Mel Kiper Jr. Predicts Miami QB Cam Ward Will ‘Shine,’ Generate 2025 NFL Draft Buzz | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors

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

“He can sling it, even though he has an unorthodox delivery that might raise some eyebrows from scouts,” Kiper wrote. “And while he forces things at times, Ward is extremely accurate (66.6% completion rate in 2023).

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

Ward, who had previously declared for the 2024 NFL Draft, announced in January he would be using his final season of college eligibility to transfer to Miami after two years with Washington State.

During his senior campaign in 2023-24 Ward recorded 3,732 yards on 324-of-486 (67 percent) passing while totaling seven touchdowns and 25 touchdowns, adding eight more scores on the ground.

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

Now Ward is headed to Miami, where he will have the opportunity to throw to targets including Xavier Restrepo, who ranked second in the ACC last season with 1,092 receiving yards, and Jacolby George, listed just behind Restrepo with 892 yards last season.

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

Miami has compiled a 6-10 record in the ACC since hiring head coach Mario Cristobal in 2021. The Hurricanes are under pressure to win this fall, and Ward will hope he can help further that goal while improving his own stock for the 2025 NFL Draft .