NCAAF · 1 hour ago

How Old is Carson Beck? Explaining the Miami QB’s Long College Journey

Sportsgrid Staff

Host · Writer

The "Old Man" Hall of Fame: Is Beck the Record Holder?
While Beck’s six-year career is impressive and unique, he actually falls short of the all-time record for collegiate longevity.

The Record Holder: Tight end Cam McCormick set the bar for the modern era, spending an incredible nine seasons in college football (2016–2024) across Oregon and Miami due to multiple injury waivers.

The Predecessor: Beck’s own former teammate, Stetson Bennett, was famously 25 years old when he won his second national title at Georgia, making him older than many NFL starting quarterbacks at the time.

The "Super Senior" Era: Thanks to the 2020 COVID-19 waiver, players like Beck have been able to extend their careers beyond the traditional four-to-five-year window, creating a unique era of "professional amateurs.”

Beck might not be the oldest player ever. Still, he is among the most successful of the "super seniors," parlaying his extra time into a massive $4 million NIL valuation and a shot at a National Championship.
How Old is Carson Beck?
If it feels like Carson Beck has been a household name in college football for half a decade, that’s because he has.

The Facts: Born on November 19, 2002, Beck is currently 23 years old.

The Context: By the time he likely enters the NFL in 2026, he will be a 23-year-old rookie, putting him on the older side for a prospect but bringing elite veteran experience.

His age is one thing, but the number of seasons he’s actually played is what has fans truly confused—find out his total "years on campus" next....

Stay current on all breaking transfers and rumored landing spots on SportsGrid's CFB portal page.
How Many Years Has He Played College Football?
Carson Beck is currently finishing his sixth year of college football, a journey that spans two different powerhouse programs.

The Timeline: He spent his first five seasons (2020–2024) at Georgia before transferring to Miami for this current 2025–2026 campaign.

The Role: While he was a part of two National Championship teams at Georgia (2021, 2022), he spent those early years as a backup to Stetson Bennett before taking the reins in 2023.

With six years in the books, you might be wondering: how is he legally still allowed to play? We explain the "COVID year" loop next....

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How is Carson Beck Still Eligible?
The "Forever Senior" tag isn't just a meme—it's the result of a perfectly timed redshirt and a global pandemic.

The Eligibility Math: Beck utilized a redshirt year in 2020 and received an extra year of eligibility due to the NCAA’s COVID-19 waiver.

The Final Move: After initially declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft, Beck made a shock U-turn, entered the transfer portal, and used his sixth and final year to lead Miami to the CFP title game.

He bet on himself, and it paid off—but wait until you see the massive NIL valuation that helped lure him to Miami....

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The $4 Million Gamble: Inside Carson Beck’s Massive Payday
Carson Beck isn't just one of the oldest players in college football; he’s also one of its highest-paid "amateurs".

The Contract: To lure him away from Georgia and the NFL, Miami reportedly shelled out an NIL package worth at least $4 million.

Market Leader: This staggering deal places Beck as the third-highest-valued NIL player in the country, trailing only Texas's Arch Manning and Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith.

The Comparison: At $4M+, Beck is earning more in college than dozens of NFL veteran quarterbacks and nearly every non-veteran backup in the league.

He’s making more than some pros, but wait until you see where his "Class of 2020" teammates are now—some have already spent years in the NFL.

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Bryan Bresee: The No. 1 Recruit
While Beck was a backup at Georgia, Bryan Bresee was the top-ranked player in the nation at Clemson.

The Contrast: Bresee has already played two full seasons in the NFL with the New Orleans Saints after being a first-round pick in 2023.

Bresee was the best on defense, but the No. 1 quarterback in this class has already won a Heisman... and been drafted #1 overall.

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Bryce Young: The $37 Million Gap
Alabama’s Bryce Young was the No. 2 overall recruit and the No. 1 QB in Beck’s class.

The Payday: Young has already earned nearly $38 million in the NFL as the former top pick for the Carolina Panthers.

The Status: While Young is starting NFL playoff games, Beck is just now playing in his first collegiate National Title game.

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C.J. Stroud: The 24-Year-Old Veteran
CJ Stroud and Beck are around the same age, but their paths couldn't be more different.

The Success: Stroud followed the typical three-and-out path, winning the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Award and leading the Houston Texans deep into the playoffs.

The Irony: Stroud is currently preparing for an NFL Divisional Round game against the New England Patriots while his classmate, Beck, is still in college.
Jalen Carter: The Former Georgia Teammate
Jalen Carter was in the same 2020 Georgia signing class as Beck.

The Pro Move: Carter left after three years, won two rings with Beck, and is now an All-Pro caliber defender for the Philadelphia Eagles and Super Bowl champ.

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The 2026 Draft: Is Beck actually a 1st Rounder?
Partly because of his age, NFL scouts are divided on Beck’s future.

The Draft Stock: Mel Kiper Jr. currently projects him as a Day 2 or Day 3 pick, citing concerns that he might be a "career backup" in the pros.
The "Old Man" Hall of Fame: Is Beck the Record Holder?
While Beck’s six-year career is impressive and unique, he actually falls short of the all-time record for collegiate longevity.

The Record Holder: Tight end Cam McCormick set the bar for the modern era, spending an incredible nine seasons in college football (2016–2024) across Oregon and Miami due to multiple injury waivers.

The Predecessor: Beck’s own former teammate, Stetson Bennett, was famously 25 years old when he won his second national title at Georgia, making him older than many NFL starting quarterbacks at the time.

The "Super Senior" Era: Thanks to the 2020 COVID-19 waiver, players like Beck have been able to extend their careers beyond the traditional four-to-five-year window, creating a unique era of "professional amateurs.”

Beck might not be the oldest player ever. Still, he is among the most successful of the "super seniors," parlaying his extra time into a massive $4 million NIL valuation and a shot at a National Championship.
How Old is Carson Beck?
If it feels like Carson Beck has been a household name in college football for half a decade, that’s because he has.

The Facts: Born on November 19, 2002, Beck is currently 23 years old.

The Context: By the time he likely enters the NFL in 2026, he will be a 23-year-old rookie, putting him on the older side for a prospect but bringing elite veteran experience.

His age is one thing, but the number of seasons he’s actually played is what has fans truly confused—find out his total "years on campus" next....

Stay current on all breaking transfers and rumored landing spots on SportsGrid's CFB portal page.