Mario Cristobal's patience pays off, Cam Ward commits to Miami football

After previously declaring for the NFL Draft, former Washington State quarterback Cam Ward committed to the Miami football team on Saturday. Patience by Mario Cristobal and his staff paid off. Ward visited Florida State and Miami and reportedly considered Ohio State as a transfer.

Ward will have one season of eligibility at Miami. A coveted NFL talent, Ward is projected as the 16th consensus prospect for 2025 by the NFL Mock Draft Database. In two seasons at Washington State, Ward completed 65.5 percent of his passes for 6,968 yards 48 touchdowns and 16 interceptions.

Ward averaged 7.1 passing yards per attempt and 7.3 adjusted passing yards per attempt with a 138.0 passer rating in two FBS seasons. In 2023, Ward completed 66.6 percent of his attempts for 3,736 yards passing, 25 TDs and seven interceptions. Ward earned honorable mention All-Pac 12 in 2022 and 2023.

Ward will be reunited with former Washington State teammate, middle linebacker Francisco Mauigoa with Miami. Mauigoa and Ward played together in the Palouse during the 2022 season. Ward transferred to Washington State from FCS Incarnate Word before the 2022 season.

Ward is listed as the top-ranked transfer QB by On3. Ward chose not to hire an NFL agent when he announced his intention to enter the draft. By not hiring an agent, Ward was able to keep open the opportunity to transfer and stay in college for the 2024 season. Ward is 24-18 as a college starting QB.

Washington State was 12-13 in two seasons with Ward as their QB. The Cougars finished 7-6 in 2022. That included a 29-6 loss to Fresno State in the L.A. Bowl. Washington State was ranked 13th in 2023 after beginning the season 4-0. The Cougars lost six of their final seven games to finish the 2023 season 5-7.

In addition to Ward, Miami also hosted Kansas State transfer QB Will Howard in December. Howard recently committed to Ohio State. Miami has the 30th-ranked On3 transfer portal class on Saturday with the commitment from Ward. Expect Miami to continue being busy in the transfer portal.