Miami's Beck takes blame for loss after late INT: 'It really hurts'
Miami quarterback Carson Beck took the blame for the Hurricanes' 27-21 loss to Indiana in the national championship after he threw a game-sealing interception with 41 seconds remaining.
"For it to end like that is hard, it's really tough, especially to battle the way that we did in the second half," the signal-caller told reporters after the game, according to ESPN's Dave Hale.
"To have a chance to win at the end, it says a lot about us. But to lose it - it really hurts."
Miami was down 24-14 with under nine minutes left in the contest. Beck led the Hurricanes on a touchdown drive to narrow Indiana's lead, and had a chance for a game-winning score after Indiana kicked a field goal to go up six points after the two-minute warning.
The Hurricanes drove to Indiana's 41-yard line before Beck tried to force a throw down the left sideline to wideout Keelan Marion. Hoosiers defensive back Jamari Sharpe ultimately made a leaping interception to secure the national championship.
INDIANA PICKS IT, THE HOOSIERS ARE ON THE VERGE OF A NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP‼️ pic.twitter.com/YFTgZUVC4x
— ESPN (@espn) January 20, 2026
"It was just probably a miscommunication on the read and what was going on," Marion said of Miami's final play. "It's definitely (my) mistake. I got to look for the ball and make that play for him. So, that's all on me."
Beck finished the contest completing 19 of 32 passes for 232 yards with one touchdown and one pick. The 23-year-old initially entered the 2025 draft, but withdrew his declaration and transferred to the Hurricanes last January after a five-year run at Georgia, where he won two national titles.
Entering the 2024 campaign, the 23-year-old was considered a top NFL prospect. He tore a ligament in his elbow in December of that season, sidelining him for Georgia's College Football Playoff game against Notre Dame. Following the Bulldogs' Sugar Bowl loss, he opted to leave the program.
Beck finishes his college career with a 37-6 record as a starter.
"I'm just grateful for that opportunity and this whole team and what we were able to accomplish. For it to end this way, it hurts really bad, but it was a hell of a season," Beck added postgame.