2024 NFL Draft: Ex-WSU QB Cam Ward leaves transfer portal to issue major announcement

The Miami Hurricanes experienced a rollercoaster ending to their season, concluding with a 7-6 record. However, their setbacks didn’t stop there. The Hurricanes faced another blow as their pursuit of top quarterback prospect Cam Ward, Washington State transfer quarterback, ended fruitlessly. Despite vigorous recruitment efforts, Miami couldn’t persuade Ward to prolong his collegiate career.

UNC starter Drake Meye has already declared for the NFL draft, followed by Brenden Rice, and now, Ward is following in their footsteps. With the young star following suit, Miami will face the challenge of re-evaluating its quarterback prospects for the upcoming season.

Cam Ward declares for 2024 NFL draft

A day ago, Pete Nakos of On3 reported Cameron Ward was looking forward to deciding between joining the Miami Hurricanes or entering the NFL draft in 2024, or looking at Florida State as another option.

After initiating the process to transfer and extend his college football journey, the young star executed a sudden pivot. Instead of pursuing another collegiate season, he formally declared his intent to enter the professional arena through a short social media post on New Year’s Day.

“Hey, it’s Cam Ward. And I will be declaring for the 2024 NFL draft,” Ward announced, leaving no room for ambiguity about his potential moves.

This announcement marked a crucial moment for the 21-year-old, who started his collegiate career at FCS Incarnate Word before transferring to WSU, where his performance soared. With a staggering 47 touchdown passes in 2021 and an impressive tally of nearly 7,000 yards and 48 touchdowns in subsequent seasons, he established himself as a dynamic and innovative passer.

Previously ranked as the No. 8 overall player and No. 3 quarterback in the 247Sports transfer rankings, Cam Ward’s draft prospects are promising. However, the unpredictability of the draft process introduces an element of uncertainty to his immediate future.

How can Miami proceed after Cam Ward’s announcement?

Cam Ward’s decision to enter the NFL draft has left Miami scrambling to find a quarterback to fill the void he leaves behind. As one of the most coveted players in the transfer portal, his departure has presented the team with the daunting task of identifying a suitable replacement.

The Hurricanes’ delay in securing the QB’s commitment led them to miss out on other potential QB prospects as well. While they previously had eyes on Will Howard from Kansas State, his options have expanded, which left them to reconsider their choices. Besides that, KJ Jefferson, previously considered a backup plan, chose to commit to UCF.

Despite these setbacks, Miami still has a few potential quarterbacks in their sights. Howard continues to be a contender for them, and the emerging possibility of USC freshman transfer Malachi Nelson has sparked discussions within their circles as well. Besides these two, Nelson, a former five-star recruit, also boasts immense potential and has attracted attention for his exceptional talent since high school.