The college football world has been treated to some delightful quarterback performances over the past few seasons. All too often, however, the best college quarterbacks leave school early for the world of professional football.
And that’s just what the world thought was going to happen to former Washington State QB Cameron Ward. However, after a week following his announcement of opting to the NFL, he’s reversed course and will be transferring to the Miami Hurricanes.
Just how good could these Hurricanes be with Ward at the helm?
ACC Championship or Bust: Cameron Ward Transfers to Miami
The Miami Hurricanes are absolutely in the ACC Championship picture with the transfer of Ward. A high-ceiling prospect and player, Ward has shown the potential to be elite during his time in college.
This stems from his days both at Incarnate Word and with the Cougars. It also comes from the fact that he’s seen as a potential Day 2 NFL Draft pick right now, let alone if he improves with the ‘Canes.
MORE: College Football Transfer Portal Tracker
With the arm talent Ward possesses, Miami’s offense could very well reach new heights in 2024. Sure, the roster turnover is a real issue, as it is for the majority of college football programs, but Ward has shown he can elevate any talent around him.
Ward’s presence in the backfield gives Miami a veteran leader with the arm talent to accurately place footballs at every level in the passing game. He’s also a proven pocket re-builder and an underrated dual-threat with his ability to buy time if plays break down.
However, as excited as Miami fans should be with the high-end play of Ward, the Hurricane faithful should take a large breath of air and temper their expectations. Yes, Ward is incredibly talented, but yes, Ward comes with some pitfalls.
Ward is not a perfect quarterback. In fact, he’s far from it. Miami fans will hope he’s more of the first-half of the season version he showed in 2023 than he is of the late-season version he put forth to close out the year.
For his career, Ward’s biggest issue has been ball security. Far too often, he’ll trust his arm too much and attempt to squeeze throws into too tight of windows, leading to interceptions.
Perhaps more concerning is his ball security when he breaks contain. Ward is prone to fumbles when he scrambles or rebuilds the pocket, leading to far too many fumbles and interceptions in his career.
But the good thing for ‘Canes fans? Most of Ward’s issues are coachable and he’s shown — over the first handful of games this past season — that he can impart coaching and take care of the football.
In fact, Ward was so good to start the season in 2023 that he rivaled the same rise that Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders saw among our Pac-12 QB Rankings. He absolutely has the potential to be a top-10 national quarterback.
It would be that level of play from Ward that could propel Miami into the ACC Championship Game picture in 2024.
Miss any action from the top college QB Rankings during the 2023 football season? Want to track all the movement with the college football’s transfer portal? College Football Network has you covered with that and more!