[8] In the Outback Bowl against the LSU Tigers, he threw his first career touchdown pass to teammate Kevonte Martin-Manley in the fourth quarter of the 21–14 loss.

[11] After a last-minute loss to non-conference in-state rival Iowa State Cyclones,[12] who would eventually go 2–10 (winless in conference play),[13] fans in the community were vocal with their criticisms of the Iowa coaching staff, citing the conservative play calling, unused potential of players, and the apparent apathy of head coach Kirk Ferentz.

Iowa fans were impressed by Beathard's energy against Pitt, and his comeback victory sparked debate about his position as a starter.

[14] Following their bye week, Rudock was declared healthy by Ferentz, and returned as a starter against the Indiana Hoosiers, where they won 45–29.

Wisconsin, with Heisman runner-up halfback Melvin Gordon, avoided an upset and defeated Iowa 26–24; the Hawkeyes came up short against Nebraska as well, losing in overtime, 37–34, after blowing a 17-point lead.

[20] Though taken out of context by media, Beathard Sr. affirmed that it was not a threat of transfer;[21] regardless, Ferentz made an announcement shortly before gameday stating that both quarterbacks would take snaps during the game, hinting at an on-field competition for the spot.

[24] Beathard helped lead the 2015 Iowa Hawkeyes football team to an undefeated 12–0 record during the regular season, as he passed for 2,570 yards, 14 touchdowns, and three interceptions.

[26] The Hawkeyes' winning streak came to an end in the 16–13 loss to the Michigan State Spartans in the Big Ten Championship.

[33] On March 27, 2017, Beathard participated at Iowa's pro day along with Desmond King, Jaleel Johnson, George Kittle, Riley McCarron, LeShun Daniels Jr., Cole Croston, Faith Ekakitie, Anthony Gair, Jake Duzey and Ron Coluzzi.

[34] At the conclusion of the pre-draft process, Beathard was projected to be a sixth- or seventh-round pick by NFL draft experts and scouts.

[44] On October 15, 2017, Beathard made his NFL debut against the Washington Redskins, replacing Hoyer in the second quarter.

[48] During the 49ers' Week 11 matchup at home to the Seattle Seahawks on November 26, Beathard suffered a leg and hip injury at the end of the 4th quarter and was replaced by recent trade acquisition Jimmy Garoppolo.

[52] However, Garoppolo tore his ACL during a 38–27 Week 3 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, making Beathard the starter.

[53] On September 30, in a 29–27 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, Beathard connected with fellow Hawkeye alum tight-end George Kittle for an 82-yard touchdown.

[59] With Jimmy Garoppolo returning from injury and Nick Mullens as the primary backup quarterback, Beathard saw no playing time in the 2019 season.

[62] During Week 15 against the Dallas Cowboys, Beathard entered the game after Mullens injured his elbow in the fourth quarter.

[71] On December 4, 2023, Beathard took over in the fourth quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals after starter Trevor Lawrence injured his ankle.

In overtime, the Jaguars won the coin toss and chose to receive the ball, but were unable to get past their side of midfield and had to punt.

[73] On October 22, 2024, due to injuries to starter Tua Tagovailoa,[74] and back-ups Skylar Thompson[75] and Tyler Huntley,[76] the Miami Dolphins signed Beathard to their practice squad.

[79] On December 21, 2019, Beathard's younger brother, Clay, the starting quarterback for the LIU Sharks, was fatally stabbed outside of a bar in Nashville, Tennessee.