Miami football fans and media react to Cam Ward commitment

Miami football fans and media were ecstatic about the news on Saturday night that Washington State quarterback Cameron Ward decided to commit to the Hurricanes instead of entering the NFL Draft. As expected, the reaction was positive. Ward is a foundational player for Miami.

Miami moved up to the 30th ranked transfer portal class by On3 and 31st from 247Sports with the addition of Ward on Saturday night. Depending on the site rankings, only a few teams are ranked ahead of Miami, with seven or fewer transfers committed in 2024. Miami will have a chance to move up in the spring transfer portal window.

Ward had a very simple tweet with him in a number one Miami jersey stating "committed to the 305." The addition of Ward should help Miami attract other transfers, particularly wide receivers. Miami has not added a transfer WR to its 2024 roster. Expect WRs to become available during the April 16-30 transfer portal window.

Ward is currently projected as the 16th overall prospect in 2025 by the NFL Mock Draft Database. Most 2024 NFL Draft projections had Ward as a day two (second or third round) pick. Ward's development in 2024 will be critical for his NFL Draft projections.

While Ward was lowkey, Miami football fans and the media were visibly excited about his decision to commit to the Hurricanes. The expectations for the 2024 season are significantly elevated for Miami, with Ward at QB. Who Miami continues to add as transfers will impact the Hurricanes' preseason ranking.

Ward did not sign with an agent that allowed him to keep the door open of returning to college in 2024. Miami fans remained hopeful over the last two weeks after Ward stated his intention to enter the NFL Draft. Ward decided to commit to Miami after discussing his options with his family.

Former Miami QB Malik Rosier and 2023 leading receiver Xavier Restrepo also were happy with the addition of Ward. Restrepo set the single season school record for receptions with 85 in 2023 and had the fifth-highest total with 1,092 yards.

Other tweets centered on why Ward withdrew from the draft and decided to stay at Miami and his status as a prospect. There has been a lot of speculation on where Ward could be drafted in 2025. Ward will be one of the most high profile transfers entering the 2024 college football season.

The addition of Ward helps stabilize a Miami QB room that has five career FBS starts. Ward brings two years of experience at the Power Conference level and four overall. Ward will help mentor the other QBs on the Miami roster. It gives the QBs on the Miami roster another year to develop and learn.

Ward committing to Miami is another example of Mario Cristobal being an elite recruiter. Cristobal needs Ward to lead the Miami football program to a successful 2023 season. With a 12-13 record in his first two seasons as Miami head coach, Cristobal needs progress on the field in 2024.

Ward gives Miami a national marque offensive player entering the 2023 season. If he puts up big numbers in 2024, Ward can be a Heisman Trophy candidate. Miami fans have welcomed Ward to the U with open arms. Now it is up to Ward to perform and live up to the love.

Ward will not be able to ease into the season. Miami begins the 2024 season at Florida. If the Hurricanes lose to the Gators or Ward has a bad game, the love affair from Miami fans could wane quickly. The excitement will build for the Miami football program over the next seven-plus months.