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

As the college football season wraps up, there’s always a whirlwind of rumors and speculation surrounding key players, particularly quarterbacks, as they weigh their options for the future. For the University of Georgia Bulldogs, one of the biggest stories heading into the offseason centers around their quarterback, Carson Beck. Beck, a dynamic and talented signal-caller, is considered one of the top quarterbacks in the nation and has the ability to lead Georgia to new heights in 2025. However, as the draft talk heats up and decisions loom, the question on everyone’s mind is: will he return to Georgia for another season, or will he declare for the NFL Draft?

The Rise of Carson Beck: A Journey from Backup to Star

Before delving into the rumors and speculation about Beck’s future, it’s important to understand his journey and how he earned his current position as Georgia’s starting quarterback. A highly touted recruit out of Mandarin High School in Jacksonville, Florida, Beck arrived at Georgia in 2020 with a lot of expectations. However, like many young quarterbacks, he had to bide his time behind a talented group of upperclassmen.

In Beck’s first two years with Georgia, he played sparingly, mostly in backup roles, as he watched from the sidelines while Stetson Bennett IV led the Bulldogs to back-to-back National Championships in 2022 and 2023. Despite not starting, Beck showed glimpses of his potential when given the opportunity, displaying impressive arm strength, accuracy, and poise in limited action. But it wasn’t until 2024 that he fully assumed the role of the starting quarterback, a role that he embraced with the poise of a seasoned veteran.

In his first full season as the starter, Beck quickly made a name for himself. His leadership and chemistry with Georgia’s talented receiving corps, including Ladd McConkey, Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint, and Brock Bowers, helped elevate Georgia’s offense to new heights. Beck’s ability to read defenses, make quick decisions, and deliver accurate throws downfield made him a dual-threat quarterback capable of dissecting opposing defenses both in the air and on the ground. His mobility, paired with his strong arm, allowed Georgia to attack both horizontally and vertically.

By the end of the 2024 season, Carson Beck had firmly established himself as one of the best quarterbacks in college football, leading Georgia to a top 5 ranking and putting up impressive numbers in the process. The 2024 season would be a defining moment in his college career, and it would set the stage for what’s to come.

The NFL Draft Rumors: Will Beck Declare?

With Beck’s stellar play and high-level production in 2024, it was almost inevitable that the NFL Draft rumors would swirl. After all, his skill set, size, and leadership ability make him an ideal prospect for NFL teams looking to add a potential franchise quarterback. NFL scouts, general managers, and coaches are known to keep a close eye on players like Beck, particularly those who have the physical traits to thrive at the next level.

However, while Beck’s potential is undeniable, there are also many factors at play when it comes to his decision on whether to declare for the NFL Draft or return to Georgia for another season.

1. The Case for Returning in 2025

One of the most compelling reasons why Georgia wants Carson Beck to return in 2025 is that he could further develop his game, increase his draft stock, and solidify his legacy in the college football world. While Beck has already proven himself as a talented quarterback, another season at Georgia could allow him to refine his skills and potentially lead the Bulldogs to another National Championship. For a player like Beck, there’s much to gain by staying in college for one more season.

• Increased Draft Stock: Although Beck is already projected as a high draft pick, staying for another season could elevate his draft stock even higher. As a quarterback, consistency and improvement are key, and a standout 2025 season could give NFL scouts even more reason to view him as a future first-round selection. By returning for his senior year, Beck could showcase even more poise and leadership, giving him a stronger case to be the top quarterback in his class.
• Legacy and National Title Hopes: Beck has already achieved much in his career, but a return to Georgia in 2025 could mean more success. With Georgia being a perennial powerhouse in college football, Beck would have a chance to cement his place in Bulldogs’ lore by leading them to another SEC Championship and possibly another National Championship. Winning a title in his final year would enhance Beck’s legacy and help him leave Georgia on a high note, regardless of what happens in the NFL.
• Development of Young Talent: As a quarterback, returning for another season would allow Beck to continue his development. Even though he has shown remarkable promise, there’s still room for improvement. A year spent fine-tuning his mechanics, improving his decision-making, and further building rapport with his offensive teammates could set him up for greater success in the NFL.

2. The Case for Declaring for the NFL Draft

Despite the advantages of returning to Georgia, there are significant reasons why Beck might choose to declare for the 2025 NFL Draft. While his future is promising, the decision to leave early for the NFL is a highly personal one that is influenced by a variety of factors, including family, finances, and career opportunities.

• NFL Readiness: Beck has already shown that he has the physical tools necessary to succeed in the NFL. His strong arm, mobility, and ability to read defenses put him on the radar of NFL scouts, and many believe that he could step in and contribute immediately at the next level. Declaring for the NFL Draft in 2025 would give Beck the opportunity to begin his professional career, potentially with a team that could provide him with immediate playing time.
• Financial Considerations: One of the most significant factors influencing Beck’s decision would be the financial impact of entering the NFL Draft. While college football players do not get paid in the same way NFL players do, Beck stands to gain a significant salary by entering the draft early. If Beck is projected to go in the first round, the guaranteed signing bonus alone could be life-changing for him and his family.
• Avoiding Injury: College football is an inherently risky sport, and players can suffer injuries that may impact their future prospects. By leaving college early for the NFL, Beck could avoid the possibility of a serious injury that could hurt his draft stock or delay his professional career. As he approaches the peak of his college career, Beck may feel that it’s the right time to transition to the NFL before any unpredictable events alter his future.
• Team Needs in the NFL: Depending on where Beck projects to go in the draft, he may be looking at a situation where an NFL team is in need of a starting quarterback. If he’s projected to go to a team with a favorable situation—a team with an established offensive line, talented skill players, and a good coaching staff—he may feel that the NFL offers the best opportunity for his long-term development.

The Rumors and What They Really Mean

Despite all the speculation and rumors, one of the key aspects of this situation is that Georgia fans, media, and analysts must be cautious about reading too much into what they hear. While the desire for Beck to return in 2025 is understandable, it’s essential to recognize that there’s a lot of behind-the-scenes discussion that will ultimately guide his decision.

In the world of college football, rumors and reports often come from various sources, each with their own motivations. Whether it’s a journalist speculating about a player’s future, an agent trying to position a player for better draft positioning, or fans wishing for their star player to stay another year, the true situation is often more nuanced than it seems.

Beck and his family, along with Georgia’s coaching staff, are likely evaluating all their options. At this stage, it’s important to focus on the facts: Beck has proven himself to be one of the best quarterbacks in college football, and regardless of whether he returns for 2025 or declares for the NFL Draft, he will have a bright future ahead of him.

What Should We Expect from Carson Beck?

Given Beck’s immense talent, the situation surrounding his decision will likely play out over time, and fans should expect both sides of the argument to continue. Georgia wants him back in 2025 for another year, but there’s also a strong case to be made for Beck to enter the NFL Draft. Either way, the future of Georgia football—and Beck’s career—is incredibly bright.

If he returns to Georgia for another year, the Bulldogs will likely continue to be one of the most dangerous teams in college football. With Beck leading the offense and another year of development, Georgia would enter the 2025 season as one of the top contenders for a National Championship. If Beck declares for the NFL, Georgia will have to move forward with the next generation of quarterbacks, but they will have a strong foundation in place to remain competitive.