Georgia wants quarterback Carson Beck to return in 2025, but don’t believe what you hear.

As the 2024 college football season reaches its conclusion, fans and analysts alike are looking ahead to the next season and speculating about potential departures and returns. One of the most pressing questions for the University of Georgia football program centers around Carson Beck, the talented quarterback who has become a key figure in the Bulldogs’ offense. With Georgia consistently ranking among the elite programs in the country and Beck playing a critical role in their success, the question on everyone’s mind is whether Beck will return for the 2025 season or enter the NFL Draft. While Georgia fans may be hoping for another year of Beck under center, there is reason to be skeptical about the idea of his return. The reality of college football, the pressure of the NFL Draft, and the possible allure of starting his professional career all point toward a different outcome.

Carson Beck: A Look at His Journey

Before diving into the complexities of Beck’s potential decision, it’s important to examine his rise through the Georgia football ranks. Carson Beck, originally from Jacksonville, Florida, arrived at Georgia in 2020 as a highly touted four-star recruit. Known for his strong arm, poise in the pocket, and ability to make all the throws, Beck was considered a promising future leader for the Bulldogs’ offense.

However, his path to starting quarterback wasn’t immediate. In 2021 and 2022, Beck found himself backing up Stetson Bennett, who led Georgia to a national championship in 2021. Despite limited playing time, Beck impressed in his opportunities, showcasing the talent that had made him one of the top recruits in the country. In 2023, after Bennett’s departure, Beck finally got his chance to lead the offense as the starting quarterback.

His first season as Georgia’s starting QB was a mix of highs and lows. While Beck demonstrated impressive skills, including accuracy on deep throws and excellent decision-making, he faced the usual challenges of stepping into a prominent role for a top-tier program. Georgia’s offense, under head coach Kirby Smart, is known for its balanced attack, utilizing a strong running game and a stout defense, so Beck often wasn’t asked to carry the team on his shoulders. However, he showed signs of becoming a more complete quarterback over the course of the season.

Throughout 2023, Beck showed flashes of brilliance, guiding Georgia to another strong season with several key wins and positioning them for a potential playoff berth. His performance was solid enough to spark discussions about his future—specifically, whether he would be ready to take the leap into the NFL Draft after one season as the starter.

The Pressure of the NFL Draft

The looming NFL Draft is a central factor in Beck’s decision-making process. Every year, talented college quarterbacks face the decision of whether to declare for the NFL or return for another season in the NCAA. For Beck, this decision is particularly complicated.

Quarterbacks are often among the most highly scrutinized players in the draft, and the pressure to perform can be immense. By the time Beck finishes his 2024 season, he will have had the opportunity to play as a starting quarterback for an entire year. In the NFL, quarterbacks are judged on their ability to lead an offense, make quick decisions under pressure, and display elite physical traits. Beck’s skill set makes him an intriguing prospect, but there are still questions that scouts and evaluators will need to answer.

While Beck has shown promise, he’s also working within a system that emphasizes a balanced offense, often focusing on Georgia’s ground game rather than putting the ball in Beck’s hands and asking him to carry the team through the air. This could potentially limit his exposure to evaluators who are more focused on a quarterback’s ability to produce in a high-paced, pass-heavy offense.

Another key factor to consider is Beck’s physical attributes. Standing at 6-foot-4 and possessing a strong arm, Beck has the size and athleticism that scouts look for in an NFL quarterback. However, there are elements of his game that may raise questions, such as his consistency in terms of deep ball accuracy, his ability to perform under pressure in tight games, and his overall development as a leader. A strong finish to his 2024 season could give Beck the confidence he needs to declare for the NFL Draft, where he could expect to be selected in one of the higher rounds. If Beck is projected to be a first- or second-round pick, it would be hard for him to pass up the opportunity to begin his professional career.

Additionally, the growing trend of underclassmen declaring for the draft further complicates the situation. NFL teams are constantly on the lookout for young quarterbacks who can develop into franchise leaders, and Beck has the potential to be one of those players. However, in a league that rewards quick production, players like Beck—who may still have room for improvement—might be seen as a project, which could push him to return for another season of college football in order to refine his game before taking the leap.

The Allure of Returning for Another Year

Despite the strong pull of the NFL, there are also compelling reasons for Beck to return to Georgia for the 2025 season. Georgia has one of the most elite college football programs in the country, and the opportunity to continue playing in a system designed for success is not something every player gets to enjoy.

1. The Pursuit of a National Championship: One of the most significant factors in Beck’s decision to return is the prospect of winning another national title. Georgia, under the leadership of Kirby Smart, has established itself as one of the dominant forces in college football. Returning for the 2025 season gives Beck another opportunity to build on his experience and lead Georgia to further glory. As of now, Georgia remains one of the top teams in the country, and Beck would likely have the chance to compete for a championship once again. The opportunity to solidify his legacy at Georgia and win multiple titles could prove to be a powerful motivator.

2. Further Development: While Beck has shown flashes of his potential, there are areas of his game that could benefit from another season of college football. Returning for 2025 would give him more time to develop his skills and refine his mechanics, especially in areas like reading defenses, making faster decisions, and developing chemistry with his receivers. As previously mentioned, Beck’s system in Georgia isn’t as pass-heavy as some other programs, and another year could allow him to develop into a more complete and well-rounded quarterback.

3. Improving Draft Stock: Returning for another season could give Beck the opportunity to elevate his draft stock. While he has shown potential, a more dominant and consistent 2025 season could push him higher up the draft board. Many quarterbacks who return for their senior seasons have seen their stock improve, and for Beck, another year could help him develop into a top-tier prospect capable of being drafted in the first round. This extra season of exposure could give NFL scouts the confidence to invest in his long-term development.

4. NIL Opportunities: The rise of the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) era has changed the landscape of college football. Players can now earn money off their name, likeness, and image while still in college, which presents a financial incentive to stay in school. For a player like Beck, who has a high profile in a major college football program, the NIL opportunities are abundant. Companies, brands, and organizations looking to partner with successful college athletes could offer significant financial incentives, which could be a compelling reason for Beck to return to Georgia for one more season.

The Ultimate Decision: Should Beck Stay or Go?

As much as Georgia fans may want to hold onto Beck for another year, the reality is that the decision lies with him. The allure of the NFL, the opportunity to develop his game further, and the potential to improve his draft stock may ultimately outweigh the advantages of returning for another season in Athens.

However, the future of Georgia football is bright either way. Whether Beck decides to leave for the NFL or return for another season, the Bulldogs will continue to field a competitive team. If Beck stays, Georgia fans can look forward to another season of potential glory; if he leaves, it will be the next man’s turn to take the reins of one of college football’s most prestigious programs.