Brian Kelly Sees NFL Potential in QB Carson Beck

Former LSU coach believes Beck's college experience will give him 'credibility' in the pros.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 1:35am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist-style painting depicting a quarterback's throwing motion broken down into fragmented, geometric shapes in muted earth tones, conveying the maturity and versatility Beck has developed through his college career.Carson Beck's college experience has prepared him for the rigors of the NFL, according to former LSU coach Brian Kelly.Today in Miami

Former LSU head coach Brian Kelly believes quarterback Carson Beck, who played at both Georgia and Miami, has the maturity and experience to succeed in the NFL. Kelly praised Beck's ability to handle both the good and bad moments throughout his college career, saying 'there's nothing that he hasn't gone through' and that he'll bring 'credibility' to an NFL locker room.

Why it matters

With a top-heavy quarterback class in the upcoming NFL Draft, Beck presents an intriguing option for teams looking for a mature, battle-tested signal-caller. Kelly's endorsement could help boost Beck's draft stock as he looks to make the jump to the professional level.

The details

Beck spent six years in college football, including a COVID year and a redshirt season. He had a standout junior season at Georgia in 2023, throwing for 3,941 yards and 24 touchdowns, but had an up-and-down 2024 campaign. After transferring to Miami, Beck helped lead the Hurricanes to the national title game in 2025, throwing for 3,813 yards and 30 touchdowns.

  • Beck played backup roles on Georgia's national title teams in 2021 and 2022.
  • In 2023, Beck led Georgia to the SEC Championship game.
  • Beck transferred to Miami for the 2025 season, helping the Hurricanes reach the national title game.

The players

Carson Beck

A quarterback who spent six years in college football, playing at both Georgia and Miami. He had standout seasons at both schools, including leading Miami to the national title game in 2025.

Brian Kelly

The former head coach of the LSU Tigers, who is now an analyst for CBS Sports Network. Kelly praised Beck's maturity and experience, saying he'll bring 'credibility' to an NFL locker room.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Listen, there's a range of opinions about Carson. But I think the one thing that we hit on early is, in this NFL, we are getting players that have gone through the wringer. They have seen it all.”

— Brian Kelly, Former LSU Head Coach

“There's nothing that he hasn't gone through – the good and the bad. I think you're getting a mature guy that can make your roster and if you've got to plug him in, he's going to play for you. That's why I think he is an intriguing player in this draft.”

— Brian Kelly, Former LSU Head Coach

“The moment's not going to be too big for him. He's going to walk into a locker room and he has some credibility, in terms of what he's done. But I just think he's a mature guy that's going to find his way to come in and help a football team.”

— Brian Kelly, Former LSU Head Coach

What’s next

NFL teams will continue to evaluate Carson Beck's game tape and interview him ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft, where he will look to prove he has the tools and experience to succeed at the professional level.

The takeaway

Brian Kelly's endorsement of Carson Beck's NFL potential highlights the value of a quarterback who has seen it all at the college level. Beck's ability to handle both success and adversity during his time at Georgia and Miami could make him an intriguing option for teams in need of a mature, battle-tested signal-caller.