Carson Beck, the talented quarterback for the Georgia Bulldogs, has officially declared for the 2025 NFL Draft, marking the end of his college football career. The announcement came via his Instagram account on Saturday, where Beck expressed his heartfelt gratitude to his coaches, teammates, and the supporters he encountered during his time at the University of Georgia.
Beck, reflecting on his five years at the university, stated, "The past five years at the University of Georgia have been nothing short of a dream come true and I will forever cherish the memories made." His emotional farewell highlighted the bonds he formed and the invaluable lessons learned throughout his college football experience.
The 23-year-old quarterback had accumulated impressive stats over his career, finishing with 7,912 passing yards and 58 touchdowns. His time as Georgia's starting quarterback saw him lead the team to remarkable successes, including going 13-1 with a victory at the Orange Bowl in 2023 and earning the SEC Championship title. The Bulldogs secured the No. 2 seed for the College Football Playoff during Beck's tenure.
Beck's 2024 season, unfortunately, unraveled during the SEC Championship Game against Texas, where he sustained a significant injury to his right elbow's ulnar collateral ligament (UCL). This injury not only ended his season but required surgical intervention, with Beck ruled out of the ensuing College Football Playoff games.
Despite finishing his 2024 season with 3,485 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions, Beck's performance this year was perceived as less favorable compared to his 2023 breakout season, where he threw for nearly 4,000 yards with only six interceptions. Consistency became an issue, particularly as he faced challenges such as injuries to key teammates and shifts along the offensive line.
Expert evaluations have placed Beck's draft prospects under scrutiny. He was initially regarded as a likely first-round pick, but the injury and subsequent dip in performance have caused his stock to waver. Notably, reports suggest he fell from projected first-round consideration to ranks placing him between the second and third rounds. Still, Beck's potential as a future NFL starter remains evident, as he exhibits strong leadership qualities and football intelligence, as emphasized by B/R NFL scout Dame Parson who compared him to NFL quarterback Jared Goff.
Beck's declaration for the draft occurs against the backdrop of Georgia preparing for their upcoming quarterfinal playoff match against No. 7 Notre Dame. Though sidelined due to injury, he has expressed his intent to support his team from the sidelines as they pursue postseason glory.
With Beck's career statistics including being 24-3 as Georgia's starter over the past two seasons and earning accolades such as being named a finalist for the Manning Award, he leaves behind a notable legacy. His contribution to the program and the impact he made on players and fans alike resonate through his heartfelt farewell post.
Looking forward, Beck's anticipated recovery from surgery is expected to see him resuming throwing activities by spring, allowing him the chance to showcase his skills to NFL scouts before the draft.
Transitioning to the next phase of his football career, Beck will take with him valuable experiences and memories from Georgia, having expressed his hopes and prayers for the Bulldogs’ continued success. “Thank you Dawg Nation for the time I’ve been here,” he affirmed, leaving fans optimistic about their future.
