Miami's Mario Cristobal talks Carson Baker, defends Cam Ward

CORAL GABLES, Fla. — Carson Beck has attended his first team meeting in Miami and is starting to build relationships with his new teammates as the Hurricanes practice ahead of the 2025 season .

However, it remains unclear when Miami's new quarterback will start throwing.

Miami coach Mario Cristobal said Monday it's possible Baker's surgically repaired right elbow will heal enough to participate in spring practice, but there's no timetable yet.

“There's always hope,” Cristobal said. “You know, the sooner the better. I know we passed inspection yesterday and everything is ahead of schedule. I'll probably know better in a few weeks, so I don't want to say this or that. I know of course everything is scheduled at full capacity for the summer But I just wasn’t ready for it.”

Baker was injured while playing for Georgia in the SEC Championship Game last month. He underwent surgery on Dec. 23 to repair his ulnar collateral ligament, and while he was with the Bulldogs, he said he expected to make a full recovery and begin throwing in the spring.

The Hurricanes aren't entirely sure about the timing. But they were happy to sign Baker, who committed to Miami last week, giving the Hurricanes a huge transfer portal win and saw another transfer, Cam Ward. ’s 2024 season, which could make him the No. 1 draft pick in the NFL.

Ward played the first half of Miami's Tart Bowl loss to Iowa State. Miami put Emory Williams at quarterback in the second half, and Ward faced criticism online that suggested he was quitting the Hurricanes after breaking the Division I career touchdown pass record with 158.

Cristobal defended Ward on Monday, calling accusations of resignation a “false narrative.”

“As we get closer to game day, it's becoming more and more apparent that Cam is likely to be the first player selected in the NFL draft,” Cristobal said. “The decision made at that time was the best for everyone. That's how it turned out.

“Cam was an outstanding elite Miami Hurricanes player, whether as a competitor, player or teammate,” Cristobal added. “He increased the profile and exposure of the University of Miami. His legacy will be Make an impact for generations to come. I mean, he's the best guy I've ever met and I'm looking forward to seeing him lead an NFL franchise to a championship.”

Cristobal is still getting to know Baker, who went 24-3 as a starter at Georgia, but he had nothing but praise for the Hurricanes' new quarterback.

“He's athletic, he's smart, he's got great arm talent, he's accurate, he can extend plays, he can sit in the pocket and he runs the ball well,” Cristobal said. “He's a great guy and he shows leadership qualities. He's very hard on himself and he wants to be great and one of his best qualities is he wants to stay in Miami.”