Miami, FL – May 20, 2025 – As the Miami Hurricanes prepare for a pivotal 2025 season, head coach Mario Cristobal offered insightful comparisons between his recently departed star quarterback, Cam Ward, and the new signal-caller tasked with filling those immense shoes, former Georgia standout Carson Beck. While acknowledging distinct differences in personality and playing style, Cristobal highlighted crucial similarities that give him confidence in Beck’s ability to lead the Hurricanes.
The departure of Cam Ward, the consensus No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, leaves a significant void. Ward’s 2024 campaign was nothing short of spectacular, leading Miami to a 10-3 record while throwing for 4,313 yards, 39 touchdowns, and only seven interceptions, achieving a remarkable 67.2% completion rate. His performance anchored the nation’s top-ranked offense and highest-scoring attack. Replacing such a dynamic talent is a daunting task, but Cristobal believes Carson Beck, fully recovered from a UCL injury in his throwing arm, is up to the challenge.
Cristobal, speaking to various media outlets, including Josh Pate’s “College Football Show,” emphasized Beck’s physical readiness and mental fortitude. “He looks great,” Cristobal said of Beck. “He’s been throwing the ball, and he looks normal—he looks even better than normal. He feels like he’s just about there, and we start our entire team workouts. We’ve reported on Sunday, and we start on Monday. He is cleared to do everything, so it’s exciting times for him and our football team.”
While the physical readiness is key, Cristobal delved deeper into the similarities and differences that truly define the two quarterbacks.
Similarities: Drive, Determination, and Football IQ
Despite their differing public personas, Cristobal sees a shared core between Ward and Beck that is critical for success at the highest level. “He is different than Cam personality-wise, but not from a drive and determination side,” Cristobal asserted. “I think that really hit us strong in that very short process with Carson. His knowledge of the game speaks very loudly of a guy who’s been prepping his entire life. I also think we brought in a person who has a lot to prove, but more in the sense of winning. More in the sense of team than anything else.”
This internal drive and dedication to winning are paramount for Cristobal. He specifically noted the shared lack of interest in individual accolades. “Cam couldn’t care less about an award, a presentation — it was obvious in the draft,” Cristobal explained. “He just wanted to hear his name, what time’s the plane leaving, when do I land in Tennessee and when do I get the playbook. Along those lines, there’s a ton of similarity with him and Carson.”
Furthermore, Cristobal lauded their combined understanding of the game, particularly in areas often overlooked by casual observers. “Both of their knowledge of the game. Their knowledge of the run game,” he stated. “Their knowledge of the protections involved in every single concept that we have. That has me, as a former offensive line coach, fully fired up.” This deep understanding suggests both quarterbacks possess the mental capacity to process complex schemes and make quick, intelligent decisions under pressure – a non-negotiable trait for elite passers.
Differences: Personality and Playing Style Nuances
Where Ward and Beck diverge most noticeably is in their personal demeanor and specific on-field tendencies. Ward, known for his outspoken and dynamic presence, quickly became a beloved figure in the locker room. Beck, on the other hand, is described as quieter and more reserved initially. However, Cristobal noted that Beck quickly earned the team’s respect, demonstrating a serious commitment to winning.
From a playing style perspective, while both are highly effective, their approaches differ. Cam Ward was often lauded for his elite arm strength and ability to make off-platform throws, extending plays and creating something out of nothing with his improvisational skills. His gunslinger mentality meant he was always looking to challenge the intermediate and deep areas of the field, showcasing exceptional touch and velocity to fit balls into tight windows. Ward’s high football IQ also allowed him to work through progressions quickly and dissect defenses.
Carson Beck, coming from a pro-style offense at Georgia, is characterized as a more prototypical pocket passer. He excels on rhythm and timing throws, delivering the ball accurately and efficiently. Beck’s strength lies in his ability to read defenses pre- and post-snap from within a clean pocket and deliver precise throws across all levels of the field, particularly between the numbers. While he possesses sufficient athleticism to pick up yards when needed, he prioritizes operating from the pocket. His decision-making and accuracy, though strong when settled, can be impacted when forced to operate on the move or under heavy pressure.
The Outlook for 2025
Carson Beck’s 2023 season at Georgia showcased his immense potential, where he neared 4,000 passing yards, threw 24 touchdowns, and just six interceptions, earning national acclaim. While his 2024 season saw a slight dip in completion percentage and an increase in interceptions (12), an injury in the SEC Championship game arguably hampered his performance. Cristobal is optimistic that a fully healthy and motivated Beck will return to his 2023 form and beyond.
The Hurricanes, under Cristobal, are aiming to build on their previous success and push for a College Football Playoff appearance. The transition from Ward to Beck is undoubtedly a significant one, but Cristobal’s detailed analysis suggests that while the faces may change, the foundational traits of leadership, drive, and football intelligence remain. The challenge now for Cristobal and his staff is to harness Beck’s strengths and adapt the offensive scheme to maximize his capabilities, ensuring the Hurricanes continue their upward trajectory in the demanding landscape of college football.
