CORAL GABLES, Fla. — Carson Beck has begun his journey with the Miami Hurricanes, participating in his initial team meeting as the squad gears up for the 2025 season. While he’s starting to forge connections with his new teammates, the timeline for when he will resume throwing remains uncertain.
According to head coach Mario Cristobal, there is a possibility that Beck’s right elbow, which underwent surgery, could recover in time for him to join spring practice. However, there is no confirmed schedule as of now. “There’s always hope,” remarked Cristobal. “The sooner, the better. I know we went through examinations yesterday and everything’s ahead of schedule. I’ll probably have more clarity in maybe a couple of weeks, so I’d hate to say this or that. I know that certainly for the summertime, everything is scheduled to be full-throttle, full-go. But there is anticipation of maybe earlier. I just don’t have it yet.”
Beck suffered the injury while playing for Georgia during the Southeastern Conference championship game last month and underwent surgery on December 23 to repair his ulnar collateral ligament. The Bulldogs, his former team, have indicated that he is expected to make a full recovery with a return to throwing anticipated in the spring. However, the exact timing for the Hurricanes remains up in the air. Nevertheless, the team is enthusiastic about securing Beck, who committed to Miami last week, marking a significant achievement in the transfer portal.
Miami also dealt with another notable transfer, Cam Ward, whose exceptional performance in the 2024 season could position him as the top pick in the upcoming NFL draft. Ward played in the first half of Miami’s recent loss to Iowa State in the Pop-Tarts Bowl, after which Emory Williams took over quarterbacking duties. Following the game, Ward faced criticism online, with some suggesting he had “quit” on the team after setting a Division I record for most career touchdown passes, reaching 158.
Cristobal defended Ward against these accusations, labeling them as “a false narrative.” He explained, “As we got closer and closer to game day, it became increasingly evident that Cam was more than likely going to be the first player selected in the NFL draft. That’s when decisions were made that were best for everybody, and they played out that way.” He continued, praising Ward’s contributions: “Cam has been an exceptional, an elite Miami Hurricane as a competitor, as a player, as a teammate. He’s elevated the profile, the exposure of the University of Miami. He is leaving a legacy that’s going to be impactful for generations to come. I mean, he’s the best I’ve been around, and I look forward to watching him lead an NFL franchise to championships.”
As Cristobal continues to get acquainted with Beck, who boasts a commendable record of 24 wins and 3 losses as Georgia’s starting quarterback, he expressed high hopes for the new recruit. “He’s athletic, he’s smart, he’s got superior arm talent, he’s accurate, he can extend plays, he can also sit in the pocket, he runs well,” Cristobal noted. “He’s a great human being and he’s demonstrated leadership qualities. He’s really hard on himself; he wants to be great, and one of his best qualities is that he wanted to be at Miami.”
