Ex-WSU QB Ward transfers to Miami, nixes NFL plans

Cameron Ward isn't turning pro after all.

The former Washington State quarterback is transferring to Miami, he announced Saturday. Ward's decision to join the Hurricanes comes less than two weeks after he declared for the 2024 NFL Draft.

Ward originally entered the transfer portal in early December and took official visits to Miami and Florida State.

"They've got a lot of people returning on offense and defense," Ward said of Miami on Saturday, according to Max Olson of The Athletic. "With the portal guys they've got coming in and the recruiting class they had, I easily think Miami can get to the CFP next year."

Ward, who has one year of eligibility remaining, was projected to likely be a third-round pick if he turned pro in 2024. He now hopes an extra season in college football will improve his draft stock.

"At the end of the day, I think I'm a Day 1 quarterback. I think coming back to college can solidify myself," he added.

This is the second time Ward is transferring in his collegiate career after leaving Incarnate Word to join Washington State in January 2022.

Ward played two seasons with the Cougars. The signal-caller is coming off his best year after completing 66.6% of his passes for 3,736 yards and 25 touchdowns against seven interceptions across 12 appearances in 2023. He also added eight TDs on the ground.

Landing Ward is a big get for the Hurricanes, who were looking to add QBs after going 7-5 this past season. Miami was also interested in Malachi Nelson and KJ Jefferson. However, Nelson and Jefferson committed to Boise State and UCF, respectively.

Miami also recently added Reese Poffenbarger, who led FCS this past campaign with 3,603 passing yards and 36 TD passes at Albany.