As the Miami Hurricanes gear up for their biggest game in decades - a National Championship showdown with the Indiana Hoosiers - there’s already a quiet storm brewing behind the scenes. With veteran quarterback Carson Beck preparing for his final collegiate snap, Miami faces a pivotal offseason decision: who takes the reins next?
Beck, who helped steady the Hurricanes' offense this season, is out of eligibility and expected to declare for the NFL Draft. His departure leaves a significant void at the most important position on the field. And unlike recent years, when Miami struck gold in the transfer portal - first with Cam Ward, who went No. 1 overall last year, and then with Beck - this year’s quarterback market has cooled considerably.
Miami swung big early in the portal window, but came up empty. Sam Leavitt chose Lane Kiffin and LSU.
Ty Simpson, another high-profile target, turned down a reported $6.5 million offer and is heading to the NFL instead. With the top-tier options off the board, the Hurricanes may now have to look inward.
That brings us to the current roster, where four quarterbacks remain behind Beck. The most experienced of the group is redshirt sophomore Emory Williams.
Williams has seen limited action - 12 games total, with a high-water mark of five in a single season - but he’s shown flashes. He’s completed 62.9% of his passes (73-of-116) for 813 yards, four touchdowns, and two picks.
Not eye-popping numbers, but enough to suggest he could be a steady hand with the right development.
Behind him are Borchers, Nickel, and Anderson - all talented, but none with a single collegiate snap to their name. The lack of live-game experience is a real concern, especially for a program looking to maintain national relevance.
Then there’s Dereon Coleman, the lone quarterback signee in Miami’s 2026 recruiting class. Coleman isn’t a five-star headliner, but don’t let the three-star label fool you - this kid can play.
At Jones High School, he put up video-game numbers: 8,397 passing yards, 72 touchdowns, and just 13 interceptions over 43 games, completing an impressive 71.6% of his passes. He drew offers from Oklahoma, Auburn, Ole Miss, and more before committing to the ‘Canes last July.
Starting a true freshman at quarterback is always a gamble, but this season has reminded us that age doesn’t always matter. Just look at what Miami got from first-year standouts like wide receiver Malachi Toney, safety Bryce Fitzgerald, and running back Girard Pringle Jr. If Coleman can grasp the system quickly, he could be a surprise contender in the quarterback battle.
Of course, the transfer portal isn’t fully closed. There’s always the chance that a quarterback re-enters the mix.
One situation worth watching is out west with the Oregon Ducks. Dante Moore surprised many by announcing he’ll return for his senior year, despite being projected as a high first-round NFL pick.
That decision came just days after Dylan Raiola, formerly of Nebraska, committed to Oregon.
If Raiola decides he wants to start immediately - and Oregon can’t offer that opportunity - Miami could become a very appealing landing spot. The Hurricanes have the pedigree, the stage, and a wide-open competition.
But that’s a lot of “ifs.” For now, the focus stays on the present: the National Championship game, set for Jan. 19 at Hard Rock Stadium, 7:30 p.m.
ET on ESPN. It’s a chance for Miami to cement its return to college football’s elite.
And while questions about the future loom, there’s no bigger stage to make a final statement - for Beck, for the Hurricanes, and for whoever’s next in line.