National CFB Writer makes bold prediction for Cam Ward

The addition of quarterback Cam Ward from Washington State has changed the trajectory of the 2024 Miami football team. Brad Crawford of 247Sports predicts that Ward will earn ACC Player of the Year in his article "Exploring college football's 10 daring predictions before spring practice."

Ward leads returnees nationally with 311.1 passing yards per game in 2023. Miami has a far better offensive line than Washington State had. Miami was 17th nationally, allowing 1.23 sacks per game in 2023. Washington State was 113th in 2023, allowing 3.17 sacks per game.

Miami will return its top two receivers from 2023. Xavier Restrepo set the Miami program record with 85 receptions for 1,092 yards and six touchdowns in 2023. Jacolby George had 57 receptions for 864 yards and eight TDs last season. Miami also returns three starting offensive linemen in 2024.

Right guard Anez Cooper and tackles Francis Mauigoa and Jalen Rivers provide Miami with an experienced OL. Miami adds center Matt Carpenter to replace Matt Lee. Left guard will have an open competition beginning in spring practice to replace Javion Cohen.

"MIAMI'S CAM WARD EARNS ACC PLAYER OF THE YEAR
There's one Heisman darkhorse (at +2000 odds or greater) flying under the radar a bit entering spring practice. Given how stout Miami's offensive line is expected be next season along with a bevy of talented playmakers around him, Washington State transfer Cameron Ward could take the ACC by storm as the league's top quarterback, both in production and national notoriety. Ward's father said he declined NIL offers "north of $1 million" before announcing his NFL Draft in January. Later, he decided another year of college football would best-suit his career development and chose the Hurricanes. Florida State, NC State and Louisville will also have transfer starters and Clemson brings back Cade Klubnik at the position. Given uncertainty all around at quarterback in the ACC's top-tier, why not Ward for the league's player of the year?"

Ward is tied for ninth with Noah Fifitta of Arizona, Riley Leonard of Notre Dame and Conner Weigman of Texas A&M in the FanDuel Heisman Odds. Ward is the highest-ranked ACC Player in the Heisman Trophy Odds. The prediction by Crawford that Ward will win ACC Player of the Year is aligned with the oddsmakers.

After earning first-team All-ACC in 2023, Restrepo has the potential to earn All-American in 2024. Restrepo leads all returning ACC receivers in receptions and yards. Ward should quickly develop a rapport with George and Restrepo. Miami enters the 2024 season with significant hope and upside with the addition of Ward.