Georgia QB Carson Beck to return for senior season

Georgia’s football team is retaining its key piece under center as quarterback Carson Beck announced he will return for his senior season Monday.

Beck, a former four-star quarterback out of Jacksonville, Fla., started all 13 games for the Bulldogs in his first season as the main signal caller. Beck threw for 3,738 yards, 22 touchdowns, and six interceptions in Georgia’s 12-1 campaign. His return gives Georgia a significant boost after backup quarterback Brock Vandagriff, an Athens-area native, announced his intentions to transfer to SEC East foe Kentucky.

For the 2024 season, Georgia will have sophomore quarterback Gunner Stockton slotted behind Beck.

“My friends and family have helped put me in a situation to have options for my future,” Beck said in a statement posted to the team’s social media account. “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 Bulldogs close out their 2023 season against No. 5 Florida State in the Capital One Orange Bowl on Saturday, Dec. 30 (4:00pm ET, ESPN).

Georgia will welcome the steadying force on offense as the SEC expands to 16 teams and the College Football Playoff field widens to feature 12 teams. The Bulldogs’ schedule features matchups at Alabama (Sept. 28) and at Texas (Oct. 19).

Beck took over for former quarterback Stetson Bennett IV, who led the Bulldogs to consecutive national titles, in 2023. His best performance came against Kentucky in a 51-13 victory with 389 yards, four touchdowns, and an interception.

Around the same time of Beck’s commitment to another season, the Bulldogs lost a piece of their future on the recruiting trail. Dylan Raiola, the No. 2-ranked quarterback prospect according to the 247Sports composite rankings, de-committed from the program to join Nebraska and second-year head coach Matt Rhule.

Ryan Puglisi, a four-star quarterback, is the lone UGA quarterback commitment for the 2024 recruiting class. He has already joined the team and will participate in bowl practices, according to multiple reports.