams, to showcase what he can do. And after, you know, laying the egg of all eggs in the bowl game and whatnot—I get it,” he said. Yes, there’s competition. But in Underwood’s eyes, it’s not Beck’s job to lose.
Currently, Beck is rehabbing from Tommy John surgery—yeah, the same procedure pitchers get. It’s a reconstruction of the UCL in his throwing elbow. Though limited in practice, Beck is staying engaged, taking mental reps, and working on team chemistry. The goal? A full return by late spring or early summer.
In the meantime, sophomore Emory Williams is making his move. After a season-ending injury against FSU last November, he’s back with something to prove. Williams flashed promise in 2023, completing 62% of his passes for 470 yards. And now, with Beck sidelined, he’s getting valuable reps. Even freshman QBs like Luke Nickel and Judd Anderson have impressed in spring camp, according to reports.
But Underwood’s not buying the idea of anyone else taking QB1. And he made it loud and clear: “But I also have a brain that works. Like, this is a guy who has thrown for more than 8,000 yards and was, you know, an integral part to the rampant success of the Georgia Bulldogs.”
Of course, Beck didn’t do it alone—but that doesn’t mean his contribution wasn’t real. Underwood added: “So please do not try to aggregate me and ‘Oh, well, I—no, I didn’t say that. He did it by himself. He is not Cam Newton at Auburn, this is not RG3 at Baylor who even lost games in that year…we’ve seen what these quarterbacks are.” Those guys? Yeah, they’re college football legends and Heisman winners. So is Beck the next one in line? Possibly. His résumé speaks volumes (7912 passing yards and 58 TDs)—but for now, the focus is just on securing QB1.
“It strains credulity for me to believe that he—that he would not be the starting quarterback here at the University of Miami.” Underwood isn’t wavering, and just one scenario, in his eyes, can keep Beck from leading this team. “Only if he were injured, I see that there is a potential that job could go to someone else.” He even addressed the circulating rumors, adding, “I’m not going to say that, you know, the rumors are without foundation or call anybody stupid. I’m not going to do any of that. I just disagree with the statement in its entirety.”
So yeah, the competition is real, but Underwood’s confidence in Beck is unshaken. For him, the starting job is Beck’s to reclaim—no debate. And if Miami’s going to pay their quarterback a rumored $4 million, they better surround him with weapons. Head coach Mario Cristobal seems to understand that assignment.
Carson Beck’s new weapons
On March 22, Cristobal gave his early impressions of Miami’s new freshman wideouts fresh off spring practice: “Solid flashes. We got a lot of work to do. No one’s ready to crown any freshman as the guy yet. You see some great ability, and they are awesome young men. Those guys are going to be great players.” Translation? Talent is there. But it’s still a grind. Now, let’s talk about the firepower Beck might be working with. Miami didn’t just bring in recruits—they brought in playmakers. That too, three!
There’s Joshua Moore, the 6’4”, 205-pound wideout from Pembroke Pines, who flipped from Florida to Miami. As a top-16 receiver nationally, he’s got size, hands, and serious upside. Then there’s Malachi Toney, who reclassified from the 2026 class. His final high school season? A crisp 1,008 receiving yards. And don’t overlook Daylyn Upshaw.
The 3-star Alabama prospect might fly under the radar, but his high school stat line says otherwise—2,635 yards and 34 touchdowns. Now add those names to a room that already includes Ray Ray Joseph, Ny Carr, Shemar Kirk, CJ Daniels, and Chance Robinson. It’s a Coral Gables buffet of speed, skill, and size. Beck? He’s got options. Dangerous ones.
All eyes will be on Beck’s performance in 2025. If he stays healthy, stays sharp, and connects with this deep receiving corps—Miami could be cooking. Because if the Hurricanes want to make real noise this year, it all starts with QB1. And for now, that QB is Carson Beck.
The post Miami Reporter’s Strong Stance on Carson Beck’s QB1 Situation After Mario Cristobal’s Clear 3 Weapons Message appeared first on EssentiallySports.
