Georgia quarterback Carson Beck will return for his fifth and final season with the program, electing not to enter next April’s NFL draft.
Beck’s decision comes a day after he announced that he would play in the Bulldogs’ game against Florida State (13–0) in the Orange Bowl but admitted his future in Athens, Ga., was uncertain, calling it the “hardest decision of his life.” Now, the Jacksonville, Fla., native said the choice was made with his “future” plans in mind.
“My friends and family have helped put me in a situation to have options for my future,” Beck said. “However, the NFL can wait one more year. I am returning to UGA for my senior season. We need everyone's support in Miami to close this season out the right way!”
The announcement comes amid recent rumors that he was drawing interest from NFL teams and other schools hoping he might enter the transfer portal.
“My friends and family have helped put me in a situation to have options for my future. However, the NFL can wait one more year. I am returning to UGA for my senior season.
— Georgia Football (@GeorgiaFootball) December 18, 2023
We need everyone's support in Miami to close this season out the right way!”
-@carsonbeck01 #GoDawgs pic.twitter.com/O3Mm7OXmZg
Beck, who took the reign of UGA’s offense after two-time CFP national championship quarterback Stetson Bennett, threw for 3,728 yards, 22 touchdowns and six interceptions this season as a starter.
Georgia (12–1) was on the brink of playing for a third CFP title before losing to Alabama (12–1) in the SEC championship game earlier this month. Instead, the Bulldogs will face the Seminoles on Dec. 30 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.