Joel Klatt cites Carson Beck as Miami's biggest concern in College Football Playoff quest

Joel Klatt is expecting Miami to make a bit of a run at the College Football Playoff in 2025. However, the FOX Sports analyst believes their chances hinge on the play of Georgia transfer quarterback Carson Beck.

He ranked the Hurricanes at No. 4 in his list of teams most likely to make their first CFP this coming season. Miami came close in 2024, and Beck could get them over the hump, but Klatt explained the signal-caller could also be the reason they falter during the latest episode of The Joel Klatt Show.

“Miami’s coming off a season where they were up 21 in the final regular season game at Syracuse, in a game that would have put them in the ACC Championship game and likely the Playoff. So, they were right there, up 21,” Klatt stated. “I know Miami fans are like, ‘Don’t remind us.’ … The biggest question for Miami, at least in my estimation, is Carson Beck. This elbow situation is concerning. He didn’t throw in the spring, but began throwing in May.

“Now, you can tell me all you want, ‘I’ve seen him throw.’ He’s throwing fine in shorts and a t-shirt, but does he cut it loose? Can he cut it loose? Can he cut it loose off-platform? I’m concerned about that elbow. Offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson was No. 1 in the country last year. Cristobal has built them up on the offensive line.

“Beck will have to, I think, elevate the wide receivers. Basically a totally new group. A lot of them transfers. They should be able to balance that with the run game. … The ACC is not great. They should be in the ACC Championship game. Then, you’re right in the mix for the Playoff spot. … If they take care of business and just split in the non-conference with Florida and Notre Dame, then they’re going to be right there.”

Klatt’s concerns have some basis, for sure. Coming out of the 2023 season, Beck was arguably one of the best quarterbacks in the country with 3,941 passing yards on 72.4% completion with 28 total touchdowns and eight turnovers.

Then, the wheels fell off a bit in 2024. Beck regressed a bit in Athens, amassing 3,485 passing yards on 64.7% completion with 29 touchdowns overall but with 15 turnovers as Georgia looked mortal throughout the season.

The bloom is off the rose a bit for Carson Beck entering 2025, and it’s up to him to change the narrative with Miami. Time will tell if he’s able to do it. Joel Klatt and analysts throughout the country recognize the success of the Hurricanes will hinge on his ability.