Mario Cristobal & Michael Irvin talked Miami Hurricanes football and the buzz around the upcoming season, but the conversation wasn’t just about the technicalities. In true Irvin fashion, the Cowboys legend and proud Hurricane couldn’t help but take a detour. Instead of sticking strictly to X’s and O’s, candidly crushed over the headline hogger transfer QB1 Carson Beck. And right on cue, coach followed up with his own “twin goals” for what Beck’s arrival really means for Miami.

Irvin didn’t hold back on his namesake show in explaining why Carson Beck instantly earned his respect. “Before you even answer it, I want to tell you, you know, Carson Beck and his boys reached out to me as soon as he signed. And you and I had never met Carson B. Didn’t know. And I got a phone call. I think it was at [a] basketball game or something. And it was like, ‘Yeah, Carson Big just signed. Wanted to reach out to you.’ That right there made me a Carson Big fan. Just cuz he said, ‘I understand the standard. You guys have set. I want to honor that.’ I’m like, ‘Oh, what? I didn’t expect that. That’s the kind of joke I want in Miami.’”

Cristobal then laid out his plan: “I don’t know what his record was as a starter, but at this time last year Carson was a projected top round pick… number one is to help Miami win and get elevate even more… and then the second part is also he’s got a chance to really improve his draft status.” From there, he raved about Beck’s makeup and the Canes QB situation: “We’re really fired up about where it’s at right now. Carson Beck has come in and even though he couldn’t participate in the spring, he did participate in all the walkthroughs, the protections, the running game. He was back there taking every rep mentally and systematically.”

That’s what was expected from a SEC starter he’s smart, tough, fast and mobile. The usual attributes named were super accurate arm, strong arm, really smart, understands protections, and he’s a really excellent leader. Coach also praised the senior’s leadership qualities.

This comes after coach Mario Cristobal started his normal game week Monday morning with an appearance on the Joe Rose Show. There he officially named the obvious backup to Beck, but also likes what he is seeing out of his younger players. Cristobal confirmed what many expected: “Emory is going to be the backup,” he said, while also noting Luke Nickel and Judd Anderson are grinding to make an impression. Emory Williams showed flashes of what he could be during his freshman season once Tyler Van Dyke went down with an injury.

He himself then got injured that same season, and with open doors came Cam Ward. The issue was the bowl game to close the season, and the main reason why Carson Beck is a Hurricane now. Williams didn’t show signs that he was ready to be a starter, and he knows that this year is a “wake-up” call for him.

Emory Williams, the sophomore QB, got a taste of action last year once Tyler Van Dyke went down with an injury. He himself then got injured that same season, and with open doors came Cam Ward. Williams couldn’t capitalize with the bowl game stumble. Now, with Beck in town, this season isn’t just about chasing wins—it’s about resetting the standard in Coral Gables. He knows that this year is a “wake-up” call for him.

Emory Williams owning his ‘wake-up’ call

Coming right off Mario Cristobal’s QB shuffle and Carson Beck’s arrival in Coral Gables, there’s another side of the story worth telling—So. Emory Williams. Last season didn’t exactly end the way he wanted. Instead of sulking, Williams is treating it like a reality check he needed.

“It’s a learning opportunity,” Williams said. “You know, this was what it was. It was a bit of a wake-up call, too. You see that and then you realize, ‘Okay, I have things I need to work on.’ And at the end of the day, all you can control is how you get better, you know, and how you work.” A matured 2 year explained that the setback was needed and he embraces it.

“Sometimes you might think you’re ready, you might think you’re good. But then, really you need you need something to wake you up. And I’m truly blessed to have both those guys come in and to learn from them and see what it looks like to be at the top of the food chain, the quarterback position.” And while Williams leans into growth, Cristobal is buzzing about freshman Luke Nickel’s upside. His spring game performance turned heads, and he’s hungry to make the depth chart a real competition.