Mario Cristobal on Miami's plans for a transfer portal QB: 'We're always on the hunt'

Fans might not see it, but Mario Cristobal and Co. are on the lookout for a new quarterback. On Wednesday, the Miami head coach addressed the team’s need to replace quarterback Tyler Van Dyke.

“We’re always looking to add to that room,” Cristobal said. “We don’t show our hand in the open, but you guys know we’re always on the hunt.”

Van Dyke entered the transfer portal on Nov. 27 and announced his commitment to Wisconsin only 15 days later. Van Dyke has been Miami’s starting quarterback for three seasons, including both of Cristobal’s campaigns as head coach.

The senior tallied 2,703 passing yards and 19 touchdowns this season while completing a career-high 65.8% of his passes. When Van Dyke did mistakes, they were drastic. He doubled his previous career-high with 12 interceptions in the 2023 campaign.

Nonetheless, Miami boasted a solid season. The Hurricanes finished the regular season 7-5, two games improved from Cristobal’s debut at the helm. The team’s campaign included staple wins over Texas A&M and Clemson.

Emory Williams was Van Dyke’s backup this year. The freshman QB started two games, collecting 470 passing yards and three touchdowns compared to just one interception. Williams wasn’t a highly-touted recruit. He was a mere three-star prospect and was No. 36 QB in the 2023 recruiting cycle, according to On3 Industry Rankings.

While Miami has the No. 4 incoming recruiting class in the nation, the group only includes one quarterback and it’s three-star Judd Anderson. Miami will likely attack the portal to fill its needs behind center.

Who could be the next QB at Miami?

The team’s most likely target appears to be Washington State QB Cam Ward, who On3 has listed as the No. 1 available QB in the transfer portal. After taking visits to Florida State and Miami, the highly-touted talent is reportedly in decision mode.

If Miami lands Ward, it could easily be in contention for the ACC title next season. After all, Ward seemingly only improves every year. Ward began his career at Incarnate Word, an FCS program. In only two years there, Ward was selected to the FCS All-American Second Team and named the Southland Conference Offensive Player of the Year.

After transferring to Washington State in 2022, Ward didn’t slow down. Ward tallied 3,735 passing yards this season, the fifth-most in the country. He also tacked on 25 passing touchdowns and eight rushing scores while throwing just seven interceptions.

Whether it’s Ward or a less-expected addition, Miami fans can rest assured Cristobal is on the hunt for his next QB.