In a stirring show of support from one of Miami Hurricanes’ most revered figures, Heisman Trophy winner Gino Torretta has publicly defended quarterback Carson Beck just hours before the 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship against the undefeated Indiana Hoosiers.

Torretta, the legendary QB who led Miami to the 1991 national title and remains one of the program’s enduring icons, issued a passionate statement breaking his silence on the mounting criticism directed at Beck. “What’s happening to him is a crime against football — a clear betrayal of everything this sport is about,” Torretta declared. “How can people be so cruel? To criticize a young man who’s carrying the team on his shoulders, showing up every week, giving his all, never seeking attention, never criticizing anyone — simply trying to win.”

He continued emphatically: “To me, Carson Beck is one of the most special players this league has ever seen. Instead of tearing him apart every time the team struggles, people should be behind him and supporting him.”

The comments come at a pivotal moment for the No. 10-seeded Hurricanes (13-2), who face the top-ranked, 15-0 Indiana Hoosiers in Monday night’s showdown at Hard Rock Stadium — Miami’s home field, marking the first time in the CFP/BCS era a team plays for the national title in its own stadium.

Beck, who transferred from Georgia after winning two titles as a backup there, has been the lightning rod for debate throughout Miami’s improbable playoff run. The former Bulldog arrived in Coral Gables amid high expectations but faced early-season turbulence, including turnovers in losses to teams like SMU and questions about his deep-ball accuracy. Critics pointed to inconsistent performances and even scrutinized his off-field comments, such as admitting he hadn’t attended classes in two years since graduating early — a revelation that sparked backlash over the “student-athlete” model in modern college football.

Yet Beck has silenced doubters when it mattered most. In the playoffs, he engineered clutch drives, completing over 74% of his passes for more than 1,600 yards across Miami’s last seven wins. His highlight came in the Fiesta Bowl semifinal against No. 6 Ole Miss, where he scrambled for a game-winning touchdown with just 18 seconds left, securing a dramatic 31-27 victory and propelling the Canes to the title game.

Torretta’s defense echoes the protective spirit of Miami’s storied past. As a Heisman winner who quarterbacked one of the program’s five national championships, Torretta knows the weight of leading “The U” through scrutiny. His words carry extra resonance given Miami’s resurgence under head coach Mario Cristobal — a former 1991 teammate of Torretta’s — who has rebuilt the program around tough, physical football reminiscent of the glory eras.

The Hurricanes’ path to this point has been grueling: entering the expanded 12-team playoff as the final at-large bid, they upset Texas A&M, stunned reigning champion Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl quarterfinal, and outlasted Ole Miss. Now, playing at home, they aim to cap the Cinderella story with their first title since 2001.

Meanwhile, Indiana, coached by Curt Cignetti, has authored one of college football’s most remarkable turnarounds. Led by Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza — a transfer from California with pinpoint accuracy and poise — the Hoosiers boast a perfect record, dominant playoff wins (including blowouts over Oregon and others), elite discipline (top turnover differential, few penalties), and a defense that keeps opponents guessing.

Oddsmakers have installed Indiana as 8.5-point favorites, with the over/under at 47.5 points, reflecting the Hoosiers’ consistency against Miami’s grit and home advantage. But Torretta’s endorsement highlights a broader narrative: Beck’s leadership has been instrumental in Miami’s revival, and the relentless criticism — amplified by social media and hot-take culture — overlooks his growth and contributions.

Supporters argue that Beck embodies the modern QB archetype: adaptable, resilient, and clutch under pressure. His “boring but effective” style — methodically moving chains with short-to-intermediate throws and occasional scrambles (nicknamed “Vanilla Vick” by analysts) — has kept drives alive in high-stakes moments. In contrast, detractors focus on flashy mistakes or perceived limitations, fueling the narrative Torretta calls unfair.

As kickoff approaches at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN, Torretta’s statement serves as a rallying cry for Hurricanes faithful. It reminds fans and observers alike that greatness in college football isn’t defined solely by stats or perfection but by perseverance, team-first mentality, and the ability to elevate those around you.

Whether Miami pulls off the upset or Indiana completes a historic 16-0 season, Torretta’s words underscore a timeless truth: the sport thrives on support, not division. In defending Beck so vocally, the 1991 Heisman winner isn’t just protecting one player — he’s safeguarding the spirit of what made Miami legendary and what continues to drive this Hurricanes squad toward potential immortality.