The Miami Hurricanes thought they had it all with Cam Ward last season.
Ward became a Heisman Trophy finalist and the No. 1 overall pick to the Tennessee Titans, but even his highlight reel performances couldn’t cover for a porous defense that kept Miami out of the College Football Playoff.
Like last year, Miami will turn to another highly touted transfer at quarterback — Carson Beck from Georgia. But unlike Ward, Beck arrived in Coral Gables with more question marks.
Early concerns centered on two things: his departure from Georgia after what many considered an underwhelming season, and offseason surgery to repair a UCL injury in his throwing arm.
Those doubts, however, appear to be fading.
Miami offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson is reportedly thrilled with what he’s seen from his new quarterback, according to On3’s Pete Nakos.
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“Shannon [Dawson] loves him,” a source close to the offensive coordinator told On3. “He thinks he has another No. 1 pick in Carson.”
For Miami fans, it’s hard to get more encouraging than that — especially when paired with reports that Beck has quickly grasped Dawson’s offense.
“He’s looked comfortable and has not had a problem spreading [the ball] to his cast of running backs and wide receivers,” Nakos added.
CBS Sports’ Brandon Marcello echoed the praise, saying his reports out of Miami have been nothing but positive regarding Beck.
“Carson Beck, I’m told, just looks phenomenal out there,” Marcello said.
Beck will operate behind what should be one of the best offensive lines in the country and have a deep stable of running backs at his disposal. The real challenge will be replacing last year’s top pass catchers.
It’s arguable that Georgia’s struggles last year weren't on Beck but instead at receiver, which in turn led to the quarterback's regression. The Bulldogs completely overhauled the position through the transfer portal this offseason, though Beck won’t be around to benefit.
Instead, he'll mostly have a youthful, yet talented group to work with.
Still, with his experience, past production, and a fresh start in Coral Gables, Beck could be exactly what Miami needs to finally win an ACC title and contend for the playoff in 2025.