Last year’s Miami Hurricanes had one of their best seasons in recent memory, finishing 10-3 behind the strong play of transfer quarterback Cam Ward.
Ward’s success translated into the NFL, where he was selected No. 1 overall by the Tennessee Titans in the 2025 NFL Draft. That left head coach Mario Cristobal with major shoes to fill at the quarterback position heading into the new season.
Enter Carson Beck — a late addition and, by some accounts, a Hail Mary acquisition. The former Georgia quarterback had initially planned to enter the NFL Draft, but an underwhelming season capped off by an injury to his throwing arm forced him to rethink his future. Ultimately, he chose to return to college football, landing in Coral Gables.
MORE: Oklahoma transfer QB John Mateer says he snubbed Miami Hurricanes because of Cam Ward
But Beck didn’t come cheap.
“Georgia transfer quarterback Carson Beck is expected to receive an NIL package that pays him $4 million in 2025,” CBS Sports reported back in January. “A massive sum but one that is still less than an initial asking price industry sources believe would have shattered the highest-paid NIL deal in college football history.”
Now, according to On3’s Pete Nakos, Beck’s NIL deal could climb as high as $6 million with incentives.
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While Nakos didn’t specify the incentive structure, it’s believed they may include statistical benchmarks and team accomplishments — such as an ACC Championship Game appearance or College Football Playoff berth.
Regardless, Beck is a massive financial gamble for Miami — both in terms of salary and expectations. His return from a UCL injury sustained in the SEC Championship Game leaves questions about how effective he’ll be when Miami opens the season against Notre Dame.
“I've heard the throwing has been very good. Actually, there’s no concerns or hitches with the arm at this point, which is great,” Geo Milian told Locked On Canes. “It’s been progressive work. And what I mean by that, they’ve gradually worked him up towards throwing deeper and farther and with more strength and power.”
That’s a sigh of relief for Hurricanes fans — but until Beck takes the field, some hesitation will remain.