Massive news in college football is developing in Athens. Georgia is preparing to play in the College Football Playoff without Carson Beck due to an elbow injury, ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Chris Low, and Pete Thamel reported on Thursday.
Carson Beck Unlikely To Play In CFP
Georgia is preparing to play the College Football Playoff without starting quarterback Carson Beck, who is exploring surgery options to repair an injury to his elbow on his throwing arm, sources told Mark Schlabach, @ClowESPN and I on Thursday. pic.twitter.com/JgMJs64GQO
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) December 20, 2024
Beck suffered the elbow injury on his throwing arm in the final play of Georgia’s dramatic 22-19 overtime victory over Texas in the SEC Championship.
According to ESPN’s sources, Beck is exploring surgery options to repair his elbow.
Beck entered the college football season as one of the top quarterback prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. Now, the elbow surgery puts Beck’s draft status in question. It could be the difference between being taken on Day 1 or Day 2.
Beck is a senior but has one season of college eligibility remaining if he chooses to use it.
Beck ends his 2024 season with 3,485 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. However, Beck was extremely inconsistent and looked lost in the pocket on numerous occasions. Additionally, Georgia’s poor offensive line and dropped passes added to the offensive struggles.
Who Will Georgia Turn To At QB?
Beck’s return this season is unlikely, according to sources, and sophomore Gunner Stockton is expected to make his first college start in a CFP quarterfinal matchup at the Allstate Sugar Bowl in New Orleans on New Year’s Day.
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) December 20, 2024
With Beck out, Georgia will likely turn to sophomore Gunner Stockton to start in the College Football Playoff.
As the No. 2 seed, Georgia has a bye in the opening round. The Bulldogs will face the winner of No. 7 Notre Dame vs. No. 10 Indiana at the Allstate Sugar Bowl in New Orleans on New Year’s Day.
Stockton played an integral part in Georgia’s comeback in the SEC title game. Down 6-3 at halftime, Stockton completed 12 of 16 passes for 71 yards and one interception. More importantly, he helped Georgia overcome the deficit and capture the SEC title.
The College Football Playoff begins on Dec. 20.
