Carson Beck surprised many when he entered the transfer portal back in late December. Now, the former Georgia quarterback has a chance to revitalize his career with the Miami Hurricanes this fall.
Beck was the top-rated quarterback — and top overall player — in the portal at the time of his entry. According to 247Sports, he’s now ranked fourth, with the top spot going to new Tennessee transfer and current UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava.
That’s not the only top spot Beck narrowly missed.
In ESPN's Max Olson's post-spring transfer portal top 100 rankings, Beck landed at No. 2. Ironically, the No. 1 ranking went to Washington State transfer and new Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer — a player Miami had pursued heavily before Beck became available.
There’s added familiarity between the two. Mateer spent two years behind Cam Ward, Miami’s electric Heisman Trophy finalist from last season.
"Much-needed swagger. Oklahoma hired Washington State offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle on Dec. 2, which made Mateer-to-OU the worst-kept secret in portal recruiting," Olson wrote. "Miami and others made a strong push, but Mateer couldn't turn down a chance to join his coaches in Norman and play on a big stage next season."
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As for Beck, Olson notes that his drop to No. 2 is mostly tied to injury concerns following an elbow issue suffered in Georgia’s SEC Championship Game win over Texas.
"The season-ending elbow injury Beck suffered during Georgia's SEC championship victory over Texas is one key reason he'll try to play one more college season to get back to first-round pick status," Olson wrote. "The elbow injury is also the lone reason Beck wasn't the No. 1 player in our transfer rankings. Beck was limited during spring practice, but the experience he brings to the table as a two-year starter is hard to beat."
Beck went 24-3 as Georgia’s starter, racking up 8,157 total yards and 63 touchdowns.
Hurricanes head coach Mario Cristobal recently confirmed at the ACC spring meetings that Beck is now a full go. The redshirt senior was also seen throwing at full strength in recent social media video.
If Beck can stay healthy and quickly pick up the offense, Miami should once again be in the hunt for a College Football Playoff berth — something it barely missed last season.
