Mario Cristobal Talks on Relationship with Fernando Mendoza's Dad, Miami's QB After Carson Beck

At the final event before the College Football Playoff Championship Game, Miami head coach Mario Cristobal spoke at Saturday's media event about a variety of topics that includes his relationship with Fernando Mendoza's father and what this Hurricanes team has taught him.

After leading the Hurricanes into the press room, Cristobal explained that you "can't stay in touch with everybody" when asked about playing with Mendoza's father in high school, but he has great respect for the entire Mendoza family.

One topic Cristobal didn't touch on was Miami's future at quarterback with Carson Beck set to play his final college game on Monday night, but he did express a deep appreciation for how his team has worked together and learned from each other all season.

Beck did open up about his decision to transfer to Miami after five years at Georgia. He explained that he "stayed loyal" to the Bulldogs despite not becoming a full-time starter until his fourth season because that was where he always wanted to play, but the elbow injury he suffered at the end of 2024 allowed him to explore opportunities elsewhere.

Beck's transfer to Miami was one of the biggest talking points in all of college football last offseason.

Most of the focus around Beck's transfer was on the reported $4 million NIL package he received from the Hurricanes to replace Cam Ward, but his on-field performance helped get the program back in the national title conversation for the first time in two decades.

There isn't an obvious replacement for Beck currently on the roster. The team has not yet added a quarterback in the transfer portal, and 3-star prospect Dereon Coleman is the only quarterback in the incoming freshman class.

Third-year sophomore Emory Williams is Beck's backup, but he has only attempted 119 passes since the start of the 2023 season.

Cristobal, who is from Miami, played football at Christopher Columbus High School and graduated in 1988. The Mendoza family has a long legacy at the school, with Fernando Mendoza Sr. graduating in 1987 and winning Offensive Lineman of the Year.

Fernando's sons, Fernando and Alberto, are both Columbus High alums and play quarterback for Indiana.

Now in his fourth season at Miami, Cristobal is one step away from reaching the top of the mountain. It's a remarkable job by the 55-year-old, who has increased his win total every year after going 5-7 in his first season with the Hurricanes.

Miami has already set a program record with 13 wins this season. One more will give the Hurricanes their first national title since 2001.