One of college football’s most polarizing players has made a shocking move.
Former Georgia quarterback Carson Beck announced that he is transferring to the University of Miami.
This comes 24 hours after a surprise announcement that Beck would be entering the transfer portal, after he had originally declared for the NFL draft in late December.
Beck was a two-year starter for the Bulldogs, compiling a 24-3 career record in that time.
He was projected to be a first-round pick heading into this season, but struggled to live up to the billing and then suffered a season-ending elbow injury in the SEC championship game.
The injury, along with his recent play, factored into Beck’s decision to return to the college game.
However, the driving factor was no doubt the dollar signs that Miami’s inevitably going to throw his way.
According to Miami sportscaster Josh Moser, Beck’s NIL deal with Miami is reportedly $4 million.
If true, that would put Beck squarely in the top five highest earners in college football.
It is a new era of college athletics, where turning pro may no longer be the best chance for an athlete to make their money.
Beck certainly believes that to be the case.
And with a reportedly $4 million offer in his pocket, it’s hard to argue otherwise.
For now, Beck will be headed to Coral Gables, Florida where he will be following in the large footsteps of Cam Ward.
Ward was a Heisman Trophy finalist and broke the record for most passing touchdowns in NCAA history.
In other words, Beck has big shoes to fill.
However, as great of a season Ward had for Miami, they ultimately fell short of the college football playoff, finishing 13th in the final CFP rankings.
Beck will be looking to help the ‘Canes make their first playoff appearance and get head coach Mario Cristobal over the hump.
The transfer portal and NIL have made the college athletic landscape unpredictable and in some ways, absolute chaos.
That’s part of the fun.
And with Beck transferring to Miami, and putting his NFL dreams on hold, only makes next season that much more spicier.