2 days Ago By Adam Patrick, Yardbarker
ESPN's Steve Muench recently shared why he believes Miami (FL) quarterback Cam Ward has already emerged as a player who could be one of the top signal-callers selected in next year's NFL Draft. "It's clear that Ward is playing with great confidence," Muench wrote. "It's early, but the tape is getting better, and I think he has put himself in position to be that quarterback who shoots up draft boards before April.
" In addition, ESPN's Jordan Reid also thinks Ward could be a prospect who impresses pro scouts during the pre-draft process following the 2024 college football season. "Entering the season, (Shedeur) Sanders, (Carson) Beck, and (Quinn) Ewers were considered the only Round 1-worthy passers," Reid wrote. "But Ward is on a fast track to be this year's big riser, and I have him as my QB4 (in the 2025 draft pool).
" In three games with the Hurricanes this year, Ward has completed 73% of his passes for 1,035 yards (345 per matchup), 11 touchdowns and only one interception. Entering Week 4, his 11 touchdown passes are the most among FBS programs, and his passing yardage total leads all quarterbacks in the ACC. To be fair, Ward and Miami haven't exactly faced elite competition in the school's three games this season.
In their opener, the Hurricanes stomped on a Florida team (now 1-2) by a final score of 41-17, and in its other two matchups this year, Miami defeated unranked Florida A&M and Ball State by a combined 109 points. So it's definitely possible that Ward's performance won't continue to be at a high level as the Hurricanes begin to face opponents who will actually be able to put up a fight. But even without facing top-tier competition, he's clearly done enough to get noticed by some of the top college and NFL Draft analysts this season.
Led by Ward, Miami currently ranks No. 8 in the AP Top 25 and No. 11 in the latest AFCA Coaches Poll with a 3-0 record.
Given their start, the Hurricanes definitely have a good chance to be among the 12 schools to participate in this season's College Football Playoff. Next on Miami's schedule is a short trip up north to take on the University of South Florida on Saturday. Heading into this weekend's contest, South Florida has a 2-1 record, and it ranks 63rd in the country , according to ESPN's College Football Power Index.
In six all-time meetings against the Bulls, the Hurricanes have only left the field with a loss once (2010). On Saturday, Ward and the rest of his Miami teammates will attempt to improve the school's all-time record against South Florida to 6-1..
