Explaining why QB Cam Ward is highly-coveted in the transfer portal

Washington State quarterback Cam Ward is a hot commodity in the transfer portal. According to On3 Industry Rankings, Ward is the No. 2 player in the transfer portal and the best available quarterback. On Thursday, On3 director of scouting and rankings Charles Power weighed in on Ward’s value in the portal.

“Cam Ward is an interesting scenario,” Power said. “He’s the guy who’s played a lot of football at varying levels, was really good at Incarnate Word and has played two years at Washington State. I think he’s continued to get better. He really got off to a pretty hot start this year before kind of leveling out once against Pac-12 play.

“He has a good combination of experience and developmental upside. He’s not a guy who was super polished coming out of high school. He didn’t have a bunch of pass attempts. I think he’s on an upward trajectory.”

Ward spent two seasons at Incarnate Word, an FCS program. While there Ward was selected to the FCS All-American Second Team, named Southland Conference Offensive Player of the Year and was a Walter Payton Award Finalist, an honor given to the most outstanding offensive player in FCS Football.

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.

Cam Ward atop transfer portal full of QBs

Now, Ward is again ready to take his talents to the next level. Power believes the Texas native may have the most upside of any player currently in the portal.

“When you’re looking at the experienced quarterbacks, he’s certainly one of the better ones,” Power said. “It’s just an interesting group, in general, and I think that’s one thing that’s different with this portal cycle than last year.

“We’ve seen these experienced blue-chip-type quarterbacks, Power Five starters, enter in kind of in mass in addition to your high profile guys like Dante Moore, Aidan Chiles, Sam Leavitt, kind of the true freshman. If you’re looking for a quarterback, the portal is a place to be right now.”

As On3 reported earlier this week, Florida State, Miami, Ohio State, Oregon, Washington, Wisconsin and USC emerged as names to watch throughout Cam Ward’s recruitment.

As of Wednesday night, On3 can confirm that the Buckeyes and Ward have not had a formal conversation. There has been contact with Wisconsin. Another source told On3 that plans are in the works for a possible visit to Miami this weekend.