Cameron Ward forgoes NFL Draft, joins Miami Hurricanes

Miami, Florida – Seeing is believing and Cameron Ward is playing for the Miami Hurricanes next season. Ditching the NFL Draft, the Canes got their desired QB. Beating out several suitors including Ohio State and Florida State, it cannot be overstated just how important this very recent development is. Ward topped off his 2023 season throwing for 3,735 yards, 25 touchdowns, and seven interceptions adding eight more TDs on the ground. UM addressed an important need via one of the best transfers available in the transfer portal.

Earning All-Pac-12 honorable mention honors in both years at Washington State (he transferred from Incarnate Word before that) the fifth-year graduate represents a major turning point to The U’s offseason after a disappointing 7-6 finish capped by their fifth-straight bowl game loss. Letting this marinate for a few days let’s see the impact.

✍🏾 pic.twitter.com/bRUdvXJsd5

— Cameron Ward (@Cameron7Ward) January 14, 2024

What it means for Mario Cristobal

In Cristobal we trust…? Okay maybe not but I gotta say the coach has shown his recruiting skills with this catch. He pulled a player from the NFL draft, no easy feat. Entering year three of his tenure at Coral Gables, fans are clamoring for better results. Not only did Cristobal significantly raise the faithful’s spirits, he also dispelled any doubt about success for 2024 raising the bar higher. In terms of stock, UM supporters are certainly buying.

The energy @coach_cristobal is bringing to @CanesFootball 🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/nFILr9Z5ed

— ACC Network (@accnetwork) February 3, 2022

What it means for the Miami Hurricanes

With excitement abruptly reaching higher levels so have the expectations. Fans feel that now is the time for the Hurricanes to make waves to the tune of a 10+ win season. Looking at the schedule, you can see why. Barring injuries, there’s no reason to not believe Miami won’t have a very exciting season competing for the ACC title. The countdown to visiting the Florida Gators to kick off the season has already begun and the team can experience a swift 6-0 start. Adding Ward completely changed the outlook and the team’s complexion. This is a huge boost to recruiting efforts that will only continue to strengthen UM for ’24 and beyond. The hype is real.

Welcome home, Hurricanes 🙌#GoCanes pic.twitter.com/Blm7WNvzmZ

— Miami Hurricanes Football (@CanesFootball) January 15, 2024

What it means for the quarterback position

Cam Ward has shaken things up big time. What was once a discussion of whether it was going to be Emory Williams or Jacurri Brown being the QB1 has turned into a topic of Ward and Reese Poffenbarger going 1,2. Hailing from Albany, Poffenbarger led the FCS during ‘23 with 3,614 passing yards complemented with 36 touchdowns. It could be a bona fide quarterback battle. If I had to put down power rankings for the position it would look like this:

1. Cameron Ward
2. Reese Poffenbarger
3. Jacurri Brown
4. Emory Williams

I’m hands down giving the edge to Ward. Poffenbarger adds some serious depth. He’s a talented player who can spin it. The kid seemingly getting the short end of the stick here is Williams due to his very unfortunate injury. Recovering from a compound fracture to his left arm, Williams has a lot of ground to make up once he’s ready. Early days and a lot can happen between now and Week 1. For many Miami faithful, the season can’t get here fast enough.

Wooooooooooooooow! 😮🤯 https://t.co/rgEwzMqVBT

— Gabriel Garcia (@Gabewritesports) January 14, 2024