Bean attended the University of North Texas from 2018 to 2020, during which time he played for the university's football team, the Mean Green. He played in only one game his first year on campus, thus returning as a redshirt freshman his second year. He received various accolades in his third year, including being named Conference USA Offensive Player of the Week, Manning Award Star of the Week, and Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award Player of the Week. He was also included on the Davey O’Brien Award Great 8 list.[1]
After the conclusion of the 2020 season, Bean entered the NCAA transfer portal.[4][5]
Kansas
Bean transferred to the University of Kansas in the Spring of 2021 to continue his collegiate career.[6][7]
Bean was made the starter in week one of the 2023 season, and completed 22 of his 28 passing attempts for 276 yards and two touchdowns, while also adding 41 yards on the ground, as he helped the Jayhawks beat Missouri State.[8] In the 2023 Guaranteed Rate Bowl, Bean threw for 449 yards and six passing touchdowns, which were the most passing touchdowns by a Big 12 player in a bowl game in conference history.[9]
Bean signed with the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent on May 9, 2024.[11] On July 17, 2024, Bean was drafted first overall by the Memphis Showboats in the 2024 UFL draft.[12] He was waived by the Colts on August 27, 2024 during roster cuts and signed with the teams' practice squad the next day.[13][14] He signed a reserve/future contract on January 6, 2025.[15]