As college football season approaches, every fan and analyst has their own take on the top players at each position, and the quarterback spot is often the most debated. Quarterbacks are the leaders on the field, the ones who make the big plays and are often the difference-makers in games that shape national championships. When former Alabama quarterback and current ESPN analyst Greg McElroy recently revealed his rankings for the top quarterbacks in college football, it sparked discussions across social media platforms and college football circles. Among those quarterbacks on McElroy’s radar was Georgia’s Carson Beck, who has been garnering significant attention as the presumed starter for the Bulldogs.
Beck’s rise has been one of intrigue, especially following Georgia’s dominance in recent years with Stetson Bennett at the helm. As the 2023 season concluded, many were left wondering how Georgia would fill the shoes of Bennett, who led the team to back-to-back national championships. Beck, who has been with the program for several years as a highly regarded recruit, has the opportunity to step into a massive spotlight, and McElroy’s ranking gives us some insight into how Beck is viewed within the college football landscape.
In his Top 10 list, McElroy placed Beck in a position that many experts and fans would consider significant, but it was not without its share of skepticism or praise. It’s clear that McElroy, a former quarterback with an intimate understanding of the position, knows what it takes to lead a team to success in the nation’s most competitive conference.
So, where did McElroy rank Carson Beck? In a list that includes some of the most exciting and seasoned quarterbacks in college football, Beck was ranked No. 7. The position is certainly impressive, especially considering the depth of talent across the country, but it also speaks to the potential that McElroy sees in Beck for the 2024 season.
To understand the significance of this ranking, let’s take a closer look at what McElroy likely considered when placing Beck at No. 7 and why it could prove to be a fair and reasonable assessment.
Carson Beck has a unique and compelling story. He was a four-star recruit coming out of Mandarin High School in Jacksonville, Florida, in 2020. Throughout his high school career, Beck showcased exceptional arm strength, accuracy, and poise in the pocket, traits that caught the attention of major programs across the country. His recruitment process ultimately led him to Georgia, where he has spent the last few seasons behind Stetson Bennett, a two-time national champion.
During his time as a backup, Beck has displayed glimpses of the talent that made him a highly sought-after prospect. In limited action, Beck’s performances have been impressive, most notably in the 2022 SEC Championship Game when he stepped in for an injured Bennett and showcased his ability to lead the offense efficiently. His arm strength is a standout trait, and his ability to make all the necessary throws—deep balls, intermediate routes, and quick slants—is what likely caught McElroy’s attention.
Beck also has the luxury of playing in one of the most well-coached and well-rounded programs in the country. Under head coach Kirby Smart, Georgia has built one of the most consistent programs in the nation, winning back-to-back national titles and dominating the SEC. Georgia’s defense has been stout, but the Bulldogs have also been able to lean on a highly effective offense led by experienced quarterbacks. Beck is now poised to lead that offense in 2024, and the expectations are high.
In McElroy’s analysis, the No. 7 ranking for Beck is not a slight. It’s recognition of his potential in an offense that has all the pieces necessary for success. Georgia’s offense is built on a strong running game, a stout offensive line, and reliable wide receivers. With Beck under center, the Bulldogs have the opportunity to continue their dominance, especially in the SEC, where strong quarterback play is essential.
McElroy’s ranking likely considers Beck’s upside, his potential to thrive in a well-structured system, and the possibility that he can develop into one of the top quarterbacks in the country over the course of the 2024 season. However, it also reflects some uncertainty. While Beck has shown flashes of greatness, he is still relatively untested as a full-time starter, and many of the other quarterbacks ahead of him in McElroy’s rankings have proven themselves in significant ways.
When you look at McElroy’s Top 10 list, you see a group of quarterbacks that includes some established stars. At the top of the list is likely Caleb Williams, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner, followed by other standout players like Drake Maye of North Carolina, Michael Penix Jr. from Washington, and Quinn Ewers of Texas. Each of these quarterbacks has demonstrated remarkable skills and has put up impressive numbers in high-profile games. Their pedigree and proven ability to perform at the highest level are the reasons why they rank above Beck.
Williams, for example, is considered by many to be the top quarterback in college football heading into 2024. He’s coming off a season in which he threw for over 4,500 yards and 42 touchdowns. His ability to make plays with both his arm and his legs sets him apart from most other quarterbacks. Williams is a dynamic playmaker who can carry a team, and that’s the type of quarterback that often gets the top spot on rankings like McElroy’s.
Similarly, quarterbacks like Maye and Penix have had excellent seasons that have put them in the conversation as potential top picks in the NFL Draft. Maye’s ability to lead North Carolina to success despite a mediocre defense has been impressive, while Penix has had one of the best statistical seasons in recent memory at Washington. Both quarterbacks have proven they can perform on the big stage, which gives them an edge over Beck.
But despite the impressive competition, Beck’s ranking at No. 7 shows that McElroy is placing significant value on Beck’s potential within Georgia’s system. If Beck can come into the season and execute the offense effectively while minimizing mistakes, it’s not outside the realm of possibility that he could rise up the rankings by the end of the year.
While Beck has all the tools to be a successful college quarterback, there are still significant questions surrounding his ability to perform consistently over the course of a full season. Unlike the quarterbacks ahead of him, Beck does not have a wealth of experience as a starter, and the pressure of being the guy at Georgia—replacing a quarterback who led the team to two straight national championships—could weigh heavily on him.
The SEC is a tough conference with a grueling schedule, and Beck will be tested by some of the best defenses in the country. His ability to handle that pressure and execute in high-stakes situations will determine how high his stock rises by the end of the season. McElroy’s ranking likely reflects a mix of optimism and caution. While Beck has the potential to be one of the top quarterbacks in college football, he still has to prove it over the course of a full season.
Greg McElroy’s ranking of Carson Beck at No. 7 on his Top 10 college football quarterbacks list is a statement of both recognition and expectation. Beck has all the tools to succeed in Georgia’s potent offense, and his ability to develop as a leader will be key to his success in 2024. While he faces stiff competition from established stars, the potential for Beck to make a leap into the upper echelon of college quarterbacks is certainly there.
In many ways, McElroy’s ranking of Beck is a fair representation of the excitement and uncertainty surrounding the Georgia quarterback heading into the new season. It acknowledges Beck’s talent while recognizing that the ultimate verdict on his place among the nation’s elite quarterbacks will be decided on the field.
As the 2024 college football season unfolds, all eyes will be on Beck to see if he can meet or exceed the high expectations placed upon him. If he does, we may just see him rise up McElroy’s rankings and prove that he belongs among the very best in the country.