National CFB writer names Cam Ward top ACC Heisman Trophy contender
Jesse Simonton of On3 named his "Heisman Trophy contenders: Miami's Cam Ward headlines the Top 5 candidates from the ACC/Notre Dame in 2024." There are big expectations for Ward after transferring from Washington State to Miami during the 2024 offseason.
The Heisman Trophy contenders from the ACC and Notre Dame listed behind Ward are Riley Leonard who transferred to the Fighting Irish from Duke, Grayson McCall of North Carolina State who transferred from Coastal Carolina, Kyron Drones of Virginia Tech and Preston Stone of SMU. Drones and Ward are cousins.
In analyzing Ward's Heisman Trophy candidacy, Simonton stated the Texas native is "far and away the ACC’s top candidate to win the Heisman Trophy this fall." Simonton also called Ward a touchdown maker. Ward had 61 combined passing and running TDs in two seasons at Washington State.
Simonton observed if Ward can lead Miami to their first ACC Championship or a College Football Playoff berth he might have the best narrative arc of any of the 2024 Heisman Trophy contenders. One reason for touting Ward as a 2024 Heisman Trophy candidate is he led all 2024 returnees averaging 311.1 passing yards per game in 2023.
Top 5 College Football ACC Heisman Trophy Contenders per @JesseReSimonton🏆
— On3 (@On3sports) June 19, 2024
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Ward is expected to lead an explosive Miami offense in 2024. Miami has three 800-yard receivers returning this season. Xavier Restrepo set the Miami single-season record with 85 receptions in 2023. Restrepo became the sixth Hurricane with over 1,000 receiving yards, tying Andre Johnson for fifth-best in program history with 1,092.
Jacolby George also had a breakout season in 2023 with 57 receptions for 864 receiving yards and eight TDs. Houston transfer Sam Brown had 62 receptions for 815 yards and three TDs in 2023. Miami will have an excellent rotation at WR with Isaiah Horton and true freshman JoJo Trader projected as Miami's fourth and fifth WRs.
Next. Where is Cam Ward in ACC post spring QB rankings. Where is Cam Ward in ACC post spring QB rankings. dark
Adding Oregon State running back Damien Martinez will keep the Miami offense balanced. If the Miami offense develops and produces close to its projections, Ward should have a chance to be a Heisman Trophy candidate. Ward has a chance to state his case early in the season opener at Florida on August 31.