Miami coach Mario Cristobal names Emory Williams backup QB to Carson Beck

Mario Cristobal named Emory Williams the backup QB for Miami this season, sitting behind transfer Carson Beck. He revealed the move on the Joe Rose Show.

Williams heads into his third season with the program and has appeared in seven games the last two years. Overall, he is 60-of-97 passing (61.9%) for 657 yards, four touchdowns and two interceptions.

As a member of the Class of 2023, Williams was a three-star recruit out of Milton (Fla.) High, according to the Rivals Industry Ranking. He was the No. 104 overall prospect in the state, the No. 35 quarterback in the class and the No. 627 overall prospect in the class.

Williams certainly earned his way into this job this season. After sitting behind eventual No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward, Williams told CaneSport he learned from his mistakes last season. He got too comfortable watching Ward go to work.

Emory Williams named Miami backup QB

“That’s one of my regrets from last year, but I believe I needed that wakeup call,” Williams said. “Last year Cam Ward was Cam Ward. He was the best quarterback last year, will have a great year this year. I 100 percent fell into that trap, struggled in the bowl. But I needed that, because this year I’m not going to let that happen again.”

There was the possibility of a transfer, considering Miami brought Beck in from Georgia. But, he opted to stay in Coral Gables for the 2025 season.

“Miami has been home for me, I have a great relationship with coach (Mario) Cristobal and the offensive coaches here, all the coaches in the staff room,” Williams said. “I trust them and I know now it’s up to me to get better and improve.”

Miami will open the season at home Sunday in Week 1 of college football. The No. 10 Hurricanes take on No. 6 Notre Dame in a marquee matchup at 7:30 p.m. ET.