Though it seems like a distant memory, I recall when Beck was hailed as a model of “what college football should be about” when he returned to UGA after riding the pines for two years behind Stetson. His willingness to “wait his turn” was widely applauded – and not just by the UGA fanbase in the 2023 season. He was quoted as “wanting to win my own championship” (as QB1).
That seems like lightyears ago, with the advancement of NIL/portal conditions at the speed of sound. Transferring is almost expected (by some) to advance in their careers and bank accounts. ¾ of playoff semifinalists had transfer QB1s. I don’t fault Beck entirely. We don’t know what he was being told by staff, personal and NFL advisors, and suitors from other programs. I wish him well as he heals physically and moves on in his career, though I would have preferred he return to UGA if his future included one more healthy year under center. His college football career will be an interesting case study, with so many different factors affecting his decision-making and playing time.
