Cam Ward is turning pro, which means the University of Miami football program began its 2024 with yet another major ‘L.’ Tough way to start the year!
Ward, perhaps the most sought-after player in the transfer portal this offseason, announced on Monday morning that he will be forgoing his final year of college football eligibility to enter the NFL Draft. His declaration could not have been funnier for everyone who is not a fan of the Hurricanes.
The 21-year-old quarterback said just 13 words in the five-second video. Ward was sitting by himself on a couch and whomever filmed the video can be heard giving him the “go” off the top.
There is plenty of debate to be had about Ward’s decision and whether it is the right one.
The former Incarnate Word and Washington State signal-caller had an awesome, video game-like career. His numbers are strong and his highlight tape is even better.
However, Cam Ward could potentially miss out on hundreds of thousands of dollars in NIL money by not staying in school. He may not go as high in the Draft as expected.
Whomever encouraged him to go pro might be leading his astray. Only time will tell!
Cam Ward is not going to Miami.
In the meantime, Miami and head coach Mario Cristobal are back to square one. They were totally banking on Ward’s commitment don’t have a clear-cut answer at quarterback next season.
Tyler Van Dyke transferred. Jacurri Brown looked good, not great against Rutgers in the Pinstripe Bowl.
Cristobal and his staff were fully convinced that Ward was going to play a single season in Coral Gables. They thought that they were going to bring him in on a one-year rental with hopes of a College Football Playoff run and went all-out during his recruitment.
Not only did the Hurricanes spend a small fortune to take Ward and his family out to dinner at one of the most expensive luxury restaurants in South Beach, they tapped Rick Ross to come help. A lucrative, potentially seven-figure NIL package was in place to ensure that he was well compensated.
Didn’t work!
Cristobal couldn’t secure the deal. Ward is off to the NFL.
Brown is now the guy whether Miami likes it or not, apparently. It’s a not so happy new year!