Carson Beck, the former Georgia quarterback, has emerged as a top 10 prospect in Pro Football Focus’s (PFF) 2026 NFL Draft preseason quarterback rankings. Now at the University of Miami, Beck’s performance this season will be pivotal in determining his draft stock.
🌟 A Promising Start at Georgia
Beck’s college career began with promise. In 2023, he led Georgia to a 12–1 record, throwing for 3,738 yards and 22 touchdowns. His performance in the Orange Bowl, where he threw for 203 yards and two touchdowns, showcased his potential. Building on this success, he returned for the 2024 season, aiming to solidify his status as a top NFL prospect.
⚠️ Setbacks in 2024
The 2024 season presented challenges for Beck. He started strong but faced inconsistency mid-season, leading to a decline in performance. A significant setback occurred during the SEC Championship Game when Beck sustained a shoulder injury, later diagnosed as a UCL tear, which required surgery and ended his season prematurely. Despite these challenges, Beck completed the season with 3,485 passing yards and 28 touchdowns.
🔄 A Fresh Start at Miami
Opting to return for a final college season, Beck transferred to Miami. He joins a program with a history of developing NFL-caliber quarterbacks, including Cam Ward, who was selected No. 1 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. Beck’s decision to transfer was influenced by a reported $4 million NIL deal, reflecting the growing impact of NIL opportunities in college football.
📈 Draft Outlook
PFF’s preseason rankings position Beck among the top 10 quarterbacks for the 2026 NFL Draft. His overall grade since 2023 stands at 90.9, the second-highest among returning FBS quarterbacks. However, his performance under pressure remains a concern, with a 30.6 passing grade in such situations.
🏈 Key Factors for Success
For Beck to enhance his draft prospects, several factors will be crucial:
Health and Recovery: Fully recovering from his elbow surgery and demonstrating durability will be essential.
Consistency: Maintaining consistent performance throughout the season, especially under pressure, will be vital.
Development under Offensive Coordinator Shannon Dawson: Working with Dawson, known for developing quarterbacks, could aid in refining Beck’s skills.