The College Football Playoff semifinals are upon us, and all eyes are on Carson Beck, the former Georgia Bulldogs quarterback who has found a new home—and new glory—with the Miami Hurricanes. In a season rife with twists, turns, and a dash of poetic justice, Beck’s journey from Athens to Miami has become the talk of the college football world. As the Hurricanes gear up to face the Ole Miss Rebels in the Fiesta Bowl on Thursday night, January 8, 2026, fans and pundits alike are buzzing about the storylines that have unfolded during this year’s playoff run.
Beck’s departure from Georgia was met with mixed emotions. Some Bulldogs fans felt betrayed when he entered the transfer portal and headed south, while others wished him well. What no one could have predicted, however, was just how quickly Beck would make his mark with Miami. In his sixth and final year of college football, Beck has not only led the Hurricanes to a 10-2 regular season record but also steered them through the treacherous waters of the College Football Playoff as the last at-large team to snag a coveted spot.
Miami’s playoff journey has been anything but easy. The Hurricanes kicked things off with a gritty, low-scoring road win over Texas A&M in the first round. That victory set the tone for what would become a remarkable postseason run. Next up was a clash with national championship favorite Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl—a matchup that many predicted would be the end of the line for Miami. Instead, Beck and his teammates pulled off a stunning upset, toppling the Buckeyes and securing their place in the semifinals. According to the facts, Miami’s win over Ohio State happened just one night before Georgia’s own pivotal game against Ole Miss.
Meanwhile, the Bulldogs, who had enjoyed a stellar regular season capped by an SEC Championship, saw their hopes dashed in the Sugar Bowl. Facing Ole Miss, Georgia couldn’t find the magic that had carried them through the season, ultimately falling to the Rebels and ending their campaign earlier than expected. The loss was particularly bitter for Georgia fans, who had hoped for a showdown against their former quarterback in the playoff semifinals. As fate would have it, that matchup never materialized.
Beck, ever the competitor, couldn’t resist weighing in on the situation. After watching Georgia’s defeat at the hands of Ole Miss, he took to social media with a pointed message. His post, simply captioned “poetic justice,” included photos from Miami’s Cotton Bowl triumph over Ohio State. The phrase quickly caught fire among college football circles, sparking debate about whether Beck was taking a jab at his old team or simply reveling in his own success. As reported, “Poetic justice,” Beck said in the caption. He included photos from Miami’s Cotton Bowl win over Ohio State.
It’s not the first time Beck has used social media to make his feelings known. Following Miami’s win over Texas A&M, he posted similarly celebratory content, suggesting that his online persona is as competitive as his on-field performance. Whether or not his latest post was intended as a direct shot at Georgia, there’s no denying that Beck is savoring the moment. As the facts confirm, Beck’s social media posts suggest he feels some poetic justice after advancing further in the playoff than his former team Georgia and its passionate fan base.
Despite the playful ribbing, Beck has also shown respect for his time at Georgia. In interviews leading up to the semifinals, he credited his experience in Athens with helping him prepare for the challenges ahead. “Georgia helped me become the player I am today,” Beck acknowledged, though he couldn’t help but enjoy the irony of the Bulldogs’ early exit. While Beck’s comments have mostly remained measured, his “poetic justice” post was a clear indication that he’s not immune to a little schadenfreude.
Miami’s run to the semifinals is even more impressive considering the odds they faced. As the No. 10 seed and the last at-large team to make the playoff, the Hurricanes weren’t expected to survive past the first round. Yet here they are, ready to take on the No. 6 seed Ole Miss Rebels in the Fiesta Bowl, with a shot at the national championship on the line. The game is set for 7:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 8, and anticipation is building by the hour.
For Georgia, the loss to Ole Miss stings all the more because of what might have been. Had the Bulldogs emerged victorious, they would have set up a blockbuster semifinal against Beck and the Hurricanes—a matchup dripping with drama and narrative. Instead, Georgia’s season ended abruptly, leaving fans to wonder what could have happened if they’d had one more chance to face their former signal-caller on the biggest stage.
Beck’s journey is a testament to the unpredictable nature of college football. After leaving a program that won the SEC Championship and boasted a better regular season record, he found a new home and a new opportunity in Miami. Not only did he lead the Hurricanes to a 10-2 record, but he also helped them navigate a treacherous playoff path, defeating both Texas A&M and Ohio State—two teams with championship pedigree and sky-high expectations.
As the Hurricanes prepare for their semifinal showdown with Ole Miss, there’s a palpable sense of excitement around the program. Beck’s leadership has galvanized the team, and his experience in high-pressure situations has been invaluable. The quarterback’s ability to stay composed, even as the stakes have risen, has drawn praise from coaches and teammates alike. And with the national championship just one win away, Miami fans are daring to dream of a storybook ending to Beck’s college career.
Of course, the Rebels present a formidable challenge. Ole Miss, fresh off their win over Georgia in the Sugar Bowl, are riding high and eager to prove themselves on the national stage. The matchup promises to be a battle of wills, with both teams hungry for glory and redemption. The Hurricanes know they’ll need to bring their best if they hope to advance to the title game.
As kickoff approaches, the college football world is captivated by the intersecting storylines—transfers, upsets, social media drama, and the ever-present quest for a championship. For Carson Beck, the chance to lead Miami into the national spotlight is a fitting culmination to a rollercoaster career. Whether or not the Hurricanes emerge victorious, Beck’s journey from Georgia to Miami, punctuated by a little “poetic justice,” has already left an indelible mark on this year’s College Football Playoff.
With the Fiesta Bowl showdown just hours away, fans can only wait and wonder: Will Beck and the Hurricanes continue their improbable run, or will Ole Miss write their own chapter of postseason magic? One thing’s for sure—the action is far from over, and the best may be yet to come.