4-star SF Cam Ward commits to Michigan State

Cam Ward, a four-star small forward in the 2025 class, told On3 that he has committed to Michigan State and head coach Tom Izzo.

The 6-foot-7 senior out Largo High School (MD) ultimately chose the Spartans over a final group of Maryland, Kansas State, and Virginia. He also received offers from Marquette, Mississippi State, Alabama, Notre Dame, Vanderbilt, and Florida State.

Ward, a native of Washington, DC, is the No. 55 overall recruit in the 2025 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Rankings. He’s also the No. 12 small forward prospect. The On3 Industry Ranking is a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

Ward becomes the second addition for Michigan State this cycle, joining four-star small forward Jordan Scott (No. 65 overall).

Ward on his commitment to Michigan State

Cam Ward discussed his decision in-depth with On3.

“I chose Michigan State because of the atmosphere, the family atmosphere. The love and support that they show towards their players and just the support system they have. The coaches support them, all the way up to the managers. They have a bond, a strong bond there. I honestly think that it’s the best fit for me. With Coach Izzo’s plan to get me to the league and what everyone else has planned for me, I just love it. I just love the atmosphere down there. Everything that they did. They put me through a work out. I just love the atmosphere, surroundings, it’s so supportive and they never judge. Only to get you better and encourage you and those are the things that I liked about them.”

What led to his trust in coach Izzo?

“Coach Izzo just showed so much love. So much consistency with me, from coming to visit me, having personal things going on but still prioritizing me. I remember one thing, he had hip surgery one day and like two or three days later he was at my game. I asked him, I said ‘coach, I don’t think that’s healthy’. He was like ‘hey man, I gotta find something to do with my time, why not come watch you’. So when he told me those things, I was like ‘man I gotta play for this guy’ because he’s just such a legendary guy. Everyone respects him and I’d be a fool not to go play for coach Izzo. He gets people to where they need to be. He trains them him hard, but he also shows tough love that everybody can get down with. So I love that part.”

In his own words, what type of player is Michigan State getting in Cam Ward?

“My game is definitely inside-out. I’m trying to open up on my game as far as outside shooting comes but as far as cutting off the ball, getting a rebound, offense rebounds, playing hard, impacting winning, that’s what describes my game. Especially me being a downhill guy, like I get downhill pretty easily on anybody so getting downhill, making contact, making an extra play. And then also being able to hit that open three like the trailer three, corner three, those are my threes that I hit consistently.”

He has a message for Spartan fans.

“I’m trying to turn up the Breslin Center. They can expect a dog, a junkyard dog that’s gonna win games and after we win games, we will continue to win games and put some banners up. Definitely, definitely going to have a fun time in the Bres’ so if I can tell them one thing ‘man, it’s a party at the Breslin Center.’ We are definitely going to get some wins, make it to the tournament, and I’m trying to win the National Championship. Not just for East Lansing, but for the hometown as well. I love Michigan State. I love the fans. So with that being said, I’m a Spartan Dawg man, go Spartans.”

Scouting Report

“Cam Ward has a great frame with good length and athleticism. The best part of his game might be his nose for production. Ward finds his way on the boards and is very opportune in finding scoring opportunities. Ware is at his best playing downhill toward the rim. He stretches his legs in transition and can finish above the rim in traffic. Would like to see him continue to develop more off the bounce, especially counters when his straight line path is cut off, and more consistency with the jump shot. Ward is a physical defender able to guard either forward position. He has produced, consistently, at each level.” – On3’s Jamie Shaw