Carson Beck Reflects on Choosing College Over NFL

The former Georgia QB discusses his decision to return to school and eventual transfer to Miami.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 11:40pm

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A fragmented, multi-angled painting depicting a college football quarterback's face and jersey broken down into sharp, geometric shapes and planes, with abstract background elements representing the various factors influencing his decision to return to school or enter the NFL.A cubist interpretation of the complex decision-making process for a top college quarterback weighing his options to stay in school or declare for the NFL Draft.Today in Miami

Carson Beck, the former Georgia quarterback, looked back on his decision to return to college in 2023 instead of declaring for the NFL Draft, despite having a standout season. Beck ultimately spent one more year at Georgia before transferring to Miami, where he led the Hurricanes to the College Football Playoff in 2025. Now out of eligibility, Beck is preparing for the NFL Draft, reflecting on his journey.

Why it matters

Beck's story provides insight into the complex decision-making process for top college football players weighing the option to turn pro or stay in school. His experience highlights the potential risks and rewards of both paths, as he was able to win a national championship as a backup at Georgia but also had the opportunity to shine as a starter at Miami.

The details

After the 2023 season, Beck had the opportunity to declare for the NFL Draft, with his stock potentially at its highest. However, he decided to return to Georgia for one more year, even though the Bulldogs had just won two consecutive national titles with Stetson Bennett as the starter. Beck wanted the chance to win a championship as the starting quarterback. He spent just one more season at UGA, playing in the first half of the SEC Championship before suffering an elbow injury. Beck then entered the transfer portal and landed at Miami, where he put up similar numbers to his 2023 season and led the Hurricanes to the College Football Playoff in 2025.

  • In 2023, Beck threw for 3,941 yards, 24 touchdowns, and only 6 interceptions.
  • After the 2023 season, Beck had the opportunity to declare for the NFL Draft.
  • Beck decided to return to Georgia for the 2024 season.
  • In 2024, Beck played in the first half of the SEC Championship before suffering an elbow injury.
  • Beck then transferred to Miami for the 2025 season.

The players

Carson Beck

A former quarterback who played at Georgia and Miami, Beck had the opportunity to declare for the NFL Draft after a standout 2023 season but chose to return to college for one more year.

Stetson Bennett

The starting quarterback for Georgia, who led the Bulldogs to two consecutive national championships before Beck took over as the starter.

Kirby Smart

The head coach of the Georgia Bulldogs, who oversaw the team's success during Beck's time in Athens.

Jon Gruden

The former NFL head coach who interviewed Beck and asked him about his decision to return to college.

Indiana

The team that defeated Miami in the College Football Playoff, preventing Beck from winning a national championship with the Hurricanes.

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What they’re saying

“Looking back at it, I don't regret it. Just because of the experiences I've been able to have. But again, at that point, I didn't know what was the right decision.”

— Carson Beck, Former Georgia and Miami Quarterback

“I thought there was more in the tank. Again, a huge part of it was I wanted to win a national championship. I know that I had two as a backup but I wanted to win one as the quarterback.”

— Carson Beck, Former Georgia and Miami Quarterback

What’s next

Beck is now preparing for the upcoming NFL Draft, where he will look to showcase his skills and potential to professional teams.

The takeaway

Beck's story highlights the difficult decision college football players face when weighing the option to turn pro or stay in school. His journey, which included a transfer to Miami after leaving Georgia, demonstrates the potential rewards and risks of both paths, as he was able to win a national championship as a backup but also had the opportunity to shine as a starter.