Carson Beck didn’t just transfer to Miami with a résumé-he brought a mindset. A two-time national champion at Georgia, Beck arrived in Coral Gables with the kind of big-game experience that can’t be taught. But what’s impressed head coach Mario Cristobal the most isn’t what Beck did in Athens-it’s what he’s built in Miami.
From the moment he touched down in South Florida, Beck took ownership of the Hurricanes’ offense. Even when a torn UCL sidelined him for spring ball and kept him from throwing until May, he refused to take a backseat.
Instead, he leaned into leadership. He ran meetings, organized offseason workouts, and stayed in the mix during walkthroughs.
That kind of presence doesn’t go unnoticed in a locker room.
Cristobal highlighted one moment that speaks volumes: Beck working one-on-one with freshman wideout Malachi Toney, using Georgia film to break down route concepts and timing. That’s not just leadership-that’s mentorship. And it’s the kind of detail that helps young players grow fast.
Beck’s impact showed up early-and loudly. In the season opener against Notre Dame, he engineered a game-winning drive that ended in a field goal to seal a 27-24 victory.
That drive didn’t just win a game-it set the tone for Miami’s season. It was the spark that helped propel the Hurricanes toward a College Football Playoff berth.
Cristobal hasn’t been shy about his confidence in Beck. “I’m a big believer in Carson Beck,” he said.
“He epitomizes the ability to take an adverse situation and turn it not only into something positive, but something that helps one grow.” That adversity Cristobal mentioned?
It hit hard on November 1, when Miami dropped a 26-20 overtime heartbreaker at SMU-their second loss in three games. The playoff hopes looked bleak.
But Beck didn’t flinch. He led Miami to four straight wins to close the regular season, sneaking into the CFP as the final at-large selection. From there, the Hurricanes leaned on their defense-but Beck did his part, managing the offense with poise and making plays when it counted.
In the CFP quarterfinal against Mississippi, Beck put up 268 yards and two touchdowns on 23-of-37 passing. Yes, he threw three picks, but when the game was on the line, he delivered. Twice in the fourth quarter, he led touchdown drives-including the game-winner, a gutsy three-yard touchdown run with just 11 seconds left.
Beck’s critics haven’t gone silent-and maybe they never will. His tendency to turn the ball over in stretches hasn’t disappeared.
But what this playoff run has proven is simple: Carson Beck can lead. He’s tough, experienced, and when the lights are brightest, he’s not backing down.
For Miami, that’s been the difference. And for Cristobal, it’s confirmation that his QB1 is built for moments like these.