Carter Bahns of 247Sports named "Every top-25 college football team's most exciting player for 2024 season." Bahns selected quarterback Cam Ward from the Miami football team who is ranked 14th by 247Sports.
Ward set the foundation for Miami in the 2024 transfer portal. After Ward committed in January, Miami continued to upgrade its offense by adding Oregon State running back Damien Martinez and Houston wide receiver Sam Brown to its 2024 roster.
Ward led 2024 returnees nationally in 2023 averaging 311.3 passing yards per game. With Martinez leading the rushing attack for Miami, Ward won't have to carry Miami as much offensively as he did with Washington State the last two seasons. Brown will team with Miami's top two receivers in 2023, Xavier Restrepo and Jacolby George.
Ward will be taking snaps from Indiana transfer Zach Carpenter who will be the starting center for Miami in 2024. Carpenter joins returning starting right guard Anez Cooper and tackles Francis Mauigoa and Jalen Rivers to provide Miami with a very experienced offensive line in 2024.
"14. Miami Hurricanes: QB Cam Ward — There might not have been a more important transfer pickup this offseason than Ward, who looks like the missing piece to a Miami team in need of a breakout year. The veteran signal-caller fits perfectly in the Hurricanes' Air Raid system and could lead the nation in passing."Carter Bahns, 247Sports
Miami head coach Mario Cristobal praised Ward for his ability to extend plays when they break down. "The reason everybody wanted him was his play-making ability. Accurate, great arm strength, ability to improvise, extend plays." Ward also proved his playmaking skills and ability to improvise with eight rushing touchdowns.
Ward's ability to move around in the pocket will allow time for Brown, George and Restrepo to get open. Martinez and the top three Miami wide receivers are all exciting in their own ways. George is the most explosive receiver returning in the ACC per Pro Football focus. Restrepo led 2024 ACC returnees in receptions and receiving yards in 2023.
Miami offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson should be able to utilize more of his playbook in 2024 with Ward the most mobile QB the Hurricanes have had since D'Eriq King in 2020 and 2021. Miami should have one of the most explosive offenses nationally in 2024.
Expect Ward to be named the ACC Preseason Player of the Year when it's announced next week. Martinez has an excellent chance to be named preseason first-team All-ACC. Restrepo is a lock for preseason first-team All-ACC. Led by Ward, Miami should be more consistent and efficient offensively in 2024.