The Miami Hurricanes are one win away from their first national championship appearance in more than two decades. A major reason for that run is transfer quarterback Carson Beck.
After spending five years with the Georgia Bulldogs, Beck elected to enter the transfer portal last January. He initially declared for the 2025 NFL Draft but changed course after receiving concerning feedback regarding his draft projections. Combined with the need to repair a UCL injury in his throwing arm, Beck ultimately decided returning to college football was the better option.
Beck entered the portal with a “do not contact” tag and quickly found his way to the University of Miami.
While things haven’t always been smooth sailing for Beck — both on and off the field — his play during the College Football Playoff has more than made up for it. His numbers aren’t gaudy compared to some of the top passers in the 12-team field — 33 of 46, 241 yards passing, two touchdowns — but he’s been more than effective in Miami’s wins over Texas A&M in the first round and Ohio State in the quarterfinal Cotton Bowl.
When Miami upset the Buckeyes, many hoped it would set up a semifinal matchup between Beck and his former team in the Fiesta Bowl. Ole Miss, however, had other plans, pulling off its own upset over Georgia in the Sugar Bowl.
Even without the Georgia storyline, familiarity remains. Beck has faced the Rebels before during his SEC career.
Carson Beck Has Faced Ole Miss Before
Georgia and Ole Miss didn’t meet often during Beck’s time in Athens, as the programs were on opposite sides of the SEC. The two schools technically faced off three times while Beck was with the Bulldogs, though he started only twice, splitting those games 1-1.
The first came in 2024, when No. 2 Georgia traveled to face No. 9 Ole Miss. Beck helped lead the Bulldogs to a 52-17 win, throwing for 306 yards, two touchdowns and one interception while completing 18 of 25 passes.
The second meeting didn’t go nearly as well. One year later, No. 3 Georgia fell 28-10 at home to No. 16 Ole Miss. Beck finished 20-for-31 for 186 yards with no touchdowns and one interception, while also losing one of two fumbles.
That performance later drew criticism from former Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin, who questioned Miami’s reported $4.3 million NIL deal for Beck while appearing on “The Pivot Podcast.”
“Miami gave him $4.3 million? Did they watch his game against us?” Kiffin said.
Carson Beck Has What It Takes To Get Miami Into CFP National Championship
Despite the reported price tag, the investment has paid off for the Hurricanes. If Beck leads Miami to a Fiesta Bowl semifinal win over Ole Miss, the program would advance to its first national championship game since the 2002 season.
Beck’s track record suggests he’s capable of delivering. He is 17-3 against ranked opponents in his career, with five of those wins coming during his lone season with Miami.
“For me, the only stat that matters is the win column,” Beck told reporters ahead of the Fiesta Bowl. “I’m willing to do anything to win. Whatever the team needs of me, whatever that is — I’m willing to do. I feel like I’ve shown that I love this game and that I’m willing to do anything for the team I’m on and the brothers I play with.”
Carson Beck vs. Ole Miss: What is Miami QB’s Record Against Rebels?