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Cam Ward explains decision to pass on NFL Draft, transfer to Miami

Barkley-Truaxby:Barkley Truax•07/24/24•

BarkleyTruax

Miami Hurricanes QB Cam Ward in Spring Game
(photo by Neil Gershman)

One of the biggest storylines of the early offseason was transfer quarterback Cam Ward‘s decision to either commit to a school out of the NCAA transfer portal, or keep his name in the NFL Draft

He ultimately chose to stay in college and opted to transfer to Miami for his final season of collegiate eligibility. The presumed ‘Canes QB1 recently opened up on the throught process that led him to withdraw from the NFL Draft cycle and choose to land in Coral Gables

“A lot went into that decision,” Ward said at ACC Media Days. “That’s probably one of the most stressful times in my life. Me, my mom, my dad. Every day my decision changed. Went into my parents’ room. I told them one day I was going to this school. Next day I was going to the league, next day I was going to Miami. If I had to do it all over again, I would.

“The biggest thing for me is there was still food left on the table for me. I accomplished a lot of things at the FCS level, I haven’t accomplished things I know I’m capable of at the Power Five level. I feel like NFL isn’t going anywhere. God put me in this position to be a Miami Hurricane. I think it’s been the best of both worlds.”

2023 was his second season with the Cougars after transferring in from Incarnate Word, where he was a star in the FCS. He threw for nearly 7,000 yards in first his two seasons before transferring to the Division I level. During this past season at Washington State, Ward completed 66.6 percent of his passes, throwing for 3,735 yards, with 25 touchdowns and seven interceptions.

Entering his fifth season in college football, Ward not only looks to improve his draft stock, he’s also looking to win – something Miami head coach Mario Cristobal has said is crucial for the Miami QB as they look to come together to better build off last year’s 7-6 campaign.

The ‘Canes will look to get that effort off on the right foot as they enter Week 1 prepared for a big-time rivalry contest against in-state rival Florida. They’ll begin ACC play against Virginia Tech during Week 5 while their schedule also features matchups against Louisville and Florida State — the two teams that comprised last season’s ACC Championship game, which the Seminoles won.