ATHENS, Ga. (AP) — Georgia quarterback Carson Beck has made a significant pivot in his future plans for 2025. Less than two weeks after declaring his intention to enter the NFL draft, Beck, with one year of eligibility left, has opted to enter the transfer portal in pursuit of finishing his collegiate career at a different institution, as reported by On3 and ESPN on Thursday.
The quarterback’s decision stems from a right elbow injury sustained during the early stages of the Bulldogs’ thrilling 22-19 overtime victory against Texas in the Southeastern Conference championship game on Dec. 7 in Atlanta. Beck underwent surgery on Dec. 23 to address the damage to his ulnar collateral ligament and is projected to commence throwing activities in the upcoming spring.
Although Beck had initially revealed his plans to declare for the NFL draft on Dec. 28, the subsequent surgical procedure may have an impact on his positioning among the crop of fifth-year senior quarterbacks. Heading into the season, Beck had garnered recognition as one of the premier quarterback prospects for the 2025 draft, even being touted as a potential first-round selection.
However, the timing of the NFL scouting combine, scheduled from Feb. 27 to March 2, could pose a challenge for Beck to showcase his abilities to team decision-makers following his recent medical intervention. ESPN’s report suggested that Beck is contemplating a transfer to the University of Miami as he charts the course for his collegiate future.
During his tenure as Georgia’s starter in 2023 and 2024, Beck compiled an impressive record of 24 wins against only 3 losses. Gunner Stockton assumed the starting quarterback role for the Bulldogs in their subsequent 23-10 defeat to Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal at the Sugar Bowl on Jan. 2. Stockton’s performance featured 20 completions on 32 attempts for 234 yards and one touchdown, positioning him as the frontrunner to secure the full-time starting quarterback position for the 2025 campaign.
As the narrative around Beck’s collegiate and professional trajectory continues to evolve, the quarterback’s decision to explore alternative opportunities underscores the ever-changing landscape of college football and the dynamic nature of player career paths.
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