Cam Ward, one of college football’s most electric dual-threat quarterbacks from Washington State and one of the last superstars from the Pac-12 is heading to the transfer portal.
Ward announced his intentions to transfer on his own social media platform, leaving Pullman after throwing for 3,736 yards, 25 touchdowns, and seven interceptions in 2023. As a runner, Ward racked up 144 yards and scored eight times.
Where he could land in the transfer portal is now the biggest question and is the 2024 NFL Draft off the table?
Transfer Landing Spots for Cam Ward
Ward delivered 6,968 total passing yards with 48 touchdowns and 16 picks.
But before playing for Wazzu, Ward established himself as one of the more dominating Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) players at Incarnate Ward. He won the Jerry Rice Award after producing 47 touchdowns with 10 interceptions.
Given Ward’s body of work at both stops, he’s likely to garner plenty of portal suitors. But here are five that are the best fits for him.
Oregon Ducks
Bo Nix is soon off to the NFL Draft. The Ducks will soon flock to the Big Ten. Ward would be in an offense that has long lived off having a running and throwing threat.
Plus, the Ducks would keep their current theme going of rolling with a transfer passer, as Nix originally came from Auburn. Oregon also once relied on another past FCS standout in Vernon Adams. Ward in Eugene gives the Ducks their best chance to scare defenses in their move to a new conference.
Nebraska Cornhuskers
Ward once listed Nebraska as one of his past possible suitors before he chose Wazzu. Could he reconsider the Cornhuskers?
The ‘Huskers need improved QB play if they want to take the next steps under head coach Matt Rhule. No Nebraska passer, including Heinrich Haarberg, threw more than eight touchdown passes. Ward can elevate both the passing and rushing numbers if lured to Lincoln.
Houston Cougars
This will depend on who the Cougars bring in after Dana Holgorsen, plus if the offense changes drastically.
Still, Ward to UH can reinvigorate a fan base that wants to see better results as they navigate through the Big 12. While Donovan Smith is a junior and is eligible to return, several Cougar fans are starting to believe he’s not the long-term answer behind center. Ward can either push him or replace him.
UCLA Bruins
Back to a future Big Ten school. And a place that now has an opening after the departure of Dante Moore to the portal after just one season.
Furthermore, Ethan Garbers took some ferocious shots behind this Bruins’ offensive line. Things in Westwood are currently nebulous, though, as there have been rumors of Chip Kelly getting fired. If Kelly is in place or not, Ward has the type of dynamics that gives UCLA what they hoped to see out of Moore, and a reminder of Dorian Thompson-Robinson.
Texas State Bobcats
The Bobcats are obviously the wildcard here. But there’s a reason Texas State is listed as a possible destination: Mack Leftwich.
Texas State’s offensive coordinator once coached Ward during the QB’s All-American 2021 season. The Bobcats run the same offense Ward has thrived in. If any Group of Five program has a shot at Ward, it’s the Bobcats and their Sun Belt Conference leading offense.