The Miami Hurricanes are back in the spotlight, climbing fast toward CFB’s elite once again. However, a big reason? The QB position. Last offseason, HC Mario Cristobal pulled a game-changer, bringing in Cam Ward from Washington State through the transfer portal. And the result? A 10-3 season and Ward as a Heisman finalist. On top of that, Ward even went No. 1 in the 2025 NFL Draft to the Titans. Now Cristobal is rolling the dice again, this time with Carson Beck leading the charge. But here’s the twist—there’s a catch. What is it?
Well, former Georgia QB Carson Beck arrived in Miami with big expectations—but also a major red flag. He was coming off right elbow surgery to repair a UCL injury suffered in Georgia’s SEC Title win over Texas. However, the plan? To hand the reins from Cam Ward straight to another championship-caliber signal-caller. But that elbow raised serious questions. We know Beck didn’t throw a single pass in spring practice, leaving fans wondering if he’d be ready. Still, Cristobal is confident. He believes Beck will be primed and ready to lead the Canes when fall camp kicks off in late July, just in time for the electric season opener against Notre Dame.
Here, on the May 16 episode of The Ruffino & Joe Show – Weekly CFB, Joe DeLeone and Blake Ruffino dove deep into why Notre Dame might just have the edge over Miami in their fiery Week 1 clash. When Ruffino asked Joe about his take on the matchup, Joe zeroed in on the key factor: the quarterback. Joe said, “I think that the big driving talking point is going to be the performance of Carson Beck. I think that Carson Beck is going to massively sway the outcome of this one. I’d be really curious to see what the setting is going to be like—opening game of the season.” So, the stage is set, the spotlight is on Beck, and CFB fans are ready for the drama to unfold.
However, Joe DeLeone pointed out a major shift in Miami’s energy this season. There’s a buzz—louder and more electric than in recent years. If the stadium is packed, that crowd could pour fuel on the Hurricanes’ fire. But for Miami to really strike first against Notre Dame, it all hinges on Carson Beck. And Joe put it best, saying, “But Carson Beck, if he can return seamlessly from his injury, he is going to be so integral for them starting off the season with a win against Notre Dame.” Honestly, the atmosphere may be wild, but Beck’s arm could be the difference.
Although Joe DeLeone didn’t hesitate to spotlight Notre Dame’s biggest advantage. Experience. In a primetime battle like this, that matters. Joe added, “I heavily lean in favor of Notre Dame, though, because Notre Dame returns a lot of key players in their secondary. Return Leonard Moore, they return Adon Shuler, they return Christian Gray. You have a feeling-out period that needs to happen. You do not have an FCS opponent. And you do not have a G5 opponent to figure out that feeling-out period of a new quarterback, who was mistake-prone last year, coming off of an elbow injury. Like, I think that, that is going to be the biggest, biggest factor in this game—why Notre Dame can win it.”
Simply put, a veteran Irish defense versus a recovering QB in a hostile opener? Joe’s leaning Irish—for good reason. But hold on, don’t count out Carson Beck just yet.
The latest update on Carson Beck
Although Week 1 is still significantly away, Carson Beck is officially back in action—and things are about to ramp up fast. Now cleared to sling the rock, the Miami QB is entering full-throttle mode in his road to 2025. Missing the spring ball stung, especially for a competitor like Beck. Still, he made the most of it, getting in light reps with his new squad and grinding through the playbook. His move from Athens to Coral Gables turned heads, especially since many expected him to declare for the NFL Draft. But Beck had unfinished business. And now, he’s locked in.
Is this a sign of things heating up in Miami? It sure looks like it. Beck is officially back slinging it — and his elbow looks money. Yes, on Wednesday, Beck posted a video to his IG story, showing him tossing the pigskin with ease and confidence. No brace. No hesitation. And no signs of discomfort. Now, the former Georgia star looked every bit like his old self. And with fall camp just around the corner, this is the kind of news Mario Cristobal and his staff have been waiting for. So, the Canes’ QB1 is locked in — and the ACC has been put on notice.
Look, Carson Beck knows what it takes to win—and now, he’s out to silence the doubters. Critics think he’ll stumble in Miami. He’s not listening. He’s locked in. Focused. Ready to prove them all wrong. Beck’s battle-tested and hungry. And when the lights are on, he’s built to shine. Now, this season could be special for Beck and the Canes. Buckle up—because the comeback story is just getting started.
The post Notre Dame Given the Edge Over Miami as Carson Beck Injury Fallout Adds Heat on Mario Cristobal appeared first on EssentiallySports.