ESPN names Cam Ward as 2024 transfer with most to prove

The addition of quarterback Cam Ward to its 2024 roster has changed the trajectory for the Miami football program in 2024. Ward is mentioned as a transfer in "College football 2024: Who has the most to prove next season?" ESPN ACC writer David Hale examined why Ward is a transfer with the most to prove.

Ward leads all returnees nationally with 311.1 passing yards per game in 2023. Ward threw for 3,376 yards in 13 games with 25 touchdowns, seven interceptions, completing 66.6 percent of his pass attempts, a 145.43 passer rating and 7.7 yards per attempt. The hope is Ward brings more stability to Miami at QB.

Earlier this week, Ward and wide receiver Xavier Restrepo were named one of the best duos entering the 2024 season by Carter Bahns of 247Sports. Ward will also have Jacolby George to throw to. Behind George and Restrepo, the Miami recevier corps is to be determined. Miami has one of the best returning offensive lines nationally.

There will be a lot to prove in the season opener when Miami visits Florida on August 31. Hale's ESPN colleague Andrea Adelson named Billy Napier of Florida the head coach with the most to prove. Ward transferred to Miami to improve his draft stock. Ward has plummeted in the 2025 NFL Mock Draft projections.

"Miami QB Cam Ward
A number of coaches viewed Ward as the crown jewel of this year's quarterback class. Ward toyed with entering the NFL draft -- even announcing his intent to do so at one point -- but instead landed at Miami. It could be a match made in heaven. Mario Cristobal has been stockpiling talent in Coral Gables, and he believes this Canes team is close to fulfilling its potential. On the other hand, Miami's QB play in two years under Cristobal has been mediocre at best, with many of Tyler Van Dyke's biggest miscues playing directly into inexplicable Miami losses. Can Ward be the long-awaited answer for Miami? His passer rating and Total QBR last year both trailed Van Dyke's, so there's a lot of big assumptions in play here. The upside is awfully high though, and a career year from Ward could be the missing ingredient that finally puts Miami over the top. Since joining the ACC, Miami has never had a first-team all-conference quarterback."

- David Hale, ESPN

The NFL Mock Draft Database Currently has Ward as the 40th-ranked 2025 prospect. Ward was as high as the 13th 2025 prospect as recently as January 22. The 2024 season will be critical for Ward to develop as a first-round NFL Prospect. How Miami performs offensively is crucial for their trajectory in 2024.

Ward provides Miami with more versatility at QB than Van Dyke did in the last three seasons. Expect Miami offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson to utilize Ward's mobility. Ward will be expected to take care of the ball better than Van Dyke did in 2023. Van Dyke was ninth nationally with 12 interceptions. Ward was 67th with seven.

Ward was first nationally, with seven fumbles lost in 2023. Miami was 108th nationally, with 22 turnovers in 2023. That number has to change in 2024. Expect Dawson to emphasize reducing turnovers during spring practice and training camp in August.