When the Miami Hurricanes face the Indiana Hoosiers in the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship, one key player won’t be your typical college student. Carson Beck, who transferred to Miami after five years with the Georgia Bulldogs, is set to play in his 55th and final college game. This is notable, especially considering that he’s managed to do this while not attending classes.
“Yeah, no class,” Beck said recently, chuckling when a reporter asked about his schedule at Miami. He clarified that he graduated two years ago and is enrolled as a graduate student. However, he won’t be taking classes next semester since he’s completed only part of his program.
Beck’s situation isn’t unusual in today’s college football landscape. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the NCAA granted athletes extra eligibility years, allowing many, like Beck, to extend their college careers beyond the traditional four years. In fact, a recent survey showed that over 70% of college athletes reported taking advantage of this extended eligibility to pursue their athletic careers further.
While Beck plays for Miami now, it’s worth noting that he’s become a professional player in many ways. Rather than paying tuition, he earns an estimated $3.1 million through Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals. This arrangement allows him to focus entirely on football while still enrolled in school.
Fans have reacted strongly to Beck’s unique position. Social media buzzed with comments like “College football is dead” and “This isn’t college sports as we know it.” Such comments reflect a growing concern over the changes in college athletics, as players increasingly prioritize sports over traditional academic experiences.
In short, Carson Beck illustrates a pivotal shift in college sports. With new rules and opportunities, the landscape is changing, making it possible for athletes to be both students and professionals. As Beck prepares for his last game, he represents not just the future of the Miami Hurricanes but also the evolution of college athletics itself.
For more insights on college athletics, you can read NCAA’s official guidelines regarding eligibility and academic requirements for athletes.
