ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. believes this is the “year to shine” for quarterback Cam Ward after transferring from Washington State to Miami for the 2024-25 season.

“He can throw it, though he has an unorthodox throw style that might raise some eyebrows among scouts,” Kiper wrote. “And while he sometimes forces things, Ward is extremely accurate (66.6% completion percentage in 2023).

“He could emerge in this QB class, especially with the talent around him.”

Ward, who had previously declared for the 2024 NFL Draft, announced in January that he would use his final season of college play to transfer to Miami after two years at Washington State.

During his final season in 2023-24, Ward recorded 3,732 yards on 324 of 486 (67 percent) passing while scoring seven touchdowns and 25 touchdowns overall and adding eight additional scores on the ground.

Before coming to Washington State, Ward began his college career with two FCS seasons at Incarnate Ward.

Ward now heads to Miami, where he’ll have the chance to throw to the likes of Xavier Restrepo, who ranked second in the ACC with 1,092 receiving yards last season, and Jacolby George, who was just behind Restrepo with 892 yards last season.

Ward will also benefit from an offensive line that is rated among the top 10 in college football by Pro Football Focus, as players like center Zach Carpenter and right tackle Francis Mauigoa could potentially give him more time in the pocket.

Miami is 6-10 in the ACC since hiring head coach Mario Cristobal in 2021. The Hurricanes are under pressure to win this fall, and Ward hopes he can help accomplish that goal while improving his own chances for the 2025 NFL Draft.