Analyst says if Georgia QB Carson Beck transfers to Miami, Cam Ward deserves the credit

Georgia quarterback Carson Beck sent shockwaves through the college football world on Thursday by announcing his entry into the transfer portal. Initially expected to declare for the 2025 NFL Draft, Beck’s pivot has fueled speculation about his potential landing spots, with the Miami Hurricanes emerging as the early favorite.

The Hurricanes are in dire need of a quarterback after losing Heisman Trophy finalist Cam Ward to the NFL. With junior Emory Williams struggling in relief during Miami’s Pop-Tarts Bowl loss to Iowa State, the need for a top-tier signal-caller is evident. Beck’s Florida roots, combined with Miami’s offensive system under Shannon Dawson, make him a prime target to lead the Hurricanes back to ACC contention.

However, On3’s J.D. Pickell believes Miami wouldn’t be in this position without Ward’s transformative 2024 campaign.

“Miami is seen as the team to beat, and it makes sense based on [Beck] being from Florida, the offense, and all those pieces,” Pickell said. “But this does not happen—if Carson Beck goes to Miami—without the year that Cam Ward just had in Coral Gables.

“Cam Ward himself was seen as, what, like a third-round pick? Maybe lower than that when he got to Coral Gables? Has one season in that offense, balls out under Shannon Dawson—guy is being talked about as like a top 5, top 10 pick. So, if Cam Ward doesn’t have that season in Coral Gables, I don’t know that Miami is in the discussion the way they are right now.”

Ward’s impact cannot be overstated. The Hurricanes boasted the No. 1 scoring offense in the nation in 2024, with Ward setting multiple program records and skyrocketing his draft stock.

For Beck, the opportunity to follow in Ward’s footsteps is compelling. While the Georgia quarterback had a mixed season plagued by inconsistency, he still ranked third in the SEC in passing yards (4,279) and fourth in touchdowns (28). Georgia’s depleted skill positions, missing key contributors like tight end Brock Bowers and wide receiver Ladd McConkey, undoubtedly affected Beck’s production.

If Beck does make the move to Coral Gables, he’ll need to bounce back from a UCL injury suffered in the SEC Championship against Texas. Yet, with Miami’s offensive firepower and proven ability to elevate quarterbacks, Beck could be the piece Mario Cristobal needs to keep the Hurricanes in national contention.