Carson Beck’s Final Audition: Miami QB Aims to Cement NFL Draft Stock in Title Game
MIAMI, January 19, 2026 – Carson Beck’s collegiate career, a journey from Georgia prodigy to Miami’s playoff leader, reaches its climax tonight. The sixth-year senior quarterback will lead the No. 10 Miami Hurricanes against the undefeated, top-ranked Indiana Hoosiers in the College Football Playoff National Championship at Hard Rock Stadium. For Beck, the game represents more than a title shot; it’s a final, high-stakes audition for NFL scouts with his draft stock hanging in the balance.
From First-Round Buzz to Redemption Arc
Once hailed as a potential No. 1 overall pick after a stellar 2023 season at Georgia, Beck’s trajectory shifted following a less dominant 2024 campaign and a significant elbow injury. His transfer to Miami for the 2025 season became a rehabilitation project, both for his career and his draft prospects. The move paid dividends, as Beck led the Hurricanes to a 13-2 record and a berth in the title game, completing a remarkable 73.3% of his passes for 3,581 yards, 29 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions.
NFL Draft Projection: A Mid-Round Prospect
The consensus among draft analysts positions Beck as a Day 2 or early Day 3 selection in the 2026 NFL Draft. ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. recently stated that a strong performance against Indiana could solidify Beck as the fourth or fifth quarterback off the board, projecting him as a potential “career backup” at the professional level.
“He’s a guy I think could be a career backup in the NFL,” Kiper said on *Get Up*. “I’d say late day two, early day three for him. He’s got to cut down on those interceptions… but this past year was his best year overall.”
Scouting reports praise Beck’s experience (41 career starts), prototypical size (6-foot-4, 220 lbs), accuracy, and poise operating a pro-style offense. Concerns center on his consistency under pressure, limited athleticism as a runner, and deep-ball accuracy.
Key Facts & Career Statistics
| Category | Statistic |
|---|---|
| 2025 Season (Miami) | 3,581 Pass Yds, 29 TD, 11 INT, 73.3% Completion |
| Career (Georgia & Miami) | 11,493 Pass Yds, 87 TD, 31 INT, 69.7% Completion |
| NFL Draft Projection | Rounds 3-6 (Mid-Round / Day 2) |
| Pro Comparison | Derek Carr (per CBS Sports Scouting Report) |
| Championship Opponent | #1 Indiana Hoosiers (15-0), Jan. 19, 7:30 PM ET |
Former Team Georgia Bolsters QB Room
As Beck prepares for his finale, his former program is planning for its future. The Georgia Bulldogs, who finished the 2025 season 12-2, added quarterback Bryson Beaver via the transfer portal. Beaver, a former four-star recruit, joins a room led by returning starter Gunner Stockton. The Bulldogs have seen several players enter the portal since their season ended, a common occurrence in the modern college football landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Carson Beck’s NFL Draft projection?
Beck is widely projected as a mid-round selection, likely between the third and sixth rounds. Analysts like Mel Kiper Jr. see him as a late Day 2 or early Day 3 pick who could develop into a reliable backup with starting potential in the right system.
Why did Carson Beck transfer from Georgia to Miami?
Beck transferred following the 2024 season after his draft stock fell and he dealt with an elbow injury. The move to Miami, under coach Mario Cristobal, offered a chance to rehabilitate his profile as the immediate starter for a program with championship aspirations.
When is the CFP National Championship game?
The game between the Miami Hurricanes and the Indiana Hoosiers is scheduled for tonight, January 19, 2026, at 7:30 PM Eastern Time. It will be broadcast on ESPN from Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.