Miami met Notre Dame for a gritty end to August, and fans may have just witnessed a way-too-early Catch of the Year nominee. Just before halftime, wideout CJ Daniels climbed the ladder and somehow reeled in what appeared to be an outworldly one-handed touchdown grab, pushing Miami to 14 points vs Notre Dame at 7, instantly setting social media ablaze.
CATCH OF THE YEAR NOMINEE 🤯
CJ DANIELS REELS IT IN 🔥 pic.twitter.com/GLh8APSRsb
— ESPN (@espn) September 1, 2025
The highlight was spectacular, and fans didn’t take time before bailing out quarterback Carson Beck. What looked like a risky, poorly placed throw turned into a viral moment, thanks to Daniels’ athleticism.
“That receiver keeping Beck employed,” one fan wrote bluntly.
Another said, “That was a helluva catch. Not a helluva throw, though.”
The mixed reactions kept pouring in. “Yeah, never should have thrown the ball there but I’ll take it, lol,” said one viewer.
Another added, “They glazing Beck, that was a terrible decision and an even worse throw. But the receiver transformed into prime Odell so it all worked out.”
Still, Daniels’ heroics couldn’t be denied. Even fans who weren’t thrilled with Beck’s decision-making tipped their cap to the receiver with some humor. One wrote:
“Yeah, the WR bailed him out for sure. Of course, I am completely unbiased.”
Beyond the play itself, some even shifted the spotlight to Mario Cristobal’s rebuilding effort in Coral Gables, with one fan noting:
“Ngl, I’m impressed with the work Cristobal has done in Miami.”
Whether you chalk it up as an elite QB-WR connection or a wideout singlehandedly saving a drive, Daniels’ one-handed snag has already entered the early conversation for college football’s play of the season.
Why Did Carson Beck Leave Miami For Mario Cristobal’s Miami Hurricanes?
Carson Beck shocked many in college football when he chose to walk away from Georgia, where he’d won big under Kirby Smart, to spend his final year of eligibility with Mario Cristobal and the Miami Hurricanes.
The move came after Beck suffered a season-ending elbow injury late in the 2024 campaign. He watched the Bulldogs win the SEC title without him before falling to Notre Dame in the playoff quarterfinals. Unsurprisingly, his draft stock took a nosedive, and Beck decided against entering the NFL Draft. Instead, the Florida-native put his name in the transfer portal on January 9, committing to Mario Cristobal’s Miami the next day.
In Georgia, Beck had already proved himself as one of the most successful quarterbacks in program history, but his injury divided scouts. Some mocks still slotted him in the first round, while others pushed him into Day 2. However, playing another year of college football became the safest way to rebuild his value and prove his health.
There was also a financial angle. With the NFL rookie pay scale tied tightly to draft position, falling even one round could have meant millions lost. At Miami, NIL opportunities plus the chance to be a featured QB gave Beck a more lucrative short-term option while still prepping for the league.
Now fully healthy, Beck is tasked with elevating the Hurricanes program as heir to top draft pick Cam Ward before he heads to the NFL.
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